Long Live Music A Level!

I was sad – but not really surprised – to read an article online entitled “Funding cuts are narrowing A level subject choice, headteachers warn” … with writer Kaye Wiggins going on to explain that Music is one of the main subjects to be affected by these cuts.

The reason I am not totally surprised by this is that our elder son – who is currently awaiting his GCSE results – is planning to take Music at A Level. Luckily the headteacher at his (comprehensive) high school has agreed that the course will go ahead, despite the small number of applicants … although this decision was taken only after some discussion, deliberation and various emails going back and forth.

We were grateful and greatly relieved about the head’s final decision. Despite the fact that there are several secondary schools in our area, there is a notable absence of A level Music on the sixth form curriculums (although some do offer an alternative BTEC course) – so there were very few options available for our son – for whom Music ranks highest among his A level choices.

When I was at school, there were six of us in my A level class – not a large number but there was never any doubt about the course going ahead. I think the school was well aware of the importance of the subject. We had a talented and successful orchestra, school choirs competing in Eisteddfods and there were excellent annual musical productions. How could Music not be considered a crucial subject?

On a more positive note, it was interesting to read in today’s Telegraph that “Music and Law A levels have performed particularly well on this year’s results day, with pass rates for the top grades increasing well above average.” If only this would persuade headteachers – and those responsible for funding decisions – that Music A level deserves its place on the curriculum.