Annual A Level Music Study Day

Every year, we welcome pupils from local state schools and independent schools for an A Level Music Study Day.

The day focuses on a "set work" from the A Level syllabus, and involves a day of learning followed by a live performance of the work in its entirety.

In 2023, more than 50 pupils and their teachers visited Wells for a day that focused on Beethoven's Symphony no 5.

Aims

Wells is one of only four specialist music schools in England, backed by the government's MDS (Music and Dance Scheme) funding.

We think it is important to share our considerable expertise in music, and this annual A Level Music Study Day is one way in which we can share our expertise with pupils at other schools.

Background

This came about through a desire to share our expertise, and the realisation that an intensive, 1-day format would be most attractive for other schools.

The day is delivered by a number of music staff at Wells, led by Deputy Director of Music Harvey Brink.

The first such day was held in 2018, and after a break for Covid, has continued annually since 2021.

Resources

We host the day in our state of the art concert hall, Cedars Hall. We make use of the expertise of a number of teaching staff.

This is an all-day event, culminating in a short concert at 6pm. The performance is given by our own music students.

We do not ask for any financial contribution.

Impact

Schools talk enthusiastically of the benefits of the day for their pupils.

Pupil Involvement

All attendees are Sixth Form pupils from other schools. The majority tend to come from state schools, with a smaller number from other independent schools. The gender balance is around 50/50.

Frequency

This happens every year, and we plan for it to continue in the future.