The course provides an excellent basis for lifelong learning and for higher education courses. Pupils completing the course will have gained a depth of understanding in Music which prepares them for university or college courses.
The course is designed to enable students to experience a wide range of musical skills including performing, composing and analysing, as well as developing an understanding of the historical and contextual uses of music.
Year 12 :
Performing 30% This is a final performance of 6-8 minutes, externally assessed by visiting examiner
Composing – 30% This is an externally assessed unit through submission of two compositions with a total length of 4 and ½ – 7 minutes
Appraising – 40% Assessed through written examination of 1 hour 30 minutes
A minimum of two pieces; either as a soloist or in an ensemble or in combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of an area of study.
Two compositions:
1 reflecting the musical techniques and conventions of Western Classical tradition and following a brief set in September
2: free composition
Two areas of study:
1 –compulsory area of study
A.The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1830)
2 choose a further area from:
B: Rock and Pop
or
C: Musical Theatre or D: Jazz
Year 13
The A level course is assessed as follows:
Option A specialism performance or
Option B specialism Composition
Performing – externally assessed to visiting examiner
Composing – externally assessed
Appraising – 40% Assessed through written examination of 2 hour 15 mins
Option A 35% – 10-12 minutes 3 pieces as soloist / ensemble or combination. Two pieces in different styles reflecting two areas of study must be pre-sented.
OR
Option B 25% – 6-8 minutes
2 pieces as a soloist / ensemble or combination. One piece must reflect the characteristics of an area of study.
Option A – 25% – 2 compositions – 4 -6 minutes
One reflecting the musical techniques and conventions of The Western Classical Tradition and from a set brief.
Second is a free composition.
OR
Option B –35% 3 compositions – 8-10 minutes
1). reflecting the musical techniques and conventions of The Western Classical Tradition and from a set brief.
2).reflecting a different area of study.
3).Third is free composition.
Three areas of study:
1 :compulsory area of study A
The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1830)
2 :choose a further area from:
B: Rock and Pop or
C: Musical Theatre or D: Jazz
3: choose either
E: Into the Twentieth Century
Or
F: Into the Twenty First Century