A Level Music
at Trinity Catholic High School, Woodford Green · school or sixth form
What the college says
DESCRIPTION OF THE A Level COURSE There are three elements: Performing (Instrument or voice) Composing Listening and Appraising Performing 30% This element takes the form of a practical examination, which is externally assessed via a video recording completed in a formal concert setting. You will be required to give a recital on your instrument or voice, which lasts for between 10 and 15 minutes in which you perform at least three contrasting pieces. This could be as a solo with accompaniment, or as part of an ensemble. Composing 30% This is mostly undertaken as coursework. You will complete two compositions from a brief, one that is set by OCR and another which is your own choice. Both pieces must total a minimum of 4 ½ minutes. Listening and appraising 40% This is an externally assessed timed examination of two hours and thirty minutes duration. There are three sections in the examination. In the first you will answer a variety of questions on an unfamiliar work. In the second you will answer four analysis style questions comparing aural extracts and testing understanding of musical background and the context of the set works that you will study throughout the course. In the final section you will answer two essay questions based on the prescribed works studied in class.
What you need to get on
6 GCSE grades 9-4 including level 4 in English and Maths. They should be receiving additional instrumental or singing lessons either in or out of school. They need not have taken GCSE Music but must be able to read music. If they have taken GCSE Music they should have achieved a Level 7 or higher. If they did not take GCSE Music their singing or playing must be approximately Grade 6 standard or higher by the end of Year 13.
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Trinity Catholic High School
Mornington Road, Woodford Green, IG8 0TP
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 7 September 2026 · Woodford Green
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
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