Grade 5 in Music and basic keyboard skills required. Students need to have taken the exam for Grade 5 Theory and/or taken an exam for Grade 6 in their chosen instrument/voice
Music
| Specific Course Entry Requirements |
Grade 5 in Music and basic keyboard skills required. Students need to have taken the exam for Grade 5 Theory and/or taken an exam for Grade 6 in their chosen instrument/voice |
| Examination Levels Offered | A-Level |
| Examination Board | Edexcel |
A-Level
The Edexcel Music A-level will be 100% externally assessed, with two non-examined assessments (performance and composition) and one written exam (listening/appraising). The non-examination assessments will take place in May/June in the year of certification.
Performance 30% (non-examined assessment, externally assessed. Total 60 marks)
Content Overview: Approaches to Performing
Assessment Overview: the performance section of this qualification requires a performance of one or more pieces of music as a recital in a public performance. This can be on one or more than one instrument, or voice, and can be made up of solo and ensemble performances (but not only ensemble performances). The performance must be a minimum of 5 to 8 minutes in duration. There are up to 12 marks of the 60 available for difficulty of the pieces.
Composition 30% (non-examined assessment, externally assessed. Total 60 marks)
Content Overview: Approaches to Composing
Assessment Overview: Students must submit a total of two compositions. One is set to a brief provided by Pearson (Edexcel) and the other composition is chosen from a list of briefs designed to assess a particular composition technique. The first composition must be a minimum of 4 minutes and the composition technique assessment should be at least one minute (unless a longer time is specified). The first composition carries 40 marks and the second carries 20.
Listening and Appraising: 40% (written exam, 2 hours. Total 100 marks)
Content Overview: Knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language. Application of knowledge through the context of six areas of study, each with three set works. Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music for Film, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions, New Directions. Application of knowledge to unfamiliar works.
Assessment Overview: one audio CD with the extracts to accompany the paper will be provided for each student. The paper comprises of two sections, A and B. Section A is made up of three questions based on set works, with skeleton scores provided and a melody/rhythm dictation exercise. (50 marks).
Section B is an extended response section consisting of two essay questions. Essay one asks students to draw links from their set works to an unfamiliar piece of music (20 marks) and the second essay question gives a choice of three questions that ask students to evaluate the musical elements, context and language of one set work. Each option will be from a different area of study. (30 marks)
Staff Contact
Mrs S Homewood - shomewood@oxtedschool.co.uk