Music for IB students
Having taken GCSE music, students will be prepared to build upon their skills and understanding at this level. This exciting course will expose students to a wide variety of learning opportunities and open their minds to a broad range of musical possibilities and influences.

Students will cover the history of western art music styles from 1575 to the present day. Through these explorations they will gain knowledge, skills and understanding of different genre, compositional styles, tonality and harmony. They will also delve into the exciting arena of world music, considering musical styles ranging from Indonesian Gamelin, through the music of China, Japan and Africa to the vibrant tunes of Latin American.

But it isn’t all study of other people’s music! There’s a lot of practical work to do too. This will include a fully assessed solo performance as well as the opportunity to perform in ensembles and to direct other groups of students. Composition will play a major role and students will learn to compose in a variety of styles, ultimately creating and submitting a short portfolio of compositions that should reflect the styles they have studied. An extended essay plays an important role in the IB Diploma and students will be able to explore ideas for this early on, allowing plenty of time for coaching, receiving assistance in using research methods and working with staff to enhance their study skills prior to the essay being written and submitted.

This thorough and interesting course will give students who want music to be part of their future career an essential foundation in their craft. Others who wish to continue to study music but don’t plan on using it directly in the future will benefit from gaining a variety of transferable skills such as the ability to plan and implement, and work in an accurate way. Musicians are also adept at working as part of a team and providing flexible input and effort - all skills that are highly sought after by universities and employers.

Assessment
In general terms, standard and higher level subjects are both studied throughout years 12 and 13. There are no examinations in Year 12 as all IB examinations take place in May of Year 13. In addition to the examinations you must complete a CAS journal, the theory of knowledge component and an extended essay. Each subject studied carries seven points and final grades are awarded according to a points system. The maximum mark is 45 points, made up of a potential seven points for each of the six subjects, plus three points that are available for the theory of knowledge and extended essay components.

For music specifically, the most substantial externally assessed examination is the musical analysis paper. For this students are presented with a CD of musical extracts, a set of scores and a set of questions relating to each score. Most works are “unseen” and one will be a “set work” requiring special study. Tapes and CDs of students’ compositions and performances will be assessed internally and submitted to the IB centre for moderation.

Enrichment activities
Students will have the opportunity to perform in, and outside of, the school via various performance groups and activities. Where possible we will arrange visits to appropriate events and facilities and students will be encouraged to visit concerts and other musical events.

Beyond the sixth form
Qualifications in music are essential to those considering studying music in higher education and going on to degree courses. There are many employment opportunities within the £600 million music industry, from classical to rock and pop performance, through composition and writing to support work such as instrument maintenance and repair, and sound engineering - the world of music has a lot to offer.