Music
| Subject: | Music |
| Contact: | Mrs C Scanlon (teacher)/Mr C Clubb (CTL) |
Overview
Students who opt to take Music at Key Stage 5 will be taught in a mixed ability option group. Students are taught in up to 9 hours per fortnight and are expected to spend time studying independently, both to develop their musical skills and to commit to wider reading and listening to prepare for the examination. Students can either sing or play an instrument for the performing element of the course and this is a choice that they make based on their own skills and areas of interest. Assessment of performance at A level is undertaken by a visiting examiner. This course follows and builds on the skills developed at GCSE although GCSE Music is not necessarily a pre-requisite.
Exam board and course
Eduqas A Level Music (601/8146/1)
Curriculum content
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Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
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Year 12 |
Music Theory Musical Forms Periods in Music History |
The Symphony Haydn Set Work Popular Music |
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Composing Skills Western Classical Tradition – Free Composition Developing Performance Skills |
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Year 13 |
The Symphony Mendelssohn – General Study Popular Music Into the 20th Century |
Performance Recital for visiting examiner Revision |
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Board Set Composition Coursework Developing Performance Skills |
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Assessment components
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Component 1: Performing |
Component 2: Composing |
Component 3: Listening and Appraising |
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What's assessed A performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces. At least one of these pieces must be as a soloist. The other pieces may be either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study. At least one other piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one other, different area of study. |
What’s assessed Two compositions, one of which must reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a brief set by WJEC. Learners will have a choice of four set briefs, released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition is a free composition. |
What's assessed This examination will assess knowledge and understanding of music through three areas of study. Area of study A The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1900) is compulsory. There are 2 set works; Symphony No. 104 in D major 'London': Haydn and Symphony No. 4 in A major 'Italian': Mendelssohn The other two areas of study come from a range of board set choices. At QPHS we study the following: Area of study B: Rock and Pop 1960-2000 Area of study E: Into the Twentieth Century 1895-1935 |
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How It’s Assessed Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner 35% of qualification |
How It’s Assessed Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by exam board 25% of qualification |
How It’s Assessed Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes based on three Areas of Study 40% of qualification |
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Questions Assessment of area of study A (40 marks) Learners are required to answer all questions. 1. A question on an unprepared extract with a skeleton score provided. 2. A detailed analysis question on a choice of either Symphony No. 104 in D major, 'London' by Haydn, or Symphony No. 4 in A major, 'Italian' by Mendelssohn. 3. An essay-based question which assesses knowledge of the development of the symphony in relation to both set symphonies and to the wider social, cultural and historical context. Assessment of area of study B (30 marks) Learners are required to answer two questions: One question on an unprepared musical extract. A comparison question based on two unprepared extracts assessing wider understanding of the area of study. Assessment of area of study E (30 marks) Learners will apply their knowledge and understanding to both familiar and unfamiliar music. Learners are required to answer two questions: An analysis question on one of the two set works. A question on an unprepared musical extract in which learners are required to: 1. Answer aural perception questions on the extract 2. Make compositional links between the music of the extract and one or more pieces they have studied during the course. |
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Enrichment opportunities
Show Choir – Thursdays 3:15-4:00 (all years)
Annual musical production (September - February)
V Factor – March
Performances
Student led bands – rehearsal spaces available to book at lunchtime/after school
Useful websites to support learning
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