Cambridge A Level Music
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mr C. Petch.
From 2025, the 13MUO course will follow the Cambridge A Level syllabus only. Students selecting this course must have taken the Cambridge AS Music course in Year 12, as 50% of those marks carry forward to form part of the A Level grade. Students taking 13MUO may also take course 13MUP – an NCEA based course that allows students to personalise their learning, choosing from any of all the available NCEA Level 3 standards. Please see the 13MUP course description for further details.
Cambridge A Level Music involves portfolio/project based learning only; there is no end-of-course examination.
Students must choose two of the following three options:
Option A - Extended Performance: 15-20 minute performance plus a 1000-1500 word research report
Option B - Extended Composition: 6-8 minute composition plus a 1000-1500 word research report
Option C - Investigating Music: 2500-3000 word essay plus a 500 word reflective statement
Those students choosing options A and B may also receive the relevant NCEA credits (Solo Performance and Composition), irrespective of whether they are also taking 13MUP or not.
Recommended Prior Learning
Achievement in 12MUO.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
$40.00 Course Contribution
$10.00 Course Workbook
Pathway
This course is the ideal preparation for students wishing to study Music at tertiary level in new Zealand or overseas.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Making Music 3.1 - Perform two programmes of music as a featured soloist
NZQA Info
Making Music 3.3 - Demonstrate ensemble skills by performing two substantial pieces of music as a member of a group
NZQA Info
Making Music 3.4 - Communicate musical intention by composing three original pieces of music
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 20
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.