Key Stage 5
Why A level Music?
Our new A level Music course delivers a sophisticated, challenging approach to high level music study. This opportunity is a fantastic next step to GCSE music, which is now commonplace for our KS4 students.
Studying a broad portfolio, our senior musicians can look forward to exploring a broad range of musical styles from the 18th century through to the present day.
Post-18 Opportunities
A level Music is a pre-requisite for all University Music courses. Options available to students following post-18 study can be rich and varied. Opportunities within the music industry are varied and diverse. Performing as a professional instrumentalist or vocalist, working in support of performance in sound and light or mastering music production are all feasible options for students who have secured A Level music and progressed to degree study.
What is covered on the course?
Students will explore three main areas of study: the Western Classical Tradition, Pop Music and Music for Theatre. Developing an ability to be both reflective and critical of context, musical elements and key vocabulary are priorities. GCSE music is an essential pre-requisite in order to pursue A Level music. Our KS5 students are immediately challenged with Grade 5 music theory study, which, despite being an additional qualification, is considered a great platform and catalyst to KS5 study.
Which syllabus do we follow?
Newark Academy follows the AQA specification for AS Music and A level.
What is covered on the course?
Students will explore three main areas of study: Western Classical Tradition, Pop Music and Music for Theatre. Developing an ability to be both reflective and critical of context, musical elements and key vocabulary are focussed priorities. Having secured GCSE music, students are then well equipped to pursue music at the upper level. From the outset, KS5 students are immediately met with Grade 5 music theory study, which, despite being an additional qualification, is considered a great platform and catalyst to A Level study.
The course itself is divided into three parts:
Appraisal
Accounting for 40% of the qualification, this aspect embraces a musical styles and approaches.
The unit consists of three areas of study including Western Classical Music (1600-1910), Pop music and Music for Theatre. Through the course they will develop their aural and written skills through listening, analysis, class discussion and written work. At the end of the course all students will sit a written exam lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes covering listening, analysis and essay writing skills.
Central to the written component of this unit is the division of music into factual observations, and music’s ‘affect’ or what we experience when we listen to music. Students will learn how to give an in-depth account of stylistic developments and historical context, while offering their own accounts of musical listening.
Performance
Practice, Perform, and Observe
Performance makes up 35% of the A level assessment. Students are encouraged to perform aspects of their developing portfolios as part of our recitals and
Composition
This is worth 25% of the assessment and is divided into two parts – composition to a brief and Free Composition where students can write in any style. Students can draw inspiration from other composers and use their contextual understanding to create their own pieces.