Media & Film Studies at Key Stage 5
Our A-Level Film Studies students follow the WJEC Eduqas specification designed to introduce A-Level learners to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. The specification therefore offers opportunities to study mainstream American films from the past and the present as well as a range of recent and contemporary British films, American independent films, and global films, both non-English Language and English Language. The historical range of film represented is extended by the study of silent film and significant film movements so that learners can gain a sense of the development of film from its early years to its still emerging digital future. Studies in documentary, experimental and short films add to the breadth of the learning experience.
Production work is a crucial part of this specification and is integral to learners’ study of film. Studying a diverse range of films from several different contexts is designed to give learners the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to their own filmmaking. This is intended to enable learners to create high quality film work as well as provide an informed filmmaker’s perspective on their own study of film. Our students’ short films go on to win national and international awards.
An A-Level Film Studies student at Wales High School can expect an aspirational learning environment – the standard is set high for our students to challenge themselves. It is this department’s determination to never under estimate a student’s potential that affords it outstanding A Level results, year on year, for the young adults in our care.
