Overview

This course provides an opportunity to study the disciplines of music in an integrated way as well as cultivating the highly desirable skills needed for Higher Education and future employment including self-management, creativity, data analysis, performance, teamwork, problem-solving and communication. Students will have a choice of specialising in either performance or composition whilst reinforcing their knowledge and understanding of music through three areas of study: The Western Classical Tradition; Twentieth Century Music; and one from either Rock and Pop, Musical Theatre, or Jazz.

To support their personal instrumental studies students will be given a rich variety of public performance opportunities: Christmas Concerts; Summer Concerts; School Production; Lunchtime Concerts; Evening Recitals; the Primary Schools’ Music Tour – leading to showcase events such as Regent Centre Community Project and other local music events in the community. A-level students will also benefit from regular tutorials and additional Music Theory classes delivered through the Music Enrichment programme.

KS5 Intent Statement

The study of Music at KS5 gives students opportunities to develop their skills of Performing, Composing, and understanding how music functions and has developed.

Students will develop personal responsibility, independence, and confidence in practical work where they will develop detailed, systematic, and rigorous practice routines started at KS3/4; develop their ability to listen, appreciate and learn from other performers - including regular trips to concert venues, which additionally deepens their understanding of how the music profession functions, and how music makes a difference in the wider world; and through organising, leading, and participating in their own concerts at school.

Students will continue to develop their skills of musical literacy, building on knowledge of Music in KS3/4– including the critical importance of understanding context (musical, artistic, historical, human); the appreciation of musical grammar and syntax; and the appreciation of historical development.

A Level Music continues to build and refine the skill of Listening and Analysing: the ability to articulate how music functions in conceptual form, such that the student can elevate their own understanding of music, and communicate this to others in such a way that the joy of music is shared and deepened. Students will continue to deepen their understanding of great musical output of human civilisation in appraising a range of musical traditions and influences from a growing number of geographic and cultural traditions.

Students continue the discipline of Composition which allows students to take the study of appraising and analysis to a higher level of confidence and ownership, and also gives the opportunity to present creative work and to develop IT literacy skills in the detailed and creative use of music software. This also offers an alternate pathway for learning – specialised Composition rather than Performance. The development of Music at a high level makes an enormous difference to the social well-being of the school and the larger community and offers students opportunities to be at the core of making a difference to others.

Qualification Details

Exam Board: EDUQAS
Qualification Title: Music
Qualification Specification Code: A660QS
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the EDUQAS webpage for the specification.

Entry Requirements

By audition and standard Sixth Form entry requirements

What will I study in this qualification?

The summary of components is as follows:

• Component 1: Performing;

• Component 2: Composing;

• Component 3: Appraising (written exam).

Students can opt to specialise in Composing to support their choices in progression to Higher Education and to link with relevant occupational areas.

Possible Career Paths

The qualification prepares students who wish to undertake further study in performance at university or conservatoires throughout the UK and abroad. The study of music opens doors to a wide range of careers, both within and outside the arts as the commitment and discipline required supports students heading for destinations as diverse as Broadcasting, Publishing, Law, Politics and the Civil Service.