Course information
Music
West Buckland School - Devon
01598760000
West Buckland, Barnstaple, EX32 0SX
Course summary

Music is a varied and interesting A-level subject which develops a plethora of music skills: performance, composition, harmony, aural, analytical skills and essay writing techniques. If you are naturally creative and enjoy a variety of activities and disciplines, then music A-level is the one for you.

Entry requirements

Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.

How you'll be assessed

Component 1: Performing • Option A: Minimum of three pieces. Total duration of performances: 10-12 minutes (35% of qualification) • Option B: Minimum of two pieces. Total duration of performances: 6-8 minutes (25% of qualification) Component 2: Composing • Option A: Two compositions. Total duration of compositions: 4-6 minutes (25% of qualification) • Option B: Three compositions. Total duration of compositions: 8-10 minutes (35% of qualification) Component 3: Appraising • Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes (40% of qualification)

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth West
Local AuthorityDevon
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeDay £9,090 - £20,640; Boarding £27,090 - £40,290
Sixth Form FeeUnknown
AddressWest Buckland, Barnstaple, EX32 0SX