Music A level 3
Oakwood Park Grammar School
Oakwood Park, MAIDSTONE, ME16 8AH
Available start dates
Available start dates
Application Instructions
For students applying from other schools please see the information below.
For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions
Applications Open - 11th December 2025
Applications Close - 30th January 2026
Entry Requirements:-
Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).
In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.
Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.
Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria
How to Apply
Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.
Subject Choice
In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.
Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.
Course Summary
Course Details
Component 1: Performance: Students must perform a recital, which is a minimum of 8 minutes. It can be one long piece, or several shorter selections. Any instrument or voice may be used. Recitals will be recorded in one take to be sent to the board, with no pauses or edits in the recording.
Component 2: Composition: Students must compose either a ‘free’ or a composition to one of six briefs, of at least 4 minutes duration. They must also compose a shorter piece using specific techniques set as an exam paper, at least 1 minute in duration. The compositions must be submitted as recordings with accompanying scores and detailed descriptions. Editing may be used in order to best express the composition.
Component 3: Appraisal: Students study 6 Areas of Study, each including 3 set works. Areas of Study are: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music for Film, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions and New Directions. Musical works range from the Baroque Era to the present. Students must learn to listen to musical detail, be aware of the cultural and historic context of musical works and have a good understanding of musical vocabulary and techniques. Students must also complete a dictation exercise.
Students should be good performers and have a genuine curiosity about a wide range of music genres. A good knowledge of music theory would be an advantage
Enrichment opportunities
It is expected that A-level students will take part in the musical life of Oakwood Park, including concerts, school shows, and external performance opportunities, from gigs to collaborations with other schools.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Components 1 and 2 are completed during the course and are externally assessed.
Component 3 is studied throughout the course and concludes with an externally assessed written exam at the end of the course.
Entry requirements
Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6
A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics
Grade 6 in GCSE Music
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
Your next steps...
Some graduates choose to study an area related to their first degree that allows them to specialise, for example in composition. Others pursue a range of qualifications, in areas such as music performance, direction and instrumental or vocal teaching.
When thinking about further study, you may consider a purely academic music qualification or degree options in community music, cultural management or musicology
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.