Music
at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School, Durham · school or sixth form
What the college says
Year 12 The AS syllabus content is taught as three modules; Unit 1: Appraising Music Listening, Analysis and Contextual Understanding. This component provides an appropriate focus for students to appraise music and develop and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical contexts and musical language. The music to be studied is The Baroque Solo Concerto, The Operas of Mozart and Jazz. Unit 2: Performance Students will record a programme of solo and/or ensemble repertoire lasting between 6 and 8 minutes in which they will demonstrate an understanding of context including, the chosen style or genre being performed and the composers purpose and intention. Unit 3: Composition Students will write two compositions which must last between 4 and 6 minutes. One will be in response to an externally set brief and the other a free composition. Year 13 The A Level syllabus content is taught as three modules; Unit 4: Appraising Music Listening, Analysis and Contextual Understanding. This component provides an appropriate focus for students to appraise music and develop and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical contexts and musical language. The music studied in Year 12 is continued in greater depth, and in Year 13, students will also study The Piano Music of Chopin, Brahms and Grieg and Art Music from 1910. Unit 5: Performance Students will record a programme of solo and/ or ensemble music between 10 and 12 minu
What you need to get on
At least grade 6 in GCSE Music, grade 5 theory standard plus at least grade 5 ABRSM performance standard and grade 5 in an English GCSE. Students will decide in January of Year 12 whether to take the AS and finish at the end of Year 12 or whether to take the full A level. For continuation to Year 13 grades in Year 12 Music need to demonstrate potential for A Level success plus at least grade 6 ABRSM performance standard.
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Durham Johnston School
Crossgate Moor, Durham, DH1 4SU
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 3 September 2026 · Durham
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
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