PROPOSAL BY EDEXCEL TO DROP MUSIC TECHNOLOGY A-LEVEL

That this House notes the proposal by the Edexcel examination board to drop music and music technology A level from their portfolio; further notes that they are the only examination board offering a discrete music technology A level and that over half of music examinations sat by pupils this year were set by Edexcel; recognises that the total number of music entries at A level has risen by 46 per cent. since 1997; fears that this move by Edexcel could reverse this trend in music by reducing choice for teachers and pupils and would effectively eliminate A level music technology provision; recalls that in a recent interview the Arctic Monkeys said that music technology had provided them with the essential skills to work in the music industry and calls on Edexcel to seek re-accreditation for both music and music technology from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority for the good of future generations of musicians and those interested in music technology.