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Music

at Balcarras School, Cheltenham · school or sixth form

Ofsted rated their sixth form provisionOutstanding2025see the detail

Level 3A levelsGCE A level24 monthsFull time£1

What the college says

The music A-level course is an exciting and challenging balance of theory and practice, allowing individual students to develop all aspects of musicianship through appraising, performing and composing. The appraising is taught through three areas of study. The first area of study is ‘Area of Study A: The Western Classical Tradition’ and includes one set work (Symphony No.104 in D major, 'London' by Haydn). The second is ‘Area of Study D: Jazz 1920-1950’ which covers various aspects of jazz such as Ragtime, Dixieland, Big Band and Bebop. The third is Area of Study E: Into the Twentieth Century and will include two set works. Appraising is assessed through a written examination that will include set work analysis with a score, comparison questions, questions on unprepared extracts of music with and without the score and extended response questions. Performing and composing are both non-exam components. With a music A-level, students can progress into further education, higher education or employment. Throughout A Level music, students will get the opportunity to attend concerts, take part in regular public performances at Pittville Pump Rooms and other venues, and will be involved in the links we have as a school – including the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Cheltenham International Film Festival and more. This will allow them to develop their skills as a musician and experience the music industry first-hand.

What you need to get on

Students must have achieved a grade 6 or above at GCSE and have theoretical skills equivalent to grade 5 or above and performance skills of grade 4 or above. It is a requirement of the course that students are having lessons on their specialist instrument, whether in school or privately. A-level students are expected to participate fully in the extracurricular programme offered by the music department. Students need to be open minded to a wide range of musical genres.

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

  • BALCARRAS SCHOOL CHELTENHAM

    EAST END ROAD, CHELTENHAM, GL53 8QF

    DaytimeClassroom based
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Who else teaches this exact qualification

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