The ‘A’ level Music course is particularly suited to those individuals who are able to demonstrate competent performance skills. This would typically be indicated by a minimum of a ‘5’ in Music GCSE (with an “6/7” in the performance unit- unit 3), and/or grade 5 standard in either Music Theory or Performance. A significant element of the course is practically based with much scope for students to develop their own skills and interests. Students can choose to perform and compose in a musical style of their choice. The department is fortunate enough to have 2 suites of computers with the music packages Cubase and Sibelius for student use. Such ICT facilities aid with both the creative process and professional standard score writing.

A wide variety of extra-curricular activities exist including; Orchestra, Wind Band, Jazz Band, Brass Band, String Group, Ukulele group , Harlington Voice Box, Harlington Jams, Sixth Form Chamber Choir, Music tours, concerts and productions. Students are encouraged to attend at least 2 activities per week, enhancing their musical experience at HUS.

The course develops a range of musical skills as well as giving students a broad musical background and repertoire. They serve as a sound basis for meeting the demands of university and college music courses. Indeed A Level Music is highly regarded by the Russell Group of Universities due to both the academic rigour and the creative aspects of the courses. The qualification is relevant to careers in the Music Industry as well as other careers that demand lateral thinking skills, independence and self- motivation to name but a few.

The A level music course provides opportunities for the development of creativity, improvement of performance skills and the acquisition of musical vocabulary and knowledge. Students A’ level music can expect to:

• Perform regularly on their chosen instrument in class as well as participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities and musical groups.
• Develop composing and creative skills through short composing projects, extended composition coursework and the use of ICT.
• Listen to and analyse music from a wide range of musical styles, writing about it using musical vocabulary.

Learning Strategies:

• Students will be expected to work independently in developing their own performance and composing skills. They will also be expected to work within a team and perform in class and whole school ensembles.
• Students will be expected to carry out background reading and listening on relevant topics.
• Staff will offer guidance and support in practical work and coursework alongside a range of strategies suited to the more academic elements of the course.

It is recommended that to study A’ Level Music, students have a performance standard of a minimum grade 4-5 at the end of year 11 (in consultation with the Head of Music); however, instrumental / vocal exams do not have to have been taken.

The Music Practitioners Level 3 course is particularly suited to those individuals who are able to demonstrate competent performance skills. This would typically be indicated by a minimum of a ‘5’ in Music GCSE/Merit in Music Practitioners Level 2 (with a “6/7” in the performance unit- unit 3 of GCSE and Merit/Distinction in MP Level 2 performance), and/or grade 4/5 standard in either Music Theory or Performance. A significant element of the course is practically based with much scope for students to develop their own skills and interests. Students can choose to perform and compose in a musical style of their choice. The department is fortunate enough to have 2 suites of computers with the music packages Cubase and Sibelius for student use. Such ICT facilities aid with both the creative process and professional standard score writing.

A wide variety of extra-curricular activities exist including; 6th Form Chamber Choir, Harlington Voice Box, Ukulele group, Guitar group, Percussion group, Orchestra, Jazz, String, Wind and Brass ensembles and Harlington Jams. , Music Committee, Music tours, concerts and productions. Students are encouraged to attend at least 2 activities per week, enhancing their musical experience at HUS.

The course develops a range of musical skills as well as giving students a broad musical background and repertoire. They serve as a sound basis for meeting the demands of university and college music courses. The qualification is relevant to careers in the Music Industry as well as other careers that demand lateral thinking skills, independence and self- motivation to name but a few.

The Music Practitioners course provides opportunities for the development of creativity, improvement of performance skills, an understanding of the careers open to them in the Music Industry and the acquisition of musical vocabulary and knowledge to create high level written work.

Music Practitioners Level 3 students can expect to:

• Perform regularly on their chosen instrument in class as well as participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities and musical groups.
• Develop composing and creative skills through short composing projects, extended composition coursework and the use of ICT.
• Listen to and analyse music from a wide range of popular musical styles, writing about it using musical vocabulary.

Learning Strategies:

• Students will be expected to work independently in developing their own performance and composing skills. They will also be expected to work within a team and perform in class and whole school ensembles.
• Students will be expected to carry out background reading and listening on relevant topics.
• Staff will offer guidance and support in practical work and coursework alongside a range of strategies suited to the more academic elements of the course.
• It is recommended that to study Music Practitioners Level 3, students have a performance standard of a minimum grade 4 at the end of year 11 (in consultation with the Head of Music); however, instrumental / vocal exams do not have to have been taken.