AS Level / A2 Level
The content of the AS Level course is fully documented in the syllabus. This document gives a course outline, a teaching schedule for the year, internal assessment methods and teaching strategies.
The course consists of two compulsory assessment units:
AS 1
A choice of one of four performance / composition based options.
AND
AS 2 test of aural perception & written examination
Under AS 1, the Performance-related tasks are:
Option A: core solo or ensemble performance + composition task
Option B: core solo or ensemble performance + multi-tracking task
Option C: core solo or ensemble performance + sequenced arrangement task
Option D: core composition task + solo or ensemble performance
AS 2
The chosen area of study is The Twentieth Century Musical
Set works:
- Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No.2, first movement
- Haydn’s Surprise Symphony (2nd movt.)
- Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor
- Beethovens’ Violin Concerto in D (3rd movt.)
- Dvorak’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor.
In preparation for the written examination, the set works will be covered in appropriate depth to enable the pupils to respond to the contextual question and the area of study will be covered throughout the year and pupil progress monitored regularly through essays done at home and in class and by other assessment projects.
The table below outlines the percentage weighting of each component:
Assessment Unit | Component Part | Percentage Weighting |
---|---|---|
AS1 | Option A, B, C or D | 64% of AS 32% of A2 |
AS2 | Test of aural perception and Written examination | 36% of AS 18% of A2 |
A2 music
The course follows an identical structure to that at AS.
The options for A2 1 are identical to those set at AS level (see above).
A2 2
The chosen area of study is Jazz in the USA (1930 – 1960)
Set works:
- Debussy: Prélude á “l’après-midi d’un faune”
- Stravinsky: Overture, Gavotte and Vivo from Pulcinella Suite
- Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra, fourth movement
- Bernstein: Cha-cha, Meeting Scene and Cool from
- Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.
The table below outlines the percentage weighting of each component:
Assessment Unit | Component Part | Percentage Weighting |
---|---|---|
A2 1 | Option A, B, C or D | 30% of A2 |
A2 2 | Test of aural perception and Written examination | 20% of A2 |