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Music

at Rushcliffe Spencer Academy, Nottingham · school or sixth form

Level 3A levelsGCE A level2 yearsFull timeFree

What the college says

Aims of the course A-Level Music will provide a contemporary, accessible & creative education in Music with an integrated approach to the three main elements – performing, composing and appraising. Learners are encouraged to be creative and to broaden their musical horizons and understanding with Areas of Study that inspire & challenge. Through the various genres, styles & eras contained in the Areas of Study students will explore musical context, musical language & performance & composition skills. What is the outline of the course content? Performance - 105 marks Minimum of 10 minutes & three contrasting pieces Composition - 75 marks A combined duration of at least 4 minutes Learner & OCR Brief Listening & Appraising - 120 marks Analysing & evaluating music There are 4 Areas of Study: AoS1 – Instrumental Music of Haydn, Mozart & Beethoven AoS2 – Popular Song: Blues, Swing, Big Band AoS3 – Instrumental Jazz 1910 – Present AoS5 – Programme Music 1820 - 1910 What key skills will I learn? Students will gain a much deeper understanding of the history & development of music through time, as well as learn about key composers & musicians. Students will also grow & develop as musicians, with numerous performance & composition-based opportunities throughout the course. A-Level Music will build strong organisational skills & will allow the student to make independent decisions & to be self-critical. Careers in music The creative industries have moved into first place to be the fastest

What you need to get on

Grade 4 GCSE in Mathematics and English Language. A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 5 (C) and above including grade 6 (B) in the subjects selected for A Level. To study Further Maths a grade 7 in Mathematics GCSE is required. A grade 5 in English is essential for accessing Business Studies, Economics, Government & Politics, Media, Philosophy & Ethics, Psychology and Sociology if you have not studied these subjects at GCSE. A grade 5 in Mathematics is essential for accessing Physics/Biology/Chemistry and also Business Studies, Computing, Economics and Product Design- if you have not studied these subjects at GCSE.

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

  • Rushcliffe School

    Boundary Road West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7BW

    DaytimeClassroom based
    Check the journey

Start dates

  • 1 September 2026 · Nottingham

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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