Rachel, a Film Studies teacher, offers advice on why you should keep a close eye on those UCAS offers!

The new linear A level specification is particularly challenging for many of the students that are attracted to, or directed to study, A level film. It does have a reputation for being an easy subject which has always frustrated me.

A level Film students are

• required to produce a collection of detailed, analytical and contextually informed essays
• know about the world around the films which involves getting their heads around a vast range of historical, social, institutional and cultural contexts
• apply concepts and theories perceptively to the films while debating the messages and values.
• pick out relevant key scenes from all of their studied films, a minimum of 11 feature lengths over the 2 years
• recall the formal elements and explain how they are used to make meaning.

Students will write 7 essay answers in 5 hours worth of exams at the end of their 2 year study.

The coursework module tests their ability to apply their learning creatively, to show off narrative and film form elements.

• watch a collection of short films and respond to these films intelligently
• explore their own choices in a detailed evaluation
• coursework is a professionally produced piece of work that requires practical, technical and creative skills to be applied

A Level Film Studies coursework is time consuming, testing and is now worth only 30% of the overall grade (essay and practical work).