Music AS/A Level 3

Applications Open: - 13th October 2025

Applications Close: - 18th November 2025

How to Apply: - Please apply directly to the school via our website www.twggs.kent.sch.uk. Follow the route 'Joining TWGGS', 'Joining The Sixth Form' to complete your application on Applicaa. For enquiries please contact admissions@twggs.kent.sch.uk.

We don't accept applications through Kent Choices.

Entry Requirements: - Entrance Criteria

Pupils entering the Sixth Form will be expected to have attained an average overall GCSE point score of at least 6 from their top 6 subjects. They must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in either English Language or Mathematics and a grade 4 in the other of English Language or Mathematics, and are usually expected to achieve at least a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to pursue at A level (or related subjects, as agreed by the school). In addition, pupils wishing to take Art or Design Technology will be expected to submit a portfolio of artwork and pupils wishing to take Music will be expected to have reached at least Grade 5 in their instrument or voice.

Offers will be made on the basis of predicted performance at GCSE, with the requirement that the above grades are achieved in the final examinations prior to entry to the Sixth Form and the pupil’s 3 or 4 chosen subjects being accommodated on the timetable, with no group size exceeding its maximum number of pupils.

All offers made during Year 11 are conditional on pupils meeting the grade criteria specified and will only become firm offers upon confirmation of actual GCSE results.

Exam Board: EDEXCEL

A Level Music tends to be studied by girls with a passion for the subject. Some take the subject to further enhance their own musical interests, though many go on either to read Music at university, or study performing at a conservatoire. All are welcome!

Whilst it is not essential to have studied GCSE Music, it is becoming increasingly useful. Of far more importance is that all girls taking this subject should be committed to it, and be committed to the school music making programme.

A LEVEL EXAMINATION

COMPONENT 1: Performing

A public solo and/or ensemble performance lasting a minimum of 8 minutes. Performances should be of at least grade 7/8 standard.

WEIGHTING 30%

COMPONENT 2: Composition

Composition 1: Composition to a brief (Bach Harmony)

Composition 2: Free Composition or composition to a brief

The compositions should last a minimum of six minutes.

WEIGHTING 30%

COMPONENT 3: Appraising

One written paper of 2 hours 10 minutes. Two sections A and B

Section A: Areas of study and dictation

Three questions related to the set works

One short melody/rhythm completion exercise

Section B: Extended response

Two essay questions

Essay one asks pupils to draw links from their study of the set works to the music heard as an unfamiliar extract.

Essay two gives the choice of four questions based on the musical elements of one set work.

WEIGHTING 40%

The course content is split between the disciplines of listening, performing and composing. There is a slightly greater emphasis on the appraising component.

The performing component requires pupils to perform regularly throughout the course. It is, therefore, necessary that pupils opting for A Level Music at TWGGS are of at least grade 6 standard on their instrument/voice. It is also expected that pupils will be prepared to join in wholeheartedly with all of the extra-curricular activities offered by the department.

The composing component takes on board the skills of composition acquired at GCSE and further develops them with more detailed and technical study. Pupils will learn how to compose in specific idioms and specifically to write harmony in four parts. They will also complete a free composition or a composition to a given brief.

The listening component also builds on GCSE work. Pupils will develop a firm understanding of the styles and conventions of not only the different periods of classical music but in wider fields of music from popular, jazz and film. A detailed study of set works provides a focus for this.

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in Music, which could lead onto higher education to study Music related courses or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to Music such as a Composing, being a Musician, Sound Technology or you may wish to use your music ability for recreational purposes. You could also go straight into a job as the AS GCE is a recognised qualification that will provide you with the skills, understanding and knowledge to access a music related career or seek employment in lots of other industries.