MUSIC IN THE SIXTH FORM

For anyone who enjoys music, and especially for those with skill in a particular instrument or flair for composition, this course is ideal.

In common with most other subject, there is a total of six units in A-level, three for AS and three for A2. Most candidates will complete the three AS units at the end of the Lower Sixth. Some will want to go no further but will have achieved a very worthwhile qualification in a subject that is increasingly found to show candidates' versatility when applying to university, and is often an option as part of a degree course. Many will, it is hoped, continue their studies through to the A2 units, many elements of which are a natural progression from the earlier units. The great benefit of the syllabus is the flexibility of the course and the opportunities for study that it presents.

Syllabus:  Edexcel Examinations Board

The three parts of the AS course are:

Unit 1:

Performance (approx Grade 5 instrumental grade expected)
Unit 2: Composition - possible areas of study are very varied - Variations, Romantic miniatures, Neo-Classicism, Post-Modernism, The Popular Song, Film and TV, Music Theatre, with a focus on textures, chords and cadences, scales, modes and timbre
Unit 3: Listening and Understanding - again, the range of possibilities is very wide: keyboard music, music for film or TV, music for large ensemble or small ensemble, popular music and jazz, secular or sacred vocal music

A2 comprises three further units which allow candidates to specialise to suit their strengths and further develop skills explored in earlier units:

Unit 4:

Specialist options: recital or composition portfolio
Unit 5: Composing and performing during the course
Unit 6: Listening, and question on extended area of study first encountered in Unit 3

Music Home Page | Music in 1st - 3rd years | GCSE Music | Instrumental Lessons 

 

St George's School, Wells Lane, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7DZ  Telephone: 01344 629900
E-mail: office@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk