GCSE & A-Level Information
Key Stage 3
In year 7, 8 and 9 pupils explore many different styles of music from all over the world. In every scheme of work the pupils are expected to perform, compose and develop their listening skills. They will assess their own work and look for ways to refine it.
Key Stage 3
Year 7
- The elements of music
- Structures in music Binary and ternary
- Music from the United Kingdom
- Latin Music
- Carnival of the Animals
Year 8
- Major and Minor
- Music Theory
- Working with Chords
- Music from Indonesia
- Voices in Layers
- Ragtime Music
Year 9
- Blues Music
- Music and Modes
- Music from India
- Music from the West Indies
- Pop music and song writing
- Musicals
G.C.S.E.
At Rivington and Blackrod High School we follow the Edexcel specification at G.C.S.E the course outline is:
Performing Element
Pupils have to perform 2 pieces of music. One piece must be a solo performance and the other must be an ensemble performance. The pieces maybe recorded anytime throughout the course.
Composition Element
Pupils have to compose two compositions from different areas of study.
Listening Element
There is a listening exam will be in June. It focuses on 4 areas of study and you will have to analyze three set works from each area.
Area of study 1 Music from 1500-1900’s:
Area of study 2 Music from the 20th century
Area of study 3 Popular music, rock, pop, musicals
Area of study 4 World music, Indian and African
Although it is not essential to play an instrument it is preferable.
If a pupil does not play an instrument at the beginning of the course they will have to use their own time either at lunchtime or after school to learn two pieces on the keyboard.
A Level
AS Music
| Unit 1 | Written Exam: Influences on music | 30% AS Level 15% A level |
Paper 1 ½ Hours Section A |
Listening questions, pupils will have to recognise: Cadences Chord identification Compositional Techniques Tonality, instrumentation and texture Completion of melody and bass |
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| Section B | Historical Study of Western Classical Tradition An essay on Mozart’s Symphony No.41 in C |
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| Section C | Either Music Theatre 1940-1980 One Essay |
| Unit 2 | Composing: Creating Musical Ideas | 30% AS Level 15% A level |
Candidates will receive a brief and have 20 hours to work on the brief in the centre only. They will be able to choose from: |
| Unit 3 | Performing: Interpreting ideas | 40% AS Level 20% A level |
| A performance lasting between 5-8 minutes.
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A
Level
| Unit 4 | Written Exam: Influences on Music Paper 2 hours 15 minutes |
20% A Level |
Section A |
Listening questions, pupils will have to recognise:
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| Section B | Historical Study of Western Classical Tradition An essay on Mozart’s Symphony No.4 in D major |
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| Section C | Four decades of Jazz and Blues 1910-1950 One essay |
| Unit 5 | Composing: Developing Musical Ideas |
15% A Level |
Candidates will receive a brief and have 20 hours to work on the brief in the centre only. They will be able to choose from: Brief 1: Harmonisation of Bach Chorale and a String Quartet Brief 2: Free composition in response to a given genre Brief 3: Arranging a popular ‘classical’ piece into either a jazz, rock or pop style |
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Historical Study of Western Classical Tradition An essay on Mozart’s Symphony No.4 in D major |
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Four decades of Jazz and Blues 1910-1950 One essay |
| Unit 6 | Performing: A Musical Performance |
15% A Level |
A short programme offering two or more contrasting pieces. The programme should last 10-15 minutes. |
