COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
4 or above at GCSE level or an equivalent standard on your instrument.
WHAT IS THE COURSE CONTENT AND HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
PERFORMING:
YEAR 1 – Working towards a performance of 2 pieces (Grade 5 standard or above) Year 2 Working
towards a performance of 3 pieces (grade 6 or above).
COMPOSITION
YEAR 1 – Studying a variety of composition techniques and devices and completing
one composition to a brief set by the candidate.
YEAR 2 – One further composition completed during this year(if choosing 25% composition)
OR two further compositions completed this year( if choosing 35% composition).
APPRAISING EXAM
YEAR 1 – Study of the Development of the Symphony and a choice of Rock and Pop, Musical Theatre or Jazz.
This second option will be chosen according to the strengths of the students.
YEAR 2 – Further in depth study of areas outlined above and either Into the 20th Century or Into the 21st Century.
Component 1: Performing (35% or 25%) – Non-exam assessment, externally assessed between March and May by a visiting examiner.
Component 2: Composing (35% or 25%) – Non-exam assessment, externally assessed.
Component 3: Appraising (40%) – Listening and appraising exam – 2 hours 15 minutes
A-Level Exam Board:
EDUQAS
Contact details:
Head of department Mrs H McKenna
h.mckenna@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk
ST NICHOLAS EXTRA:
Students will be offered the opportunity to perform in both small recitals and larger scale concerts throughout the year in a variety of venues. We will encourage A level students to take part in our Music Tour abroad and perform in a completely different setting. We will arrange visits to concerts by professional orchestras and ensembles which will help secure the understanding of the variety of styles studied for the appraising exam.
LEARNING JOURNEY
