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    • Curriculum

    Music

    What’s It All About?

    A Level Music is a rigorous academic subject recognised by universities and employers. It develops musical knowledge alongside the ability to analyse, create, perform, and work both collaboratively and independently. If you enjoy playing music and want to deepen your understanding, this course is for you.

    At JKHS we follow the Eduqas syllabus. As with GCSE, the course has three components: Listening & Appraising, Performance, and Composing. You can major in either performing or composing, allowing you to play to your strengths. Students benefit from small class sizes, more 1:1 teaching time, excellent facilities, weekly extracurriculars, and performance opportunities throughout the year. There are also theatre and concert trips in Years 12 and 13 (subject to availability).

     

    What Skills Do I Need?

    You should:

    • Read music fluently (aiming towards Grade 5 Theory).

    • Sing or play confidently for the performance component (aim for around Grade 6 standard by your Year 13 recital).
      Any style is welcome — classical, jazz, musical theatre, rock, etc.

    Assessment Overview

    Performance – either 25% or 35%
    Externally assessed by a visiting examiner.

    • For 25%: a recital of 2+ pieces (total 4–6 minutes).

    • For 35%: a recital of 3+ pieces (at least one solo), total 8–10 minutes.

    • Scales/technical exercises are not required.
      Ensemble options include rock/jazz band, string quartet, accompanying, technology-based realisation, and appropriate improvisation.

    Composing – either 25% or 35%

    • For 35%: three compositions.

    • For 25%: two compositions.

    • One composition responds to a brief set by the board.

    Listening & Appraising – 40% (exam)

    • Single written/listening paper, 2 hours 15 minutes.

    • Focused on the three areas of study.

    Areas of Study

    • Area A (compulsory): The Western Classical Tradition (with two set works)

    • One of:

      • B: Rock and Pop

      • C: Musical Theatre

      • D: Jazz

    • Area E: Into the 20th Century

    Where Can Music Take Me?

    A Level Music supports progression to a wide range of pathways, including performance, teaching (private or classroom), music journalism, arts administration, composing for film/games, session work, music therapy, and technical roles.
    Music is highly transferrable, developing creativity, communication, analysis, resilience, and teamwork — qualities prized by universities and employers across many sectors.

    “In the future, creativity is going to be one of the most important and in-demand skills at work.” — World Economic Forum

    Need Further Information?

    For questions about the course, please contact Miss Lydia Taylor:
    📧 l.taylor@jkhs.org.uk

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