Film Studies
Head of Department: Dave Clemow
Welcome to the Film Studies Department at Ivybridge Community College.
This exciting and academically rigorous course explores film as both an art form and a powerful cultural voice, giving students the opportunity to study influential films from Silent Cinema to Contemporary Hollywood, while developing an understanding of how cinema reflects and shapes society. Students analyse key elements of film form, including cinematography, mise‑en‑scène, editing, sound and performance, while examining the contexts, ideologies, and creative intentions behind a diverse range of global films. Alongside this analytical work, the course offers a practical production element where students can apply their learning by creating a short film or writing an original screenplay. Film Studies builds highly transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, research and creative problem-solving, and provides a strong foundation for a wide range of future pathways including film-making, directing, editing, journalism, criticism, teaching and roles across the growing screen industries.
You will study a range of topic areas including:
- Hollywood (1930-1990)
- American Independent Film
- British Film
- European Film
- Film Production
- Global Film
- Documentary
- Silent Film
- Experimental Film
- Short Film
Assessment
You will study three components:
Varieties of Film and Film Making (35% of qualification)
Focuses on different types of films, film styles, and how films are made.
Global Film Making Perspectives (35% of qualification)
Explores films from around the world and different cultural approaches to film-making.
Non-Examination Assessment: Production (30% of qualification)
Coursework-based practical production, where you create your own film project rather than sit an exam.
Career Opportunities
Every nine days, as much moving image is uploaded to YouTube as the BBC has broadcast in its entire history. Film is one of the most relevant subjects today, and employment in the screen industries has grown significantly since 2009.
The study of film can lead to practical career pathways such as:
- Film making
- Directing
- Producing
- Editing
It can also lead to more theoretical or academic disciplines such as:
- Film Criticism
- Journalism
- Teaching
- Education
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs Grade 9-5 including Mathematics and GCSE English at Grade 6 or above
For more information, please contact the College here: