The WJEC GCSE Film Studies curriculum is designed to foster students' enthusiasm for film by exploring a wide array of cinematic experiences and their evolution. A key component of this qualification involves students producing their own short script, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical filmmaking.

The course delves into the study of core film elements, including cinematography, editing, sound, and mise-en-scène, analyzing how these technical and visual aspects contribute to meaning and audience response. Students examine a diverse range of films, encompassing both historical and contemporary examples. For instance, the curriculum includes comparative studies of US mainstream films such as Dracula (1931) and The Lost Boys (1987), enabling students to trace the development of Hollywood cinema over time.

Beyond technical analysis, the specification emphasizes understanding the historical and social contexts in which films are produced and consumed. This includes exploring how films reflect and shape societies, cultures, and ideologies. The curriculum also features the study of other significant films like Juno, Jojo Rabbit, Skyfall, and Die Welle, providing insights into various genres, narrative structures, representations, and film styles from different global perspectives, including US independent cinema, contemporary UK film, and global non-English language films. Through this comprehensive approach, students gain a deep appreciation for film as a powerful artistic and communicative medium.