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GCSE Music Years 10 & 11

Specification

EdExcel - The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/music-2016.html

What will I study?

The GCSE Music course is designed to allow the study of Music through the integration of performing, composing and listening and appraising with opportunities to use music technology. It recognises that we live in an age of cultural diversity and covers a wide range of music: classical music, world music, and popular music. The flexible nature of the course allows students to capitalise on different musical interests.

What skills and qualities are required?

The GCSE Music course is an extension of class work done in Key Stage 3 and caters for a wide spectrum of musical abilities. It gives students the opportunity to make music, both individually and in groups, to develop a life-long interest in music and to progress to further study. You must be able to sing or play a musical instrument for the performance aspect of the course.

How will I learn?

The course is divided into three main areas:

Performing [30%]

All students will need to perform one solo piece and one ensemble piece by the end of the course.

Composing [30%]

Students will compose music throughout the course using computer sequencing software and will build up a portfolio of compositions in a variety of styles. They will then select two compositions to be submitted towards the final exam.

Listening [40%]

Students will listen and respond to music from a wide variety of styles and traditions. These will be grouped into four Areas of Study:

  • Instrumental music
  • Vocal music
  • Music for stage and screen
  • Fusions

There will be a listening exam at the end of the course.

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed throughout the course in performing, composing and listening. Performance and Composition will be worth 60% of the final grade and the Listening exam 40%. 

Where could it lead?

GCSE Music provides a solid foundation for studying A Level Music and it is an excellent entrance subject for university because admissions tutors look for well rounded, confident and culturally aware students. The music and entertainment industry is the third largest industry in the UK and GCSE Music could pave the way to any career within the industry. These might include artist management, accountancy, copyright law, events management, journalism, performer, publisher, sound engineer, teacher, and tv/ radio presenter. Music students also develop all the skills that define employability as announced by the Confederate of British Industry: self-management, team work, customer awareness, problem solving, numeracy and ICT. Perhaps most importantly, Music is a skill for life and provides opportunity for enjoyment, leisure, participation and social interaction.

Additional requirements/information

The department organises various workshops and concert visits during the GCSE course which enhance understanding and knowledge. The department also offers a wide range of weekly ensemble activities and it is advantageous for GCSE Music students to develop their skills through involvement in these rehearsals and concerts.

Year 10

  Topic Further details about the topic Skills
Autumn Term
1 AoS1: Instrumental Music

Introduction to terminology and listening questions.

Composing a Ground Bass composition.

Performing on an instrument.

Listening

Performing

Composing

2 AoS1: Instrumental Music

Further detail on the set works:

Composing using a classical structure

Performing vocally

Listening

Performing

Composing

Spring Term
1

AoS2: Vocal Music

Introducing the two set works.

Performing in an ensemble.

Composing a rondo.

Listening

Performing

Composing

2 AoS2: Vocal Music

Introducing the two set works.

Performing in an ensemble.

Composing a rondo.

Listening

Performing

Composing

Summer Term
1 AoS3: Music for Stage & Screen

Practice papers in all styles of questions from AoS 1 and 2.

Performing a solo on an instrument.

Composing a 12 Bar Blues.

Listening

Performing

Composing

2

AoS4: Fusions

Introducing the two set works.

Performing a vocal solo.

Composing a 12 Bar Blues

Listening

Performing

Composing

Year 11

  Topic Further details about the topic Skills
Autumn Term
1

Wider Listening and Section B

Performing solo part of an ensemble

Composing to a set brief (Set by Edexcel)

Listening

Performing

Composing

2  

Revision and detail for Fusion set works.

Performing a vocal solo

Finalising of Composition to submitted

Listening

Performing

Composing

Spring Term
1

AoS: 1 - 2

Revision of set works in Area of Study 1 and 2.

Performance assessment solo and ensemble

Composition 1 completion

Listening

Performing

Composing

2 AoS: 3- 4

Revision of set works in Area of Study 3 and 4.

Composition 2 completion

Listening

Performing

Composing

Summer Term
1 Revision

AoS 1 – 4 revision and practice papers

Listening

Assessments

Resources Topic Type of assessment
CAT 1 Set Work 1 AoS 1 Listening
CAT 2 Classical composition Composition
CAT 3 AoS 1, 2 and 3 past paper

Listening. End of year exam

Solo Performance Controlled Assessment

CAT 4 AoS 1 Listening
CAT 5 Instrumental Ensemble Performing
CAT 6 Compositions 1 and 2 Composition

Main Resources

Resource Details Term
Text books

Edexcel GCSE Music Study Guide 

Edexcel GCSE Anthology of Music

All

Recommended Reading

As above

All
Recommended websites

BBC Bitesize

Edexcel (Student Resources)

 

Enrichment opportunities

   
Concert Band  
Orchestra

 

String Ensemble  
School Choir  
Big Band  
Jazz Combos  
Junior Big Band  
Junior Soul Band  

Where Next

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