Examination board specification: Edexcel L3 Extended Certificate

At Key Stage 5, we offer BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Music Performing (Pearson). Two staff have been trained as Internal Verifiers, with the Head of Department having been OSCA accredited. We also offer A Level Music where we follow the Pearson syllabus.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Music

What do Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys, Ed Sheeran and Rihanna have in common? They all studied Music before they started their Music careers!  This course allows you to study different genres of Music, as well as performing, recording and producing your own material.

You will:

Deepen your understanding of Contemporary Music and expand your awareness of the theoretical, cultural and performance aspects of Music.

Study contemporary Pop Music and the 'Classics', MIDI sequencing and the Digital Audio Workstation.

Have the opportunity to perform at various live Music events and Concerts.

Critically analyse Pop Music.

Develop your own Songs and Performance Skills.

Use industry standard equipment, including iMac G4’s with Logic Pro 9 in the recording studio.

Assessment is mainly by coursework.

Next steps: You could progress on to university level study, Music College / Conservatoire, Foundation Degree or employment in the Music industry. Entry requirements: ECC Standard requirements, GCSE Music, or invitation to audition.

A Level Music

You will:

Deepen your understanding of performing.

Develop and extend your understanding of composition and compositional techniques.

Analyse various styles of music.

Assessment:

Performance:  Eight minute recorded recital. You choose the pieces and the style. (30%).

Composition:  A four minute composition to a brief which is written and recorded plus one compositional technique exercise (traditional 4-part harmony) (30%).

Listening:  Two hour exam (40%).  You will analyse set works (vocal music, instrumental music, Music for Film, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions and New Directions). You will undertake some musical dictation, answer technical questions about the set works and write analytical essays.

Next steps: You could progress on to university level study, Music College / Conservatoire, Foundation Degree or employment in the Music industry. Entry requirements: ECC Standard requirements, GCSE Music, or invitation to audition