The M.U.S.I.C. Learning and Marking System ensures that every student is consistently supported and appropriately challenged, preparing them not just for examinations, but for a lifetime of intellectual curiosity and musical engagement. We believe that by making our criteria transparent, we empower students to take ownership of their success.

A Note to Students 

The highest marks, C (Creative Mastery) and I (Independent Insight), are awarded not for simply getting the right answer, but for showing your working out, making connections, and bringing a truly independent, critical voice to your music and research. Embrace the challenge of original thought.

A Note to Parents 

The M.U.S.I.C. grade your child brings home is a detailed report on the depth of their understanding and the quality of their critical thinking. It confirms they are actively building the sophisticated analytical and creative skills necessary for success in any future academic pursuit.

The M.U.S.I.C. system is a multi-level developmental programme that can be assessed in different ways:

• Examination: The TQMEP system offers traditional examination foci as a ‘bolt-on’ to the usual and gradual progression that is supported and encouraged by TQ qualified Tutors. Certain pupils do well using this approach and we endeavour to support this selected pathway should it be chosen.

  
  

• Continuous Assessment: The process of continuous assessment and verification of focus rows and skills is an ongoing procedure granting the student and sponsor an awareness of the multi-level nature of the TQMEP and the student’s progression through it. 

  
  

• Zone and Level Assessments are awards that are provided when sufficient evidence is gathered. This provides groups and blocks of learning that some students require when learning, giving them small, achievable goals and actionable progression.

For further information on how the M.U.S.I.C. system is applied to specific curriculum areas, such as musicology, composition, analysis, advanced theory, or our music history and pedagogical elective options, please contact the Academy administration office.