Master A Level Music at Sandy Secondary School

Home

About

Executive Principal's Welcome Values & Ethos Our Vision Governing Body Equality Objectives

Key Information

News

Calendar Latest News Letters Home

Admissions

School Admissions In Year Admissions Sixth Form Admissions

Curriculum

Curriculum Teaching & Learning Functional Skills

Staff Vacancies Contact Us Parents Students

Sixth Form

Welcome to Sixth Form Sixth Form Courses Application Enrichment Next Steps Sixth Form Attendance Transport

Careers

Careers Careers Charter Destination & Retention Data Information for Parents Information for Teachers Parents Guide to Unifrog Provision & Achievements Student Resources

Staff

Introduction to A Level Music

A Level Music at Sandy Secondary School is a richly rewarding programme that develops performance, composition, and analytical skills to an advanced level. Examined by Eduqas, this course allows students to specialise in their strengths — whether that is performing, composing, or a balance of both — with 60% of the qualification assessed through non-examined coursework.

On A Level Music, you can develop your existing performance ability and use this towards achieving an A Level. If you already enjoy writing your own music or songs, you can use this ability and learn how to develop your ideas into successful pieces. If you love listening to music, you will learn more about what makes the music you enjoy work so well. Grade 6 is the expected instrumental or vocal standard for recital pieces.

Creativity is identified by the World Economic Forum as one of the most important and in-demand workplace skills. When business leaders across the world were surveyed, they voted creativity as the most important skill to help their businesses survive and grow. The study of Music develops this creativity alongside discipline, analytical thinking, and communication skills valued across every industry.

Staff

Gerard Mullaly

Curriculum Leader Music

gmullaly@sandysecondaryschool.com

Assessment Structure

25–35%

Component 1: Performing

A recital performance of 8–12 minutes, usually three pieces, in front of an Eduqas examiner. Can be on one or multiple instruments/voice, solo or a mix of solo and ensemble.

25–35%

Component 2: Composing

Two or three compositions totalling 6–8 minutes. One responds to an Eduqas brief in Western Classical style; the other is a free composition in any style.

40%

Component 3: Appraising

Written exam of 2¼ hours with listening and written sections. Three areas of study: Development of the Symphony (1750–1900), Jazz (1920–1960), and Into the 20th Century.

Careers and Progression

The possibilities after A Level Music are truly endless. Music enables you to demonstrate many skills which employers, colleges, and universities actively seek. Aside from studying Music at university, students who study Music at A Level have progressed to an extraordinary range of degree courses.

Former students have gone on to study 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 and Secondary Education, Psychology, Sports Science, and Veterinary Medicine. This remarkable breadth demonstrates the transferable skills that Music develops.

Music Performance and Composition
Arts Journalism
Medicine and Sciences
Education and Teaching
Modern Languages
Business and Management
Computing and Technology

I have enjoyed the opportunity to choose to specialise in Performance more so than Composition — this has played to my strengths.

Music Student A Level Music Student

The set works in the areas of study allow me to learn about a vast range of musical genres and apply this to a range of significant composers and pieces.

Music Student A Level Music Student

I like how the exam is only worth 40% and coursework is 60%.

Music Student A Level Music Student

Begin Your A Level Music Journey

Ready to take your musical talents to the next level? Our A Level Music programme at Sandy Secondary School develops performers, composers, and critical thinkers, preparing you for success in any field. Speak with Mr G Mullaly to discover your potential.

Contact the Music Department

A Level Music Introduction to A Level Music A Level Music at Sandy Secondary School is a richly rewarding programme that develops performance, composition, and analytical skills to an advanced level. Examined by Eduqas, this course allows students to specialise in their strengths — whether that is performing, composing, or a balance of both — with 60% of the qualification assessed through non-examined coursework. On A Level Music, you can develop your existing performance ability and use this towards achieving an A Level. If you already enjoy writing your own music or songs, you can use this ability and learn how to develop your ideas into successful pieces. If you love listening to music, you will learn more about what makes the music you enjoy work so well. Grade 6 is the expected instrumental or vocal standard for recital pieces. Creativity is identified by the World Economic Forum as one of the most important and in-demand workplace skills. When business leaders across the world were surveyed, they voted creativity as the most important skill to help their businesses survive and grow. The study of Music develops this creativity alongside discipline, analytical thinking, and communication skills valued across every industry. Assessment Structure Careers and Progression The possibilities after A Level Music are truly endless. Music enables you to demonstrate many skills which employers, colleges, and universities actively seek. Aside from studying Music at university, students who study Music at A Level have progressed to an extraordinary range of degree courses. Former students have gone on to study 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 and Secondary Education, Psychology, Sports Science, and Veterinary Medicine. This remarkable breadth demonstrates the transferable skills that Music develops.