Course information
Music
Manchester High School for Girls - Manchester
01612240447
Grangethorpe Road, Manchester, M14 6HS
Course summary

Music is an extremely versatile subject, and it can be taken in combination with just about any other subject at A-level. It keeps the doors open to many degree courses, in addition to pure Music or Performing Arts courses at university or conservatoire. As you can see below, the Edexcel Music syllabus at A-level offers students the possibility to explore many new and interesting areas, whilst continuing to encourage the development of their existing skills and musical interests. In short, the course provides an excellent basis for lifelong learning and love of music. Unit 1: Performance • You are required to give a public performance of one or more pieces, given as a recital. This will be recorded and sent to Edexcel. • A performance can be playing or singing solo, in an ensemble, improvising, or realising music using music technology. • The total performance time across all pieces must be eight to 10 minutes. • Performances must be recorded after 1st March in the year of certification. • The expected standard of performance will be around ABRSM Grade 7-8 level. Unit 2: Composition • You are expected to submit two compositions. • The combined duration should be six minutes. • One composition should be to a brief set by Edexcel and one should either be a free composition or to a different Edexcel brief. • An example of a typical brief might be: “Compose a piece over a ground bass for solo instrument and accompaniment to be performed as part of a recital.” Unit 3: Appraising • Students are expected to show knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language. • Students are expected to apply their knowledge through the context of six areas of study, each with three set works. The areas of study are Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music for Film, Popular Music, Jazz, Fusion and New Directions. • The set works for each of the areas of study are shown in the table below.

Entry requirements

We welcome applications for admission into the Sixth Form, which is normally conditional upon students achieving at least a grade A or 7 at GCSE in the subjects they wish to study, good passes in English and Mathematics and having at least five GCSEs at grade 7 or above. Applicants studying Science and Additional Science at GCSE should note that a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required if they wish to study a Science subject at A level.

How you'll be assessed

Unit 1: Performance This is a non-examined component. Performances are externally assessed by Edexcel. This component is worth 30% of the total A-level marks. Unit 2: Composition This is a non-examined component. Compositions are externally assessed by Edexcel. This component is worth 30% of the total A-level marks. Unit 3: Appraising This component is assessed by a two-hour examination. Listening extracts are provided on an audio CD. Section A features three questions relating to the set work and one short melody or rhythm completion exercise. Section B features two essay questions, one of which requires students to draw links from their study of the set works to an unfamiliar extract. This examination is worth 40% of the total A-level marks.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionNorth West
Local AuthorityManchester
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeGirls
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form Fee£14,160
AddressGrangethorpe Road, Manchester, M14 6HS