Music is taught to all pupils throughout Key Stage 3 at King Edward’s School, and then as an option subject at GCSE, AS and A Level. The department has excellent teaching facilities and resources, with two main well-equipped music classrooms, and a dedicated Sixth Form Music teaching room.
Years 7, 8 and 9
A ‘Spiral of Learning’ is the corner-stone of how the Music Curriculum is structured in Years 7 and 8. Pupils re-visit units of work to consolidate prior learning, as well as covering new ground to extend and enhance their understanding of each topic covered. The topics are based around the essential ‘building bricks’ of music itself: the Musical Elements. In Year 9, the Musical Elements are brought together in the study of a variety of topics that is relevant to young people’s musical experience today.
YEAR 7
Foundation Course – an overview of the Elements of Music
Pitch
Duration / Tempo / Rhythm I
Duration / Tempo / Rhythm II
Texture
Structure
YEAR 8
Timbre / Dynamics
Pitch
Duration / Tempo / Rhythm I
Duration / Tempo / Rhythm II
Texture
Structure
YEAR 9
TV / Film Music I
TV / Film Music II
Songwriting I
Songwriting II
World Musics
Twentieth Century Compositional Techniques
Years 10 and 11
Board GCSE
Music AQA 3271
The AQA Specification is followed for GCSE, and is constructed as follows:
|
Unit 1 |
Coursework Composing |
25% |
|
Unit 2 |
Coursework Performing |
25% |
|
Unit 3 |
Integrated Assignment |
25% |
|
Unit 4 |
Listening and Appraising Test |
25% |
Unit 1: Coursework Composing
A folio of two compositions, at least one of which is based on Area of
Study: Music for Special Events. Submissions will be by either recording, wherever possible, with score, or recording with detailed annotation. Internally-assessed and externally moderated.
Unit 2: Coursework Performing
The practical element consists of two prepared performances. One solo and one ensemble performance. This part of the exam will be assessed in school and moderated by an external examiner. Assessment may be conducted at any stage during the course and the recorded evidence retained for submission. Internally-assessed and externally moderated.
Unit 3: Integrated Assignment
One composition, based on a given brief, arising from one of four of the Areas of Study (excluding Music for Special Events). The assignment will be issued in the Spring term and the composition, submitted as a score and/or annotation, must also be accompanied by a recorded realisation and an evaluation. Internally assessed and externally moderated.
Unit 4: Listening and Appraising Test
· All five Areas of Study will be included in the test
· Externally-assessed as part of the Terminal Examination
Areas of study:
- Music for Film
- Music for Dance
- Music for Special Events
- Orchestral Landmarks
- The Popular song since 1960
Years 12 and 13
Board AS A2
Music OCR 3872 7872
Whilst gaining a GCSE Music qualification is not necessarily a prerequisite to being able to embark upon the AS/A2 Level Music course, a strong aptitude for performing, coherence and creativity in composing and possessing accurate listening/evaluative skills will all be essential.
Objectives of the Course and Skills Acquired:
AS and A2 Specifications encourage:
- Continuing development of practical and theoretical skills.
- The appreciation of the diverse heritage of music
- The development of particular strengths and interests
Methods of Assessment:
COMMON TO BOTH AS AND A2.
i) PERFORMING AND COMPOSING
The development and interpretation of musical ideas showing technical and expressive control.
ii) UNDERSTANDING
To comment perceptively on the structure and contextual aspects of music.
iii) QUALITY OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
To organise information clearly using specialist vocabulary.
To select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to purpose and complex subject matter.
AS Level
Unit 1
i) Recital on first study instrument, six to eight minutes
duration.
ii) Performance on second study instrument or participation in
an ensemble.
Unit 2
i ) Seven examples of four part harmony
ii) One original composition involving four or more instruments.
Duration no more than 3 minutes
Unit 3
i) AURAL. Based on taped extracts and skeleton score.
ii) HISTORY. Three set works and three jazz set works to
include one question on any historical aspect of these works.
SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT FOR A2
Unit 4
i) Recital on solo instrument, no longer than 15 minutes.
ii) Submitted comparison of several performances.
Unit 5
i) Aural examination based on a skeleton score of a 20th
Century vocal work.
ii) Questions on an historical topic.
Unit 6
i) Submitted exercises in style of Bach Chorale.
ii) Composition comprising a setting of given words.
