Backwell School Sixth Form Course Guide

Music (A Level, Edugas) Entry Requirements: A grade 5 at GCSE Music or a Merit in BTEC Music Practice Grade 4 or equivalent on an instrument or voice An audition for students who did not take Music at GCSE Grade 5 Music Theory and regular ensemble playing experience will be a helpful grounding. Course Content

Exams

% When?

What?

Option A - Solo and/or ensemble performance:

Component 1: Performing

35/ 25%

Ongoing Examined in Term 4 in Year 13

Performance of at least three pieces. At least one must be as a soloist. Performance should last between 10 and 12 minutes and be of approximately Grade 6 standard. Pieces must reflect at least two different areas of study.

Option B - As above, but six to eight minutes and at least two pieces. Assessed by a visiting examiner.

Option A – Two contrasting compositions:

Component 2: Composing

25/ 35%

Ongoing

Compositions should be four to six minutes in total One piece should reflect an aspect of the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a brief set by WJEC. The second piece is a free composition.

Submitted at the start of Term 5 in Year 13

Option B - As above, but three compositions that should be eight to ten minutes in total and a third piece should reflect a different area of study.

Component 3: Appraising

40% Examined in the Summer of Year 13

One written/listening examination:

Area of study A: Western Classical Tradition – The Development of the Symphony Area of study B/C/D: Rock and Pop, Musical Theatre or Jazz Area of study E/F: Into the 20th Century or into the 21st Century.

The exam will consist of: set work analysis, extended responses and wider context, unprepared extracts of music with and without a score, comparison questions.

Career Links Studying A level Music is excellent preparation for a Music Degree or going on to Music College. It also develops a broad range of

skills useful in any sphere of further education. For more information please contact Mr Clarke.

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