Sixth Form Information Booklet 2014 - Epsom College

MODERN LANGUAGES – MANDARINPaper 2 – Listening, Reading and Translation (30%)a) Two reading passages – with questions in Englishb) Chinese sayings – a list of 25 is provided in the syllabus; 3are chosen for the examinationc) Translation into EnglishPaper 3 – Writing and Usage (25%)a) Identification of radicals and measure wordsb) Letter writingc) An essay, requiring candidates to express opinionsPaper 4 – Chinese Culture (25%)a) Topics in Chinese Culture (e.g. the Foundation of the People’sRepublic of China; or Economic trends)b) Literature or Film (one “set book” or film)Both a) and b) are to be answered in English.The use of the Pocket Oxford Chinese Dictionary is allowed inall papers except the Oral.The topic areas covered are similar to those offered in theother languages above, but we see the inclusion of a culturepaper as a particular advantage in terms of interest and value.ADVANTAGES OF PRE-UWe consider the principal advantages to be:• the fact that the examination is designed for non-nativespeakers• the use of criterion-referencing rather than normreferencing;in other words, all candidates worthy of topgrades will receive them, not just a top percentage.• the use of English for the Culture paper• much of the preparation for this paper can be delivered inEnglish• large parts of this paper can be delivered by otherspecialists, e.g. in Economics, History or Literature• the use of English to test comprehension• the availability of a dictionary.SUBJECT COMBINATIONS AND HIGHEREDUCATION AND CAREERSFor these we would refer you to the relevant entries underModern Languages above. Regular trips are offered to places ofChinese cultural interest in the UK, such as the British Museumand Chinatown, and the department is intending to arrange avisit to China in the near future.All language teaching is done by our native speaker frommainland China, and we maintain links with all the key Chineselanguage teaching associations in the UK.MUSICHEAD OF DEPARTMENT – MR G A LODGE• Four choirs, including the Chapel Choir rehearse each weekand perform regularly• Seven instrumental ensembles, among them Orchestra andBig Band, enjoy a lively rehearsal and performance schedule• A wide range of concerts each term• An annual musical theatre production (musical or opera)• Excellent facilities for rock groups and music technology• An unrivalled team of instrumental and vocal teachersdrawn from all musical fieldsINTRODUCTIONThe AS/A2 course in Music is challenging and varied because afully rounded musical education requires a wide range of skills:probably more than any other subject. The diverse nature ofthe course is reflected in the three unit structure for AS/A2assessment in each year, outlined below.To start the AS course you would need to have a stronginterest in all areas of the subject. You will also need to beperforming on any instrument/voice at approximately Grade 5standard at least. It is not necessary to have taken GCSE Music,although the skills developed on this course will be usefulduring the AS/A2 course.COURSE OUTLINEThe units at AS Level are:Unit 1 – Performing.(30%) This involves five to six minutes of recorded soloperformance. The standard level of performance expected isapproximately Grade 5. Candidates performing well at thislevel can achieve full marks but it is worth noting that marksfor performances at a higher level than this are scaled up.This unit is assessed by the Music Department and externallymoderated.24