A Level Music
Overview:
NHGS is proud to currently be the only provider of A Level Music in Calderdale and it proves to be a popular choice each year as part of our Sixth Form offer. Students follow the Eduqas A Level Music course (first assessment 2028) which offers a comprehensive and engaging curriculum designed for students who wish to continue studying music in both a practical and theoretical context at Key Stage 5.
A Level musicians continue to develop their skills in the three core studies of performance, composition and appraisal and whilst the course covers all three of these areas, students can choose a pathway biased towards either performance or composition to better suit their interests and talents.
In the practical components, students develop their technical proficiency and creative voice. The performance exam takes place by way of a recital with an external examiner, the length of this depends on whether they have chosen the performance or composition pathway. Composition lessons look at manipulating musical elements to create original works, studying traditional Western Classical techniques alongside modern practices. Students can use a variety of music technology platforms if they wish, including MuseScore, GarageBand and Ableton Live. This hands-on experience ensures that students gain a professional understanding of how music is constructed and delivered to an audience.
The academic side of the course focuses on appraising and analytical listening. Students explore a variety of musical landscapes from the Western Classical symphony to the development of Musical Theatre or Jazz* over time. By analysing these diverse styles, students acquire the critical vocabulary and historical context necessary to understand the evolution of music and its impact on modern culture. There is also a greater emphasis on students' appreciation of wider music listening, so a keen interest in exploring and experiencing new music is key.
Students in the Sixth Form have regular opportunities to attend study days and live performances of their set works and wider repertoire to support their learning.
The aim of the course is to develop the skills of appraisal, performance and composition. Through the study of set works from different musical genres, students are able to understand the development of musical traits and the influences and impact - both social and cultural.
“I like the way the lessons involve discussion as we are encouraged to share our opinions and get the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others in the group. The curriculum means I have been exposed to music that I would never have normally listened to."
Course Structure and Content:
The Appraisal content is covered over the two years. Students investigate, analyse and appraise music from various areas of study:
- Development of the Symphony: Detailed study of Schubert Symphony No. 5 and Haydn Symphony No. 100. Wider study of the Classical symphony over the period 1750-1900.
- Music in the 20th Century: Detailed study of Poulenc's First Movement from Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano and Debussy's Second of Three Nocturnes. Wider study of music from across the 20th Century.
- A variety of composers from the Musical Theatre or Jazz genres, depending on the year of assessment, including Richard Rogers, Leonard Bernstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber or Scott Joplin, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington.
Students also have a choice of composition and performance pathways. They can choose to choose in either composition and performance and weight the final score of their qualification more heavily according to their chosen strand.
An updated course flyer will be avaialbe to download shortly.
Assessment:
The final assessment takes place during the Upper Sixth Form. There is one examination to test appraisal and written skills. Students then, depending on their pathway, perform a 6-10 minute recital and submit either one or two compositions which are undertaken as NEA both in lesson time and at home.
At the end of the Lower Sixth Form, students complete a mock examination paper, perform a live recital and submit a mock composition.
- Component 1: Performing (25% or 35%) – A visiting examiner assesses a recital (10-12 mins for 35%, 6-8 mins for 25%). It requires a minimum of two or three pieces, with at least one solo performance.
- Component 2: Composing (25% or 35%) – A portfolio of two or three compositions (totaling 4-10 mins). One composition must be to a brief set by Eduqas based on the Western Classical Tradition.
- Component 3: Appraising (40%) – One written examination focusing on listening and analysis. The examination is made up of short questions and one essay.
Examination Board:
The course followed is the WJEC Eduquas A Level Music
WJEC Eduqas A Level Music (external link)
Complementary Courses:
Music attracts some of our most capable students and is highly regarded by universities. As such, students that study music will also take a range of A Levels across the disciplines. The subject can be taken as one of three A Levels, or sometimes as a fourth.
Future Career Opportunities:
A must if students are considering to study Music at degree level. It could also support applications into other performing arts based courses.
It can also be considered if wanting to follow careers in Theatre, Performance, Teaching and Therapy.