The GCSE Music Course is a course consisting of three integrated elements:
Performing, Composing and Listening and Appraising.
The course focuses on all aspects of music from early music to modern times, allowing students to develop a greater knowledge, breadth and understanding of music through the use of their own individual instrumental skills, and the composing of their own music.
During the course students will be required to prepare and perform two pieces of music, to compose two pieces and to appraise one performance and one composition. The coursework will also be linked to the 4 areas of study.
• Area of Study 1: My Music (Spotlight on my Instrument)
• Area of Study 2: Shared Music (Musical Relationships and Roles)
• Area of Study 3: Dance Music
• Area of Study 4: Descriptive Music
Students will consult with their teachers on the best ways of achieving this. This makes up the 60% coursework element. Performances can be on any Classical or Rock instrument, Rapping, Beatboxing, DJ-ing or MC-ing.
Students will also prepare for the terminal exam which takes place in the spring term of their second year and which is worth 15% of the final grade. They will be given a choice of musical starting points for a composition and then allowed 40 minutes to prepare a piece. This links directly with the second area of study.
Students who choose to take music must be prepared to practise on a regular daily basis. They will also be required to purchase any music books, backing tracks for their performance work. They will also be required to complete homework assignments and to work on their composition outside lesson time. Students in year 10 and 11 have priority access to our equipment, music ICT and practice rooms at lunchtime and after school.