Music

Qualification

 A Level

Exam Board

 WJEC

Entry Requirements

• Grade 5 or higher in GCSE Music preferred

• Grade 5 theoretical knowledge is preferred and the ability to play an instrument or sing to a Grade 5 standard.  Continued instrumental or singing lessons is preferable

Course Overview

A level Music offers a broad course of study which encourages learners to actively engage in the process of developing performing skills, appraising music, and demonstrating an understanding of musical elements through composition. The aim of A Level Music is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding through multiple eras and genres of music. This course is suitable for anyone with a passion for music and who wants to extend their performance, compositional and analytical skills to ensure future success.

Assessment Methods

For A2, students can choose a performance or composition pathway.

Component 1 - Performance - 150 or 120 Marks - 34% or 26%

Interpret musical ideas through performing, with technical and expressive control and an understanding of style and context.

Component 2 - Composition - 108 or 144 Marks - 26% or 34%

Create and develop musical ideas with technical and expressive control and coherence

Component 3 -Making Theatre (TIP) - 200 Marks - 40%

Demonstrate and apply musical knowledge. Use analytical and appraising skills to make evaluative and critical judgements about music.

QE6 Extras / Co-Curriculum Opportunities

• Arts Award
• Leading music clubs
• Continue to participate in music clubs
• Continue to support and take roles in school productions

Progression

Music will enable you to demonstrate many skills which employers, colleges and universities will be looking for. It can also give you opportunities to travel, meet people and get the most out of life. WJEC Music teachers were recently asked to give details of the next steps of former students. It was not a surprise to hear that many had continued to study Music at Music College, or Universities including Bangor, Cambridge, Cardiff, Derby, Durham, Huddersfield, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Oxford, Sheffield, Surrey and York. Others had gone on to various Universities (including Russell Group) to read Acting, Art, Arts Journalism, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classics, Computer Science, English and Drama, English Literature, French, Geography, Japanese, Liberal Arts, Marine Biology, Maths, Medicine, Midwifery, Modern Languages, Journalism, Occupational Therapy, Physics, Politics, Primary Education, Psychology, Sports Science, and Veterinary Medicine. Others had started Apprenticeships in Accountancy, joined the Royal Marines or other Armed Forces. At least one is starring in the West End, and others have started (or continued) careers in performance and tuition.