Music

Director of Music: A.P. Forbes BA LRAM
Head of Academic Music: Mrs S.L. Ratchford BA (Durham)
Course Specification: EdExcel

Music provides an opportunity to study European cultural heritage as well as other cultures across the world. Accordingly, the AS and A2 courses include a mixture of musical traditions and styles. Pupils choose Music either as a foundation for further musical studies or as a complementary academic subject to other AS and A2 levels. Great emphasis is placed upon developing independence of thought and expression, a capacity for intellectual study, and greater personal awareness of the social and sociological factors that permeate the creation of music.

Course Requirements

Most pupils will have successfully followed the GCSE course, although gifted performers or composers, after consultation with staff, could possibly be accepted without GCSE Music. Those taking the course will be fully involved in practical music making, and so enthusiasm and dedication are essential.

Subject Combinations

Music combines well with all Arts subjects, such as English and History, but also with Science-based subjects such as Mathematics and Physics. It is recommended that those taking Music at A Level should also take the Music Performance course. The A Level Music course is also helpful for those wishing to prepare for a music diploma such as the DipABRSM, CertRCO etc.

Higher Education

The majority of pupils go on to university courses in a wide range of subjects, including Law, History, English, Psychology and Languages. Music also combines well with subjects such as Education for those considering teaching 4-13 year olds. In addition, pupils who have taken this course can pursue several different musical paths, including university courses in Music (BA), performance courses at Music College (BMus) or Music Technology.

Pattern of Assessment



Page last updated Sat 8 Dec 2007 12:24