Music

“Music can change the world because it can change people.” – Bono

  • A level Music (AQA 7272)

1: Listening. Analysis and Contextual understanding (40%)
2: Musical Performance (35%)
3: Composition (25%)

Component 1 is assessed by an exam paper consisting of listening questions, analysis questions and an essay on the set work study pieces.

Component 2 enables students to perform (sing of play) to the best of their ability, with assessed solo and ensemble pieces, with a minimum performance time of ten minutes.

Component 3 allows students to develop their musical creativity and produce two compositions (one to a given brief) and one free composition.

Additional information:  

The school has a wide range of experienced peripatetic teachers who provide tuition in brass, clarinet, drum kit, flute, guitar (acoustic, bass, electric), singing, violin, viola and ‘cello. We are still finding that in this digital, technological age, increasing numbers of students want to learn, and physically play a musical instrument. Significant numbers of students are being successfully entered for external practical or theory exams with ABRSM, Rockschool and Trinity exam boards.

One of the highlights of the school year is the annual school production, which in 2017 is Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Previous recent productions have included: ‘Joseph’, ‘Grease’, ‘Wizard of Oz’, ‘Bugsy Malone’, ‘Oliver’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’, ‘Annie’, and ‘The Sound of Music’. Regular formal and informal concerts are held over the year, ranging from soloists evenings, BTEC evenings, as well as termly ‘tutti’ music concerts. Significant numbers of extra-curricular opportunities are available for students to access and participate in, with popular ensembles being the School Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Crescendo Choir, Crescendo Orchestra, Upper School Choir, Pizzicato Strings, Flute Group, Brass Group and Uke group. Students have performed at other venues including The Sage, Gateshead and Whitley Bay Playhouse.

Staffing:          

Mr I Teoh – Curriculum Leader of Music
Ms A Hodgson
Mrs A Gleeson
Mrs P Flannagan – Teaching Assistant