Film Studies A Level at Brampton College: Decode Cinema. Discover Meaning.
Do you love films beyond just watching them? Curious about how movies reflect, critique, and shape the world around us?
At Brampton College, our A Level Film Studies course offers a deep dive into the art and industry of cinema. Students learn how to “read” films through the lens of cinematography, editing, sound, narrative, and ideology, revealing hidden layers of meaning that go far beyond the surface storyline.
With an interdisciplinary approach, Film Studies connects seamlessly with Politics, Sociology, History, Literature, Photography, and Art, giving students the tools to critically engage with both mainstream and experimental cinema from around the globe.
Whether you’re curious about classic Hollywood, avant-garde movements, or contemporary visual storytelling, Brampton College offers one of the best A Level Film Studies programmes in London, preparing students for university, creative industries, and academic success.
Why Study A Level Film Studies at Brampton? Decode Culture Through Cinema
Study iconic and influential films that have shaped modern consciousness. From early silent cinema to politically charged European classics, students develop advanced analytical skills and cultural awareness.
Academic and Practical Fusion
The course blends theory with hands-on creative production, offering a choice of writing a screenplay or producing your own short film. This dual pathway allows you to showcase both intellectual and practical talents.
A Platform for Diverse Perspectives
You’ll engage with films from the UK, US, Europe, and beyond, analysing how filmmakers explore identity, representation, ideology, and social conflict. The course invites students to think globally while honing their own creative voice.
Expert Teaching in Small Classes
Led by highly experienced Film teacher, David Dowson, our Film Studies lessons are rich in discussion, close analysis, and interactive debate. Small group sizes ensure individual feedback and in-depth academic support.
What You’ll Study: A Level Film Studies Course Overview
Our A Level Film Studies course is assessed through two exam papers and one coursework project. It encourages students to develop academic essay-writing, critical evaluation, and creative thinking.
Paper 1: Film History
Section A: US Cinema (Textual Analysis & Narrative Construction)
● The General (Buster Keaton, 1926)
● Double Indemnity (Billy Wilder, 1944)
● Do The Right Thing (Spike Lee, 1989)
Section B: European Cinema (Historical Context & Innovation)
● Un Chien Andalou (Luis Buñuel, 1929)
● L’Age D’or (Luis Buñuel, 1930)
● The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (Robert Wiene, 1920, TBC)
Paper 2: Critical Approaches to Film
Section A: Contemporary British and US Film (Industry & Representation)
● Skyfall (Sam Mendes, 2012, TBC)
● Guardians of the Galaxy (James Gunn, 2014)
Section B: Documentary (Truth & Representation)
● Man on Wire (Joshua Oppenheimer, 2008)
Section C: Ideology and Global Conflict (World Cinema & Themes)
● Whiplash (Damien Chazelle, 2015)
● District 9 (Neil Blomkamp, 2009)
● The Grandmaster (Wong Kar-Wai, 2013, TBC)
Coursework Component (Creative or Written Production)
Students choose between:
● Producing and shooting a 5-minute short film, applying cinematic techniques studied in class
OR
● Writing a screenplay and storyboard for a professionally presented 10-minute short film.
Who Should I Study Film Studies?
Film Studies is perfect for students who:
● Have a keen interest in stories, storytelling, or visual culture
● Enjoy engaging with social, political, and philosophical ideas through a creative medium
● Want to pursue careers in film production, journalism, media, marketing, or academic research
● Are passionate about movies and want to understand their deeper meanings and cultural contexts
Departmental Features & Enrichment Opportunities
● Strong interdisciplinary links with Art, Politics, History, English, Sociology
● Hands-on production skills: storyboarding, camera work, editing, and scriptwriting
● Critical engagement with global cinema and underrepresented voices in film
● Opportunities to submit creative work to student film festivals or online showcases
● Future-focused preparation for film school, creative degrees, and arts-based university programmes
