Alex

Business, English, Film Studies

Why did you choose Coulsdon College?

I knew I wanted to study Film at A Level and that wasn’t possible at my school. There didn’t seem to be any timetabling issues at the College so I was able to choose exactly what I wanted to – namely English to help my scriptwriting skills and Business to help with budgeting and promotion.

So you want to be a Film Producer?

Yes, and my A Level studies are helping me down that path. I was encouraged by my A Level Film teacher to apply for the BFI Film Academy, which has given me the most amazing practical experience and led to some paid employment in the industry. We were able to work with professionals from the film industry and take part in workshops and master classes, to develop our skills in sound, editing, lighting and screenwriting. I got an award for my short film, ‘The key within.’

Have you made many useful contacts?

Yes. My teacher has worked in the industry, so has been great at pointing me in the right direction. He’s also very realistic about how hard it is to get on in the industry, but at the same time very encouraging. I’m going to Farnham University to study Film Production and I’m hoping to follow in the footsteps of Film Director Gareth Edwards, who also studied there.

What’s the best thing about Coulsdon College?

As well as the great teaching, I would say it’s the access to good quality IT. There are literally hundreds of PCs set up in the ILC and more importantly, there are lots of MACs available to film and media students. You are almost always guaranteed a seat.

Alex, 2016.

Previous school: John Fisher.

Previous school: John Fisher