CCEA A-Level Moving Image Arts AS 1 Foundation Portfolio: how to plan, produce and evaluate the coursework

What this unit demands

AS 1 Foundation Portfolio is the practical, non-examined half of the AS year. It demands that you take an idea, choose a clear stylistic approach, plan it thoroughly, produce a short moving-image sequence, and reflect on the result. Unlike the AS 2 Critical Response examination, there is no unseen paper: the work is produced under your teacher's supervision and externally moderated against CCEA's criteria.

This guide sets out the four parts of the portfolio and how the markers read them. Because this is a single-piece coursework unit rather than a set of examinable topics, there is one detailed overview dot point; this page ties it to the film-language theory you study for the exam.

The Statement of Intention

The portfolio opens with a written Statement of Intention. It names the chosen approach (Classical Hollywood narrative style, realism, or formalism), gives a clear synopsis of the sequence, sets out the film-language choices intended, and cites the influences researched. It is the benchmark the whole portfolio is judged against, so it should be specific and realistic for the short AS running time.

Pre-production materials

The plan is evidenced in pre-production documents: the script, the storyboard and the shot list. The script fixes the narrative and dialogue, the storyboard fixes framing and composition shot by shot, and the shot list fixes the logistics of capturing each shot with proper coverage. These show that the use of film language is deliberate rather than accidental, and they carry marks in their own right.

The completed sequence and the evaluation

The product is one completed sequence: a short live-action narrative, or a shorter animated sequence built shot by shot from the plan. It should realise the Statement of Intention coherently, with controlled mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and sound. The evaluation then reflects honestly on what worked, what did not, and how the finished film matched the intention and the success criteria set at the start.

How this unit is assessed

A typical CCEA reading of the Foundation Portfolio:

• Intention. A focused stylistic aim, a clear synopsis, named technique, and evidence of research.
• Planning. A script, storyboard and shot list that are detailed, consistent and connected to the intention.
• Production. A finished sequence that realises the plan, with controlled film language and the chosen style sustained.
• Evaluation. An honest reflection that judges the film against the stated intention.

Check your knowledge

A short set of recall questions on the structure of the portfolio. Attempt them, then check the solutions.

1. Name the four parts of the Foundation Portfolio. (4 marks)
2. State three documents that count as pre-production materials. (3 marks)
3. Name the three stylistic approaches a candidate may choose. (3 marks)
4. Give one film-language choice typical of a realist piece. (1 mark)
5. Explain why the finished film is judged against the Statement of Intention. (2 marks)

For the official specification

CCEA publishes the full specification, sample assessment materials and exemplar portfolios at ccea.org.uk. Always work from the current CCEA specification and CCEA's own guidance, because portfolio requirements and running times are board-specific.