Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.
Overview
Music
Introduction
At key stage 4, students will explore music of different genres and styles from a variety of cultures and periods of history. GCSE music is taught in active and hands-on approach, alongside the academic demands of the course. Students develop their instrumental skills through regular solo and ensemble performances.
GCSE music is built on three components: performing, composing and appraising (listening). In lessons students develop performing (playing music) on your own and in a group. This could be in any style, on any instrument or voice, including DJ skills, rapping, singing, band and orchestral instruments. They will explore how great pieces of music were put together, then when they have learnt some of the techniques, composing their own music. This will involve using computer software (Bandlab, Ableton Live and Musescore), writing for a specific purpose, writing songs etc. Students will listen to a variety of music and learning how to identify the facts about what they hear. They will already have heard about the elements of music in their key stage 3 lessons. At GCSE you focus on how these are used for different purposes.
Music GCSE may help students in the future as creativity is one of the most important and in-demand skills at work (World Economic Forum). When business leaders across the world were surveyed, they voted creativity as the most important workplace skill to help their businesses survive and grow. This means that the study of creative subjects, like music, is becoming even more important and relevant to young people to give them the chance to succeed – whatever their ambitions. At the same time, they will find many opportunities to develop and improve their personal wellbeing both independently and as part of a wider community.
After studying GCSE music, the possibilities are endless! Music will enable you to demonstrate many skills which employers, colleges and universities are looking for. It can also give you opportunities to travel, meet people and get the most out of life. GCSE music students have gone on to study music at music colleges, or universities including Cambridge, Derby, Durham, Huddersfield, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Oxford, Sheffield, Surrey and York. Others have gone on to various Russell Group universities to study a wide variety of degrees including art, biology, business, marine biology, politics, physics, primary education, medicine, music and many, many more!
Qualification
GCSE
Awarding body
WJEC
Course leader
Miss C Durham
Assessment
- Examination: 40%
- Listening and Appraising | 40%
- Non-examined assessment: 60%
- Solo performance | 15%
- Ensemble performance | 15%
- Composing to a brief | 15%
- Free composition | 15%
Curriculum
Course content
In GCSE music you will learn to:
- Compose your own music in a variety of different styles, using traditional methods and music technology. You will be able to use midi keyboards as well as recording live into Band Lab and will learn to compose using Musescore. We use a variety of software and make this fit the direction you want to go in.
- Perform by playing an instrument, singing, rapping, beatboxing or DJing. You will record two performances: one solo and one in a group and this can be any style of your choice. You will record these in school either as a live performance, or with your teacher in Year 11.
- Perform through technology – this is for students who do not play a musical instrument. You can input a song of your choice into Studio One or Garage Band instead of performing on an instrument.
Topics
- AOS 1: forms and devices.
- AOS 2: music for ensemble.
- AOS 3: film and video game music.
- AOS 4: popular music.
- Set works: Africa by Toto (AOS 4) and Bach - Badinerie (AOS 1).
- Performing, composing and appraising (listening) skills.
Skills and requirements
Skills required
It is important to have:
- An interest and enthusiasm for music.
- An open mind and creative imagination.
- An ability to enjoy making music by either using an instrument, your voice or music technology such as sequencing and recording software. Instrument/vocal lessons are not essential for taking GCSE music, however students wishing to achieve the best performance marks should start lessons prior to taking GCSE music. These are available in school – please speak to your music teacher.
- An ability to work independently and with others.
- A real interest in listening and appraising different styles of music.
Beyond the classroom
Future pathways
GCSE music is a required preparation for further musical study, such as A-level/BTEC music and music technology. It is also studied at the majority of universities.
Music is useful for all vocations and career pathways as it encourages confidence, creative thinking and teamwork. It allows you to use analytical thinking skills and develops your cultural awareness. Previous music students have progressed to a variety of areas of study from becoming medicine through to business. Music is seen as a prestigious subject by universities due to the use of both creative and academic thinking skills.
