A Level Music

COURSE OVERVIEW- EDEXCEL

Performing 30% of the qualification- 60 marks

• A public performance of one or more pieces, performed as a recital.
• Performance can be playing or singing solo, in an ensemble, improvising.
• The total performance time across all pieces must be a minimum of 8 minutes.

Composing 30% of the qualification- 60 marks

• Total of two compositions, one to a brief set by Pearson and one either free Composition or also to a brief.
• Total time across both submissions must be 6 minutes.

Appraising Written examination: 2 hours 40% of the qualification 100 marks

• One written paper of 2 hours, with a total of 100 marks.
  This paper comprises two sections: A and B; Section A: Areas of study and dictation (50 marks); Section B: Extended response
  Two essay questions – essay one (20 marks) and essay two (30 marks): Essay one asks students to draw links from their study of the set works to the music heard as an unfamiliar extract; Essay two gives a choice of three questions that ask students to evaluate the musical elements, context and language of one set work.

COURSE OUTLINE – YEAR 12

• 6 Areas of Study covered over the year with 3 set works in each plus wider listening. (2 per term- 3 lessons per week on each with different teacher)
• One composition practise task for each Area of Study

COURSE OUTLINE – YEAR 13

• Revision of all 6 Areas of Study and Set Works – approx. 4 weeks on each
• Two Final Composition Tasks – written and recorded- 2 terms on each
• Two Performances (Mock and Final Exam)- prepared outside lessons

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

The Music Department runs a large number of different ensembles and organizes a huge number of events to cater for a variety of musical interests.

Core Ensembles

• String Orchestra
• Symphonic Wind Band
• Senior Choir
• Vocal Consort
• Chamber Orchestra
• Intermediate Choir
• Intermediate Orchestra
• Swing Band

Small Ensembles

• Barbershop Quartet
• Clarinet & Flute Ensembles
• Guitar Ensemble
• Percussion Group
• String Quartet

Events and Activities

• GLA Service of remembrance at City Hall
• Christmas Concert at Goldsmiths College
• Carol Service in Southwark Cathedral
• Spring & Summer Concerts
• School Musical Production
• Visits to concerts and workshops in London
• National Festival of Music for YoutTours abroad (Barcelona in 2016)

A Level Music