GCSE Music 

Overview - 

The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Music offers a broad and coherent course of study which encourages learners to:

 • engage actively in the process of music study

 • develop performing skills individually and in groups to communicate musically with fluency and control of the resources used 

• develop composing skills to organise musical ideas and make use of appropriate resources 

• recognise links between the integrated activities of performing, composing and appraising and how this informs the development of music 

• broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity 

• develop knowledge, understanding and skills needed to communicate effectively as musicians 

• develop awareness of a variety of instruments, styles and approaches to performing and composing

• develop awareness of music technologies and their use in the creation and presentation of music 

• recognise contrasting genres, styles and traditions of music, and develop some awareness of musical chronology 

• develop as effective and independent learners with enquiring minds 

• reflect upon and evaluate their own and others’ music

• engage with and appreciate the diverse heritage of music, in order to promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development

Assessment – 

The course is based around 3 components:

• Performing (30%) - This unit will be internally assessed. You’ll perform at least two pieces of music with a combined time of between 4-6 minutes. One of these will be a solo performance, whilst the other will be an ensemble performance.

• Composing (30%) - This unit will be internally assessed. You will compose two pieces with a combined time of between 3-6 minutes. One of these compositions is in response to a brief. 

• Listening & Appraising (40%) - This unit will be externally assessed. You will study a range of different musical forms and features through studying from range of different musical genres and periods. You will sit a listening exam at the end of year 11.

Subject links – 

Music has links to almost any subject. With the variety that this course has to offer, there will be something for everyone to appreciate. 

Careers – 

As well as having a number of opportunities within a multi-billion pound industry (the music business is worth around £5.2 billion to the UK economy), the skills that you gain from learning to play a musical instrument can be transferable to a range of different applications, and are highly valued by top universities and employers. 

For further information, please contact –

Head of Faculty – Ben Scarce   Email - info@ipswichacademy.co.uk