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Music

at The Cotswold Academy, Cheltenham · school or sixth form

Ofsted rated their sixth form provisionOutstanding2025see the detail

Level 3A levelsGCE A level18 monthsFull timeFree

What the college says

Learners must choose either Option A in both Performance and Composition or Option B in both Performance and Composition. PerformanceOption A: 35% of the A Level qualification: 10-12 minutes: Minimum of 3 pieces.Option B: 25% of the A Level qualification: 6-8 minutes: Minimum of 2 pieces.CompositionOption A: 25% of the A Level qualification: Two compositions.Option B: 35% of the A Level qualification: Three compositions.For both composition choices one must reflect the techniques and conventions of Western Classical Music. The four briefs available for students to work from for this composition will be set by the exam board. The other compositions are the free choice of the student both in style and techniques used. Appraising: Areas of StudyQuestions focus on the set works analysed with a score, extended responses on wider context, unprepared extracts of music with and without a score and comparison questions.These questions feature both listening and extended writing responses.The content is based on three Areas of Study. Area of Study A: The Western Classical Tradition ? The development of the symphony We will be studying:Symphony No. 104 in D major ?London? by HaydnSymphony No. 4 in A major, ?Italian?: Mendelssohn Area of Study B: Rock, Pop, Soul and Funk. We will be studying a variety of music from The Beatles, Queen and Blur to Otis Reading, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. If students continue on to take the full A Level they will also study one of the following area

What you need to get on

Grade 7 in GCSE Music. Students must also have or be working towards Grade 5 on at least one instrument (which could include voice).

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

  • The Cotswold School

    The Avenue Bourton-On-The-Water, Cheltenham, GL54 2BD

    DaytimeClassroom based
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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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