Music

Applications open: 10 October 2025

Applications close: 15 January 2026

Students can join Weald of Kent Grammar School at our Tonbridge Campus.

Entry Requirements: - If you wish to join the Weald of Kent Sixth Form you must have a minimum of a Grade 5 in English Language or English Literature and a Grade 5 in Mathematics. In addition, students also need to achieve an Average Point Score (APS) of 5.5 to be comprised of their best 8 GCSE results.

How to Apply: - Applications are made through Applicaa. Please see the school website for more information https://www.wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk/sixth-form

The aim is to provide you with a balanced and inter-related course of study covering a wide academic and practical understanding of music. This provides an excellent basis for lifelong learning and Higher Education courses in music.

Components 1: Performing, and Component 2: Composing, add up to a total of 60% of your final A Level grade, but you can choose whether you would like to do more performing or composing.

Option A – specialise in Performing

Listening - 40%, Performing 35%, Composing - 25% Performance - 10-12 minutes and Composition 4-6 minutes.

Option B – specialise in Composing

Listening - 40%, Performing 25%, Composing 35%, Performance 6-8 minutes and Composition 10-12 minutes

Component 3: Appraising accounts for 40% of your A Level. It is a written exam lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes and is divided into three parts:

1. Area of Study A: The Western Classical Tradition - this is a compulsory area of study and focuses on the development of the symphony from 1750-1900. You will choose one set work for detailed analysis, and one for general study.

2. Area of Study B, C or D - You will choose only one of these areas of study, they are Rock & Pop, Musical Theatre and Jazz.

3. Area of Study E or F - You will choose only one of these areas of study, they are based on periods of musical history: Into the Twentieth Century, and Into the Twenty-first Century. Each area of study includes two set works.

The listening exam is a 2 hour 30 minute examination.

Performing is a live performance assessed by a visiting examiner.

Composing is assessed by audio recordings plus additional materials (score, written account) and assessed externally.

Students wishing to study A Level Music should have achieved at least a Grade 6 in GCSE Music and a minimum of Grade 5/6 standard in both theory and practical examinations.