Head of Department: Mrs R Collier
GCSE Music is designed to develop skills in playing music, creating original music, and writing about music.
We follow the Eduqas course, which applies these skills to the study of four Areas of Study:
AOS1) Western classical music (musical forms and devices)
AOS2) Musical theatre, chamber music and jazz (music for ensemble)
AOS3) Film music
AOS4) Popular music
Unit 1 = performing music (30%)
Throughout Year 10 you will learn to perform several pieces of music. Some of these will be solos (working on your own) and some of them will be ensembles (working in a group). You can play any instrument, sing, or perform using music technology. In Year 11 you will choose 4-6 minutes of music to record for final assessment, which must include at least one ensemble piece.
Unit 2 = composing music (30%)
The GCSE course requires you to make your own music in a style that interests you. You will practise these skills in the first part of Year 10, using live instruments and music technology. In the summer term of Year 10 and during Year 11, you will create two pieces of music, each lasting at least two minutes. These will be submitted for the final assessment.
Unit 3 = listening to and appraising music (40%)
This unit is assessed by an examination at the end of Year 11. In the exam you will answer questions about eight different pieces of music. Two of the pieces are 'set works' that we will study in advance, while the other six are examples of music within the four Areas of Study. The questions include short answers and one essay.
Music
I can't 'read music' so will that be a problem? Music is written down in lots of different ways, and we will study some of them during the GCSE course. It's more important that you enjoy listening to music and thinking about what you can hear.
Isn't music just a 'fun' subject? Will it help me in the future? GCSE Music involves 60% coursework, so you will develop organizational skills, discipline and self-motivation. You will also need to work effectively as part of a group and be creative in a variety of contexts.
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FAQs about GCSE Music
I don't have individual music lessons. Can I still take GCSE Music? Yes, if you have worked hard in Year 9 music lessons you will have the necessary skills to do well in the GCSE.
I'm nervous about performing in front of other people. Is that a problem? No! You have to play music by yourself and with others, but you do not have to perform in front of an audience - just your teacher.