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Music

at Queen Mary'S Grammar School, Walsall · school or sixth form

Level 3A levelsGCE A level2 yearsFull time

What the college says

The course offers a variety of alternatives which enable students to submit work demonstrating their strengths in the subject. There are three units of study. External assessments take place in May of the upper sixth. In units 1 and 2 Students may opt for Option A or B. This flexibility means they can gain up to 35% in the option for higher study and 25% in the option where they choose the smaller amount of study. Unit 1: Performing (35% or 25%) Here students have the opportunity to perform both as a soloist and in ensembles. Performances can take place on any instrument, including voice. A recital is prepared for the upper sixth and should last either for six to eight minutes (Option A) or twelve to fifteen minutes (Option B) Unit 2: Composing (25% or 35%) Students are required to compose two pieces. One from a brief set by the board and one working from their own brief. For Option An extension to their composing comprises of four part harmony and two part counterpoint. Unit 3: Listening and Appraising (40%) This work is undertaken through the study of four areas of study. Areas 1 and 2 are compulsory and a further two are selected from Areas 3-6. They are 1: Instrumental Music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven; 2: Popular Song: Blues, Jazz, Swing and Big Band; 3: Developments in Instrumental Jazz from 1910 to the present day; 4:Religious Music of the Baroque period; 5: Programme Music; 6:Innovations in Music 1900 to the present day.

What you need to get on

If students have studied Music at GCSE they require a grade 6 to continue to A-level. Students also need to have Grade 5 ABRSM in their chosen instrument. Students who have not studied Music at GCSE need a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory – ABRSM.

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

  • Queen Mary's Grammar School

    46 Sutton Road, Walsall, WS1 2PG

    DaytimeClassroom based
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Start dates

  • 1 September 2026 · Walsall

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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