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Music
“Music is a universal language central to every culture of the world.” Ron Brown
Our Philosophy
The Music department at LPGS is an ever evolving, vibrant and dynamic department that inspires students to express and develop their creative ideas. Music and Music Technology are offered at Key Stage 3 and our examination results at GCSE (KS4) and A-level (KS5) consistently place us among the school’s highest-achieving subjects. The achievements of our students are celebrated each term through school concerts and wider community events each term. The extra-curricular programme is rich and varied and driven by the interests and abilities of the students. There are choirs to suit all vocal styles, as well as orchestras, concert bands and smaller ensembles for instrumentalists that suitably challenge students of grade 1 through to grade 8. Students are annually given the opportunity to go on tour and perform as part of an ensemble in countries such as Slovakia, Poland and even China.
What we expect from our students
Students are expected to be well organised and willing to learn. They are encouraged to take creative risks, experimenting with their own ideas and embrace the different styles of music explored in lessons. A positive learning environment is fostered and students are expected to support each other, working effectively on their own and as part of a team. We encourage students to use their initiative and work independently. There are opportunities for students to take part in performances, making a positive contribution to the life of the school.
Instrumental lessons
Instrumental lessons are taught by a team of Peripatetic teachers provided through Bromley Youth Music Trust. Lessons take place during the school day but are organised on a rotation system to avoid disruption to lessons. A large number of pupils take instrumental or vocal lessons and we have around twenty visiting teachers. The following instruments are currently offered:
| Voice | Piano & Keyboard | Harp | Drum Kit | Percussion | Violin |
| Viola | Cello | Guitar | Oboe | Clarinet | Saxophone |
| Flute | Trumpet | Trombone | French Horn | Tuba | Djing |
Contact Name: Miss G Sheppard
Key Stage 5: A Level Music (AQA)
Description of Course
Music is available as a 3 Unit Award (A-Level).
The course is designed to develop all aspects of musicianship: performance, analysis, critical listening, and composition.
Skills Required
A commitment to hard work and a busy rehearsal schedule; the ability to work independently (instrumental practice and research); the potential to reach grade 7+ by the end of the course. Involvement in ExtraCurricular ensembles and concerts is mandatory.
Entry Qualifications
Grade 6 or above in Music GCSE; good instrumental skills (grade 5/6); musical literacy (grade 5 theory equivalent).
Method of Assessment
Written examination; Controlled Assessment; Internal & External assessment/moderation.
Component 1: Appraising Music
This component is 40% of A-Level marks (120 marks in total).
What's assessed
- Listening
- Analysis
- Contextual understanding
How it's assessed
- Exam paper with listening and written questions using excerpts of music.
Questions
- Section A: Listening (56 marks)
- Section B: Analysis (34 marks)
- Section C: Essay (30 marks)
There are seven areas of study, as follows:
- Western classical tradition 1650–1910 (compulsory)
- Pop music
- Music for media
- Music for theatre
- Jazz
- Contemporary traditional music
- Art music since 1910.
Students must study Area of study 1: Western classical tradition 1650–1910 and a choice of two from Areas of study 2–7 (as decided by the centre).
Component 2: Performance
This component is 35% of A-Level marks (50 marks in total)
What's assessed
- Music performance
How it's assessed
- Solo and/or ensemble performing as an instrumentalist, or vocalist and/or music production (via technology).
- A minimum of ten minutes of performance in total is required (no more than twelve minutes).
This component will be externally marked by AQA examiners. Work must be completed between 1 March and 31 May and sent by post/uploaded to AQA.
Component 3: Composition
This component is worth 25% of A-Level marks (50 marks in total).
What’s assessed
- Composition
How is it assessed
- Composition 1: Composition to a brief (25 marks)
- Composition 2: Free composition (25 marks)
Questions
- A minimum of four and a half minutes of music in total is required (no more than six minutes).
This component will be externally marked by AQA examiners. Work must be completed by mid May and sent by post/uploaded to AQA.
Educational Progression and Career Opportunities
Music has been described as an intelligent response to feeling. The study of music at A-Level requires self discipline and motivation, a high level of instrumental/vocal skill, creativity, analytical and abstract thinking, imagination, the ability to work extremely well individually or collectively, and networking. A good education in music opens up many different pathways – at degree level and beyond.
“Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.” Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
