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Music

Why study A Level Music?

Studying Music at A Level is an enriching experience. You will work on expanding your musical horizons further, challenging yourself to understand new repertoire and to take this learning to put into practice through composition and performance. An A Level in Music complements your suite of qualifications here at BGS and offers a creative and stimulating choice of study that can often make you a different choice of candidate if you choose to study at university; indeed, Oxford University has said that studying music has prepared graduates for a broad range of careers both within and outside of the Arts. 

We have three music classrooms and a dedicated sixth form IT room, with our computers running Sibelius and Cubase. There is also a suite of practice rooms and our peripatetic team cover a broad range of instruments should you wish to take tuition here at school.

Course Summary

  • Performing (35/25%)

  • Composing (25/35%)

  • Appraising (40%)

Pre-Course Requirements

  • Have studied GCSE Music and achieved 6 or above

OR

  • Grade 5 Practical Music Examination (any of the music examination boards) OR written letter by music tutor confirming your Grade 5 + skill level with tutor's contact details to be presented at the first lesson.

  • Grade 5 ABRSM Theory required - or willingness to achieve this level by February of Year 12. This will be a pre-reading requirement.

  • Please contact the music department if you need help with finding an examination centre.

  • Performance Level of Grade 7 ABRSM/Trinity/LCM is required by the END of the course.

Performing: 35%/25% of the qualification

  • A performance to a visiting examiner in Year 13 (1 March - 30 April).

  • Can be solo and/or ensemble

  • Minimum performance time: 6 minutes (25%) or 10 minutes (35%)

Composing: 35%/25% of the qualification

  • Total of two compositions (25%) OR three (35%), one to a brief set by Eduqas and one either free Composition or also to a brief.

  • Can be notated using any software available to the student or the school. If using own software, it is important that this is on a laptop that can be brought to lessons.

  • Length 4 - 6 minutes (25%) or 8 - 10 minutes (35%).

Appraising: 40% of the qualification

  • 2h 15m written exam at the end of Year 13

  • Three Areas of Study:

    • A - Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750 - 1900) (mandatory)

    • E - Into the Twentieth Century (mandatory)

    • One of the following: Rock and Pop, Musical Theatre and Jazz

  • There will be a mixture of listening to familiar music, melodic and rhythmic dictation, unfamiliar listening, and extended responses. 

Co-curricular opportunities

Being a BGS A Level student also allows you the opportunity to participate in a rich and varied co-curricular programme. We have termly concerts as well as showcases, encouraging regular performance opportunities. We also have the annual School Musical, where there are acting, singing and pit band opportunities as well as sound and lighting. Previous musicals have included Hunchback of Notre Dame, Legally Blonde, Addams Family and Little Shop of Horrors.

We run a number of ensembles and bands, including:

  • Symphony Orchestra

  • Big Band

  • Senior Choir

  • Chamber Choir

  • Improv Group

  • Flute Group

  • Sax Group

  • String Orchestra

  • Rock Group

  • Student-led ensembles e.g. A Capella, String Quartet

We also run a successful music tour every year. Previous destinations include Lake Garda, Barcelona, Prague, Slovenia, Austria and Hungary. We also undertake a number of music engagements externally, and several of our students have historically performed (and won!) the Young Bexley Musician of the Year. Sixth Form students are actively encouraged to become a Music Prefect as well, supporting the music department with concerts and leadership opportunities.

Alumni Destinations

Every year we have students attend a music-related course at higher level. Destinations include:

  • Royal Northern College of Music

  • Leeds College of Music

  • Southampton University

  • Ravensbourne, University London

  • Bath Spa University

We have also had students gain successful offers to the Tonmeister at Surrey University as well as preparing students for Oxbridge Music interviews. In addition to music-related courses, many of our students continue to engage in music at their universities, making the most of their university experience through participating in ensembles as well as leading their own. We are proud that BGS plays its part in creating a lifelong passion for music for our students.

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