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"It’s difficult to put into words how amazing my time was studying Music at Riddlesdown. I’m sure that without the support and guidance of the teachers, and my fellow students, I wouldn’t be where I am today. What I really enjoyed about my music classes was the break away from the traditional learning style. Lessons were more like group discussions where we all worked together to analyse music and discuss the context of our set works. This friendly working environment always made it so easy to ask questions, share ideas and say when you didn’t quite understand something. The best thing for me about the music department, however, was the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Riddlesdown Collegiate’s Music department is a place which nurtures talent and encourages musicians to work to a very high standard, yet still at the heart of every performance is the enjoyment of music-making".
What is Music GCSE?
What is Music GCSE?
Course description
Course description
The Edexcel GCSE in Music is an engaging and fun course designed to allow the study of music through the integration of performing, composing, and listening & appraising, with opportunities to use music technology. It recognises that we live in an age of cultural diversity and the Areas of Study cover a wide range of music: instrumental music, vocal music, music for stage and screen, and fusions. This flexibly structured course allows students to capitalise on their different interests. 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.
We expect students who take GCSE music as an option to play an instrument or sing to about Grade 3 standard (ABRSM/Trinity/Rockschool etc.). However, students do not need to have taken a vocal or instrumental music exam in order to access the course.
Course structure
Course structure
Unit 1 - Performing: Internally assessed under controlled conditions
In this unit students develop their performing skills in both a solo and ensemble context. They will be given the opportunity to rehearse and refine performances in their chosen discipline or genre, developing technical control, expression and interpretative skills. This unit will encourage students to develop creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity, critical awareness, self-confidence, self-motivation and their own musical interests and skills, including the ability to make music individually and in groups.
This unit is assessed through:
One solo performance. The solo performance must last a minimum of 1 minute.
One ensemble performance. The ensemble performance must last a minimum of 1 minute.
Ensemble & Solo performances combined must last a minimum of 4 minutes. This unit is worth 30% of the GSCE.
Unit 2 - Composing: Internally assessed under controlled conditions
Composing music emphasises the creative aspect of music and allows students to appreciate the process of creating music. Students will be introduced to the technical and creative skills required by a composer. Students will be encouraged to explore a range of compositional starting points and investigate a range of techniques for developing and manipulating ideas, and turn them into completed pieces of music. Students can also explore the skills needed to arrange music for different musical instruments. Compositions may be written for any instruments and in any style.
This unit is assessed through:
One composition, written from a choice of 4 briefs provided by Edexcel. This composition must be at least 1 minute in duration.
One free composition, written from a brief provided by the student. This composition must be at least 1 minute in duration.
Both compositions combined must last a minimum of 3 minutes. This unit is worth 30% of the GSCE.
Unit 3 - Listening and Appraising: Externally assessed unit
Students will develop their listening and appraising skills through the study of music across a variety of styles and genres. The content for the unit is grouped into four Areas of Study each of which contains two set works that the students will analyse.
This unit will be assessed through a 1 hour 45 minutes exam worth 40% of the GCSE.
Qualification: GCSE in Music
Director of Learning: Mrs C Brooke
"GCSE music helps you elevate your musical understanding. I particularly enjoyed composition where we could compose our own piece as well as challenging ourselves with some guidelines set by our brief. It is interesting to understand how music has developed over time and really helps to widen your musical knowledge. Even if you don’t want to study music in the future, GCSE music is a great experience that will enable you to enjoy more genres of music and help you get more out of your instrument".
"Studying music at Riddlesdown Collegiate has been completely invaluable to my musical education and growth as a person and performer, allowing me to build my confidence through the multitude of musical groups and performing opportunities the CPA department has to offer. I am now studying music at the University of Birmingham, hoping to major in composition, and I know that it wouldn't have been possible with the facilities and support of the department. I am indebted to the music staff for furthering my love of music and helping me to get the standard I am today".
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