A Level 

This Music course offers a broad and coherent course of study which encourages learners to:

• Engage actively in the process of music study
• Develop performing skills to demonstrate an understanding of musical elements, style, sense of continuity, interpretation and expression
• Develop composing skills to demonstrate the manipulation of musical ideas and the use of musical devices and conventions
• Recognise the interdependence of musical knowledge, understanding and skills, and make links between the integrated activities of performing, composing and appraising underpinned by attentive listening
• Broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity
• Develop and extend the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to communicate effectively as musicians  develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of instruments and styles, and of relevant approaches to both performing and composing
• Develop awareness of music technologies and their use in the creation and presentation of music
• Appraise contrasting genres, styles and traditions of music, and develop understanding of musical contexts and a coherent awareness of musical chronology
• Develop as effective, independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
• Reflect critically and make personal judgements on their own and others’ music
• Engage with, and extend appreciation of, the diverse heritage of music in order to promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development.

The course units completed are as follows:

Year 1

• Unit 1 - Performing: A performance consisting of a minimum of two pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study.
• Unit 2 - Composing: Two compositions - 1. A piece of at least 1 minute duration which uses the techniques associated with the Western Classical Tradition, in response to a brief set by WJEC (from a choice of four).  2. A free composition of at least 2 minutes duration.
• Unit 3 - Appraising: Written exam. Two areas of study - Area A: The Western Classical Tradition (Part 1) and a choice of one of the following -  Area B: Rock and Pop 1965-1990 Area C: Musical Theatre, Porter, Rodgers, Schönberg and LloydWebber or Area D: Jazz 1940-1965.

Year 2

• Unit 4 - Performing: Choose Option A or B

Option A - A performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces. At least one of these pieces must be as a soloist. The other pieces may be either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study. At least one other piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one other, different area of study. Or Option B - A performance consisting of a minimum of two pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study.

• Unit 5 - Composing: Choose Option A or B

Option A - Two compositions, 1. A piece of at least 1 minute duration which uses the techniques associated with the Western Classical Tradition, in response to a brief set by WJEC (from a choice of four) and 2. A free composition of at least 2 minutes duration.

Option B - Three compositions, 1. A piece of at least 1 minute duration which uses the techniques associated with the Western Classical Tradition, in response to a brief set by WJEC (from a choice of four). 2. A free composition reflecting one other different area of study of at least 2 minutes duration. 3. A free composition of at least 2 minutes duration

• Unit 6 - Appraising: Written Exam. Two areas of study - Area E: The Western Classical Tradition (Part 2) and Area F: Music of the Twentieth and Twenty-first Centuries

Assessment 

The assessment weighting is as follows:

• Unit 1 - 12%
• Unit 2 - 12%
• Unit 3 - 16%
• Unit 4 - 22%
• Unit 5 - 14%
• Unit 6 - 24%
• TOTAL - 100% 

Where Next 

This course provides a suitable foundation for the study of Music or a related area through a range of higher education courses, progression to the next level of vocational qualifications or employment.

More Information 

For more information about this course please see the specification below or contact the Sixth Form team.