Media and Film Studies
What we study in KS4 and KS5
There has never been a more exciting time to study Media and Film. In this digital age, anyone can be a content producer and the jobs of tomorrow haven’t even been created yet. In the last year, the courses we offer have been modernised and updated with 21st Century careers in mind.
Within the Media and Film Studies department, students can study one of two subjects: BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production or Film Studies.
Studying either BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production or Film Studies gives students the skills they need to become the next director, producer, editor or designer, as well as an understanding of what working in these creative industries means.
Film Studies
Studying GCSE Film Studies allows those with a real love of film to take this passion to the next level. Developing their understanding and appreciation of film in ways they might never have considered possible. Students will study the key elements of film form (cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing and sound, as well as key contexts of film (social, cultural, historical, political, and institutional), including important aspects of the history of film and film technology. This course is assessed primarily through writing, though there are also opportunities for production.
BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production
Studying BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production will give students the chance to develop valuable skills and techniques in different disciplines, produce a practical response to a digital media brief, and explore potential careers in the industry. The course is a practical introduction to life and work in the industry, in which students will:
- develop their technical skills and techniques
- produce a digital media product in response to a brief
- reviewing and reflecting on the process and outcome.
Progress on either pathway prepares students for study on one of our post-16 pathways. We currently offer BTEC Level 3 Digital Film and Media Production and an A Level course in Film Studies.
There has never been a more exciting time to study Media and Film.
Key stage 4
Film Studies
In GCSE Film Studies, students will learn about cinematography, editing and sound as they study a range of critically acclaimed films. In each unit, students will learn about the social and cultural contexts surrounding the film.
Year 9 Film Studies Curriculum Map
Year 10 and Year 11 Film Studies Curriculum Map
BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production
Students will study three components:
- Component 1 - Exploring media products
- Component 2 - Developing digital media production skills
- Component 3 - Create a media product in response to a brief
The components will give the students a comprehensive understanding of what it's like to work within media, as well as practical experience of working with industry-standard media production equipment.
Year 10 and Year 11 BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production Curriculum Map
Creative iMedia
We no longer offer Creative iMedia as an option. Our current Year 11 cohort is the last group to study this course.
Year 11 Creative iMedia Curriculum Map
Key stage 5
BTEC Creative Digital Film and Video
This qualification is designed to provide a technical introduction to digital film and video production. Learners develop skills in areas such as single and multi-camera techniques, sound recording and film editing. This qualification is for post-16 learners who are looking to progress to higher or degree apprenticeships, employment or to further education and training.
Year 12 BTEC Creative Digital Film and Video Curriculum Map
Film Studies
This course will teach students to demonstrate:
- knowledge and understanding of a diverse range of film
- knowledge and understanding of the significance of film and film practice in national, global and historical contexts
- knowledge and understanding of film and its key contexts (including social, cultural, political, historical and technological contexts)
- knowledge and understanding of how films generate meanings and responses
- knowledge and understanding of film as an aesthetic medium
- knowledge and understanding of the different ways in which spectators respond to film
- an ability to apply knowledge and understanding of film and apply critical approaches to film.
Year 12 and Year 13 Film Studies Curriculum Map