Courses

English plus Film

Section 1: Overview

Is this course for me?

  • This course is perfect for students who want to combine English language with an introduction to filmmaking and film theory.
  • In addition to learning practical filmmaking skills, students develop their language skills and knowledge through a dedicated Special Interest Group exploring the Hollywood film and TV industries.

Key Facts

Available in

  • Los Angeles

Start dates:

  • 12-week course: 6 January, 31 March, 22 September 2025 
  • 4-week course: 23 June, 21 July, 18 August 2025

Entry level:

  • Lower Intermediate (Kings Level 4)

Age:

  • 16+

Duration:

  • 4 or 12 weeks

Class size:

  • Maximum 15

Lessons per week:

  • 28 lessons per week total (21 hours). 20 lessons (15 hours) English and 8 lessons (6 hours) Filmmaking, Film history and Films in Popular Culture

Included in the price:

  • 28 lessons per week (21 hours)
  • Welcome Information Pack
  • Access to multi-format course materials
  • Placement test on arrival, weekly assignments, group participation and progress tests
  • Use of Computer Learning Center and film production equipment
  • Free Wi-fi at school
  • Full access to Kings social programme, with at least two free activities per week
  • Full access to join Kings' school clubs and societies
  • Optional weekly lecture programme
  • End-of-course certificate (90% or higher attendance required)

Section 2: Course structure and content

  • 20 lessons (15 hours) per week of English
  • 8 lessons (6 hours) per week Cinema, TV and Popular Culture SIG (Special Interest Group)

General English lessons

Your general English lessons will be designed to improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening at a consistent rate. Each week, lessons will focus on a different topic.

Key areas covered include:

Communication skills

  • Conversational language skills
  • Listening and accents
  • Reading and interpretation
  • Writing and presenting

Linguistic resources

  • Building your vocabulary bank
  • Fine tuning your pronunciation
  • Interpretation of texts
  • Grammar and syntax

Study skills

  • Note taking and revision
  • Research skills
  • Time management and planning
  • Dictionary work
  • Learner autonomy

Cultural and personal development

  • Understanding cultural difference and similarity
  • Team work and leadership
  • Presenting an argument
  • Discussion skills

You will be assigned to your general English class based on your current Kings Level. We have classes right through to Level 8 (Advanced), and you will progress up through the levels as your skills improve and your confidence grows.

Specialised Filmmaking, Fim History and Films in Popular Culture Lessons

In this class, students will be introduced to theories in filmmaking, will explore film history and film in popular culture, and will participate in aspects of filmmaking.

Sample topics may include:

  • Media theory: scene analysis, themes and concepts
  • Group discussion: classic and contemporary films, TV shows and plays
  • Los Angeles culture, history, and significance in the film industry
  • Hands-on camera and visual storytelling practice
  • Acting, role-play and improv practice
  • Writing and producing short scripts and scenes
  • Post-production techniques: video and sound editing

Assessment

  • Assessment is based on weekly assignments, group participation, tests.
  • There is also a short film project for students taking the 12-week course.

Filmmaking equipment

English Plus Film students have access to the following at Kings Los Angeles:

  • Classrooms are equipped with an interactive projector or smart television for interactive learning experience
  • iMac desktops with user-friendly scriptwriting program software installed
  • Production equipment including prosumer DSLR camera, sliders and dollies, lighting tools, microphones, tripods
  • Professional, up-to-date film editing software

Transfer agreements

  • Kings LA offers transfer agreements with the New York Film Academy and the Musicians' Institute.

Online content

Sample timetable

Please note:

  • Sample timetable is subject to change
  • Placement test, induction, locality walk and ice breaker activities, which take place on the students' first day at Kings, are an essential part of the teaching programme, included in the weekly hours of lessons.
Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri

09:00 – 10:30
(Lessons 1 & 2)

General English

Progress test
including listening and writing
Individual and group review and feedback

Grammar
Using 'will' and 'shall' in polite requests
Pronunciation
Open and closed questions (intonation)
Professional skills
Inteviews

Vocabulary
Common idioms and phrasal verbs used to describe behaviour
Reading, listening and writing
Giving tips on how to behave in different situations

Listening
Understanding how technology works
Functional language
Giving instructions Task-based learning (leadership and team work)
Building a bridge

Grammar review
Will, shall and relative clauses
Video
Ted Talk: How to lead a conversation between people who disagree
Discussion
Beyond right or wrong?

10:30 – 11:00 Break Break Break Break Break

11:00 – 12:30
(Lessons 3 & 4)

General English

Vocabulary
Social behaviour.
Talking about norms and customs
Discussion
Understanding cultural differences

Video
Phone addiction
Role-play
Asking for and offering help
Study skills
Making effective notes

Real English
People in the newspapers today
Grammar
Defining relative clauses
Vocabulary
Adjectives of character

Writing
An email describing a new invention
Presentations
A future without cars

Vocabulary
Diplomatic language
Professional skills
Giving and receiving feedback
Discussion
Beyond right and wrong?

12:30 – 13:30 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

13:30 – 15:00

Cinema, TV and Popular Culture

Acting or improv practice

Writing short scripts or skits

Performance - role-play; scene re-enactments

Tropes, motifs, archetypes, clichés, “rules”; colloquialisms used in filmmaking and writing

Scene analysis: group discussion and identification

Classic or contemporary plays, TV shows and films

Critical and theoretical accounts of emerging technologies and media

Los Angeles culture and history

Recommendations of local sites to visit outside of class, such as museums, art galleries, film festivals, and events related to film and LA lifestyle

Free time

Contact and Apply

Hi,

If you are ready to apply / book or need more information please contact me:

Mayumi Weed
Kings

Or send me a message: