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A level

Film Studies

Do you enjoy watching, analysing and discussing films? Are you interested in how films tell stories, represent ideas and reflect the world around us?

If so, A Level Film Studies offers you the opportunity to explore film as both an art form and a powerful cultural medium. You will study a wide range of films from different genres, time periods and countries, developing your understanding of film language, narrative, representation and context.

Throughout the course, you will analyse both mainstream and independent cinema, learning how filmmakers use visual and technical techniques to create meaning. You will also develop critical thinking, discussion and essay-writing skills, alongside creative skills through practical work.

You will study key films from British and American cinema as well as global films, giving you a broad and engaging insight into film culture.

WJEC Eduqas

Component 1: Varieties of Film and Filmmaking. Study of British and American films, focusing on film form, meaning and contexts.

Component 2: Global Film. In-depth study of global cinema, including non-English language films, documentary, silent cinema and experimental film. 

Component 3: Production. A practical production where you create your own short film or screenplay, applying your knowledge of film language and storytelling.

Two written examinations and one non-examined assessment (coursework), combining analytical writing with creative production work.

A Level Film Studies provides excellent preparation for a wide range of courses in higher education, including film, media, English, journalism and the creative arts. It develops analytical and creative skills that are highly valued by universities and employers.

Possible career pathways include film and television, media production, journalism, marketing, advertising, digital content creation and education.

A creative and analytical approach to film, where students explore cinematic techniques in depth and apply their understanding through practical filmmaking or screenwriting.

6 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above, including Grade 5 in English Language

  • Study a diverse range of British, American and global films
  • Practical filmmaking or screenwriting coursework that allows you to apply theory creatively
  • Regular film screenings and discussion-based lessons
  • Opportunities to visit the BFI to attend screenings, talks and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and directors
  • Opportunities to engage with film festivals, gaining insight into how films are curated, promoted and received by audiences
  • Development of transferable skills in analysis, creativity, teamwork and communication

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Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

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Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

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Open Evening

Wednesday, 4th March · 4pm – 6pm

Explore your options and secure your offer from Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College for September 2026.

Book your place to visit London’s top performing and friendliest sixth form college with a 97% pass rate in A levels, BTECs, UAL Diplomas and T Levels.

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Hold your next event with us in one of our many available spaces. Choose from: a multi-use games area, sports hall, dining hall and garden, multi-purpose hall, dance/drama studio, fitness suite, meeting/conference rooms, computer suite, chapel and music studio. Kitchen and catering facilities and free parking are also available.

Nursery

‘Happy staff make happy children’

Nightingale’s Nursery is set in the beautiful, secure grounds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College where children can play outside and help tend the vegetable patch. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and provides a holistic learning environment, paying special attention to the transition from home to nursery, reassuring parents of their child’s wellbeing and progress on a daily basis.

Nightingale’s friendly team builds positive relationships with all the children and parents.

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Upcoming Events

What Our
Students Say

The support I received from passionate teachers who pushed me to aim higher, to the tailored guidance with university applications made all the difference. SFX believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my ambitions. Without that foundation, I don’t think I’d be on the path to a legal career today.

Joshua, former Sociology student

Latest News & Blog

Record‑Breaking University Applications at SFX

Record‑Breaking University Applications at SFX

We’re thrilled to announce that almost 90% of our Year 13 students submitted their university applications ahead of last week’s UCAS deadline – the highest completion rate in our history. Even more impressively: 📈 78% of applications were to Top Third universities 📈 55% were to Russell Group institutions – a 6% increase on 2025 […]

Students Celebrated at the Essential 8 Awards

During the final week of term, students’ achievements were recognised at Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College’s Essential 8 Awards, a celebration of the skills and qualities that underpin success both during college life and beyond. Students were nominated by their teachers and Heads of House for demonstrating aptitude in one or more of the […]

Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College announces excellent 2025 Level 3 examination results

We congratulate all our students who received their excellent public examination results today. We are delighted to see results improving on last year’s impressive pass rates across A level, BTEC, CTEC and UAL courses. Our second year T Level results have also been excellent. The overall pass rate at Level 3 was 97%, including 50% […]

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