At A level, we follow a parallel tripartite path through academic studies in Western Classical music. Typically we have about 8–12 Music students in the Sixth Form. For Edexcel A level Music, students take units covering performance, composition (including harmony), aural and history/analysis. Lesson content reflects the diverse range of requirements, with set works spanning a wealth of musical styles and traditions. Most of our A level students will have gained A*-B in Music at GCSE.
All Sixth Form musicians are expected to involve themselves fully in the musical life of the school and there are various opportunities for them to perform in and direct their own instrumental and choral groups. Both composition and performance are examined as coursework submitted towards the end of the two-year course.
The curriculum is supported through various outings and visits including trips to ENO, The Royal Opera House, Gamelan Workshop at the Southbank, LSO and LPO A Level Seminars, as well as having close links with Voces8 who regularly hold vocal workshops in school.
Several of our students go on to study Music at higher education with recent successes including choral scholarships to Cambridge, scholarships to the Royal Academy of Music, places at the Royal Welsh Conservatoire of Music, Trinity College of Music and Durham to name a few.