“All pupils are strongly encouraged to participate in the extra-curricular activities such as Choir and Orchestra. Individual instrumental and singing tuition is available for those who wish to continue or to begin learning an instrument or singing. In 2004 our musicians will visit Barcelona performing in the stunning Barcelona cathedral”
Mrs. Mary Cobbold, Head of Music
Key Stage 3
What will the subject be like?
The content of the Lower and Middle School Music lessons is based on the requirements of the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum in Music. Activities are focused on Listening and Appraising, Composing and Performing. Pupils are strongly encouraged to sing and to play their own instruments and they are taught the basics of electric keyboard playing.
What will be studied?
Pupils come from a wide variety of musical experience and many have received little formal education in music. The Upper Third lessons include learning the basics of musical notation and linking sounds to symbols. Pupils learn to discriminate between the elements of music — pitch, rhythm, instrumental sounds, etc. They are given opportunities to explore these in individual, group and whole class performing and composing activities.
In the Lower Fourth, pupils build on the skills and knowledge acquired in the Upper Third and they use these in the context of learning about chords and about differing styles of music which use chords in particular ways. These include classical, jazz and pop styles. Pupils compose and perform short pieces, such as 12- bar blues, individually or in pairs or groups.
Homework
In U3 and L4, homework is set each week and may be in the form of written work, music notation, research on a topic, practising simple performance or learning for a short test.
Lessons per week
Music is taught to U3 and L4 pupils as whole classes in 2 single periods or 1 double period per week.
GCSE Music Is An Option Open To All Pupils
SO – You don’t have to be a budding concert pianist or pop idol.
BUT – if you:
- enjoy playing music or singing on your own and with others
- enjoy creating your own songs or music
- wish to discover more of the vast range of music which is available for us to experience today -
THEN – GCSE Music could be a very good choice for you.
Do I have the necessary skills?
Above all you need to have an interest and a willingness to explore music of all kinds, ranging from Western classical to music from many different world cultures and contemporary pop styles.
You need to have sufficient keyboard skills to enable you to use the music computer software.
The ability to play an instrument or to sing to about Grade 3 – 4 Associated Board standard, is desirable in order to complete the Performance part of the syllabus. However, it is not too late to begin at the start of the course!
The course builds on skills taught in the U3 – U4 and all necessary theoretical knowledge is provided as part of the course. No specialist prior knowledge is assumed!
You will be encouraged to progress at your own individual pace and according to your individual interests and skills. This is because the high proprtion of coursework enables you to do this. As the groups opting for Music GCSE tend to be smaller than for other subjects, you will receive much more individual attention in class than is possible in a large group.
What is examined?
The Course is that specified by AQA and the FOUR components are:
- Coursework Composing 25% of total marks
A folio of two compositions, submitted as a music recording with either a music score or detailed written description. - Coursework Performing 25% 0f total marks
One solo and one group performance recorded during the course. - Integrated Assignment 25% of total marks
One further composition and written evaluation based on a choice of AQA set assignmentsissued in the Spring Term prior to the examination. - Listening and Appraising Test 25% of total marks
A listening and written paper lasting 1 hour 15 minutes.
This is the only written examination at the end of the course.
The questions are on the five Areas of Study on which the Composing coursework is also based.
These are:-
- Music for Film
- Music for Dance
- Music for Special Events
- Orchestral Landmarks
- The Popular Song since 1960
Music is essentially a practical subject and therefore the proportion of coursework is high. The Composing and Performing components make up 75% of the total marks for the examination.
Most of this coursework is completed during the timetabled lessons as you will need to have access to the computers and instruments in the Music Department. However, homework is set on all four components during the course.
AS and A Level
Introduction
What is examined?
The College offers the Edexcel Music GCE at AS-level and A-level, both of which examine a wide range of skills. The specifications enable you to choose elements within the six units that reflect your particular interests whilst maintaining a balanced course. They provide a worthwhile, course of study, which broadens experience, develops imagination, fosters creativity and promotes personal and social development.
The AS and A2 specifications in Music are designed to encourage you to:
- Extend the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to communicate through music and to take part in music making
- Engage in, and extend the appreciation of the diverse and dynamic heritage of music
- Develop particular strengths and interests, encouraging life long learning and providing access to music-related careers.
Do I have the necessary skills?
Above all you should have an interest in music and a willingness to explore and understand many different types of music, including Western classical music, contemporary popular music and music from a wide range of world cultures.
You need not have studied music for GCSE, although a good grade at GCSE is a fair indicator of suitability. If you have not reached Grade 5 standard in Music Theory, you will need to have done so by the end of the Autumn Term, although it is not necessary to sit the actual examination.
You ought to have achieved at least Grade 5 standard on an instrument or voice and to possess sufficient keyboard skills to enable you to input a melody and chords into a computer score-writing or sequencing programme.
Other skills will be developed over the course, particularly listening and analytical skills, and the ability to write structured essays.
How is it examined?
Three AS units are taken at the end of the first year sixth form for an AS-level qualification, and a further three A2 units taken at the end of the second year lead to a full A-level.
AS
AS Unit 1: Performing 15% AS, 7½% A2
- You have to present a five- to six-minute solo performance.
- You will be assessed on your performing during the course, keeping a log of your performances and choosing the best four for assessment. One of these has to be your own composition.
AS Unit 2: Developing musical ideas 30% AS, 15% A2
- You have to write one composition lasting not more than three minutes, chosen from nine possible topics.
- You have to produce a portfolio of composition techniques exercises
AS Unit 3: Listening and understanding 40% AS, 20% A2
- Part 1: 45 minute Listening paper
- Part 2: Respond to structured questions on set works chosen from topics
A2
A2 Unit 4: Specialist options 15% A2
Pathway A: Composition portfolio
You have to submit two compositions, lasting not more than a total of six minutes. These must be chosen from two different topics, one of which must have been studied at AS Unit 2.
Or
Pathway B: Recital
You have to perform a recital lasting 20 minutes.
A2 Unit 5: Performing and composing 15% A2
- Performing during the course. You must take part in a range of solo and ensemble performances during the year, which must be logged and the best four submitted for assessment.
- All students must extend one of the compositional techniques studied in AS Unit 2, under timed conditions at the end of May.
A2 Unit 6: Analysing music 20% A2
- Part 1: This is a 45-minute Listening test taking place in May
- Part 2: This is a 2-hour written paper where you must answer questions on two selected areas of study.
