MUSIC GCSE

If you enjoy music, play an instrument or sing and have a willingness to learn about a variety of musical genres, then this is a subject you will enjoy. You will need to be able to play an instrument or use your voice to Grade 3 standard. You do not need to have passed this grade; your level of performance will be confirmed by your Music teacher. To succeed on this course, you need to have a willingness to practise individually and within an ensemble.

COURSE CONTENT

• Performing: You will be required to perform one solo piece and one ensemble. You will develop your skills during your own practice time and within lessons. Pieces will be recorded and a written appraisal will accompany your performances. Pieces are marked by the class teacher during the live performance and then externally moderated.

• Composing: You will compose two pieces; a free piece of your own and another based on a brief published at the beginning of Year 11. You will be taught how to compose your own tunes, songs and instrumental pieces, using music technology. You will look into exploring your own creativity when composing music by listening to different styles of music. A written appraisal will also accompany your compositions.

• Listening: You will learn about many of the different styles of music. You will answer questions on different music styles, musical terminology and techniques. Within this exam there will be two study pieces that you will look at in depth.

ASSESSMENT

• Exam Board: AQA

• Performing – 30%: A solo and ensemble piece, recorded after March in Year 11 and assessed by the teacher.

• Composing – 30%: Two compositions, recorded and assessed by the teacher.

• Listening – 40%: A 1hour 30 min exam with questions based on the areas of study covered in class.

Legacy Specification – Year 11 only

If you enjoy music, play an instrument or sing and have a willingness to learn about a variety of musical genres, then this is a subject you will enjoy learning. This is a practical based course.

You will need to be able to play an instrument or sing to Grade 3 standard. You however, do not need to have passed this grade; your level of performance will be confirmed by your Music teacher. To succeed on this course, you need to have a willingness to practise individually and within an ensemble.

There are 3 areas of study in the course:

PERFORMING

You will be required to perform one solo piece and one ensemble. You will develop your skills during your own practice time and within lessons. Pieces will be recorded and a written appraisal will accompany your performances. Pieces are marked by the class teacher during the live performance and then externally moderated.

COMPOSING

You will be taught how to compose your own tunes, songs and instrumental pieces, using music technology. You will look into exploring your own creativity when composing music by listening to different styles of music. A written appraisal will also accompany your compositions.

LISTENING

You will learn about many of the different styles of music. There will be a controlled exam at the end of Year 11. You will answer questions on different music styles, musical terminology and techniques.