Whether pupils join us from St Mary’s Hall or from another school, the final two years of compulsory study of music are an exhilarating mixture of fun and rigour. Pupils will study a wide variety of musical genres, from classical to jazz, pop and world music, but in all activities the focus will be on developing musicianship and having a deep understanding of how music works, so they are equipped to play, study or enjoy any genre of music.

Pupils will complete a number of performing and improvising/composing projects, as well as taking a short listening examination at the end of the year.

Pupils who work consistently well through the music course in Years 7 and 8 will be able to be successful in the Lower Grammar (Year 9) course, which is taken by around half of the Playroom, and then go on to the top grades at GCSE.

In Lower Grammar, Music is an option taken by nearly half of the Playroom. We follow a generalist course: playing, listening to and evaluating a variety of different styles, including rock, jazz and classical, as well as some world music genres. Pupils will also learn how to compose their own music, whether in classical, popular song or EDM genres (or even all three). We introduce the use of music typesetting software during the year, particularly for those who might like to go on to GCSE and beyond.

Unit 1 – Performing: 30%

Pupils will perform for at least four minutes, including at least one minute as a member of an ensemble. This is recorded and marked by the teachers, then moderated externally. Grade 4 is a general level to be aiming for.

Unit 2 – Composing: 30%

Pupils will compose two compositions lasting a total of at least 3 minutes.

One composition will be based on a brief set by Edexcel, and one will be a free composition.

Pupils will produce a score and a recording of the pieces, which are marked by their teacher and moderated externally.

Unit 3 – Appraising: 40%

Pupils will sit an exam of 1 hour and 45 minutes, answering questions on Set Works and Listening. This is marked externally. Pupils learn about 4 areas of study: Instrumental Music 1700-1820, Vocal Music, Music for Stage and Screen, and Fusions.

Unit 1 - Performing: 30%

Throughout the course, pupils will have a variety of performing opportunities, both in College and outside. These will culminate in a recital on their first-study instrument in Rhetoric (Year 13) year, which involves a performance of at least 8 minutes in a recital situation as a soloist and / or member of an ensemble. This is recorded and marked externally.

Unit 2 - Composing: 30%

Pupils learn to express themselves musically in their on style, as well as how to write in conventional styles, particularly Bach chorales. Pupils will write a free composition or a composition to a brief set by Edexcel, lasting at least 4 minutes. The score and recording of the piece, together with two Bach chorale exercises, are marked externally.

Unit 3 - Developing Musical Understanding: 40%

There are set works across variety of styles, from Bach to Kate Bush! Examinations are a combination of knowledge about these set works and answering questions on extracts not previously heard.

Each IBDP subject can be taken at either Higher Level or Standard Level. In music, there are some slight differences between the two courses, but all IB musicians are taught together.

Exploring Music in Context (30% SL / 20% HL)

Whilst exploring music in context, pupils will be introduced to diverse musical material that will broaden their musical horizons as they mature as researchers, creators, and performers. The assessment for this module consists of both written work and practical (performance & compositional) exercises.

Experimenting with Music (30% SL / 20% HL)

Pupils will connect theoretical studies to practical work, again taking on the roles of researcher, creator, and performer. This allows the opportunity to experiment with a range of musical material across local and global contexts. The assessment consists of a written report and creative and performance exercises.

Presenting Music (40% SL / 30% HL)

Pupils will practise and prepare finished pieces for presentation an audience. The assessment consists of a performance (a maximum of 12 minutes) and a composition portfolio (maximum 6 minutes), as well as written programme notes for both.

The Contemporary Music-Maker (HL only, 30%)

This module challenges Higher Level pupils to engage with musical processes in the setting of contemporary music-making. The assessment consists of a 15-minute presentation evidencing the project proposal, process, and evaluation, as well as the realised projects.