James Reevell

Biography

I’ve been lucky to have a very varied career as a teacher alongside my freelance work as an author, examiner, composer and performer. I’ve been teaching A Level Music Technology for over 15 years, based in sixth form colleges in the North of England.

Originally from North Yorkshire, I studied at the University of Durham; I then crossed the Pennines to study for a PGCE at the University of Cumbria and ultimately a Masters in Education at Manchester Metropolitan University before settling in the North West.

I spent nearly 8 years as Head of Music Technology at Greenhead College in Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, and am currently Vice Principal for Quality of Education. Greenhead was recently featured in the Sunday Times as the highest ranked state-funded sixth form college in the North of England. It’s an exciting place to be with nearly 3000 students studying A Level courses. Music Technology results are consistently in the top 10% of centres nationwide, with 75-100% high grades. Prior to my role at Greenhead, I was Head of Faculty for Visual and Creative Arts at Rochdale Sixth Form College, having joined the college when it opened in 2010.

Testimonials

The course was very well organised, and supported by a very wide range of excellent resources and suggestions for different approaches. The session was extremely useful, and James was very happy to respond to further questions after the session. Head of Music Technology, Sixth Form College.

James provided excellent support to the college as we set up Music Technology A Level. This included advice and guidance on everything from assessments to audio equipment. He helped support a teacher new to the specification to gain confidence and expertise in delivery. James has been consistently professional, positive, and effective in his support. Sixth Form College Principal.

James supported me as I set up A level music technology at my college. He showed us the sort of set-up we would need, talked us through the requirements of the specification and in addition provided sample schemes of work and learning materials to get us started. It is really helpful to be able to talk to someone who has a deep knowledge of the specification and experience in setting up and delivering this quite unusual A level. James’ advice and support has been absolutely invaluable in giving us a foundation on which to build our course and the confidence that we know what we are doing. Head of Music, Sixth Form College.

Excellent opportunity to share good practice with other members of staff with brilliant leadership and subject knowledge from James. Many points clarified and clear breakdown of examination components. Director of Music, Secondary School.

Very good – extremely knowledgable course leader. Clear structure and resources, excellent venue. James = expert! Head of Music, Academy Trust.

Absolutely fantastic. Clear, concise explanations and all questions answered brilliantly. Excellent teaching resources and best of all – superb ideas for teaching and effective exam technique. Head of Music, Secondary School.