GCSE

GCSE Specification and Curriculum Overview

Exam Specification

Who should take GCSE Music? 

Hard working and interesting musicians enjoy this course. Students who want to develop their musical skills and who are interested in opening their musical minds to experiencing a wide variety of music will love this subject at KS4. As a subject which develops so many academic, social, and creative skills, Music is highly regarded at university entrance. In this demanding course, young musicians can expect to develop performing, composing and analytical methods through the study of a broad range of musical traditions. Music theory, technology, composition and performance skills are taught as part of the programme. There will also be enrichment options units as part of the course, including music technology, Grade 5 theory, keyboard skills, and conducting. 

Students do not need to be of a 'Grade 5' or equivalent standard in order to complete the course, and students who take GCSE can play any instrument. 

GCSE lessons in the Music Department are often practical, and concepts are taught through composition and performance tasks. Students undertake a mixture of independent, pair and group work. 

Course content

Component 1: Understanding music (40%) 

Written exam paper lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. Questions are based on specified study pieces and wider listening within four Areas of Study: 

1. Western Classical Tradition (1650-1910): including works by Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin.

2. Popular Music: including pieces from The Beatles, Music of Broadway (1950s to 1990s), Rock music of 1960s and 1970s, Film and Computer Gaming music (1990s to present) and Pop music (1990s to present). 

3. Traditional Music: including Blues music from 1920-1950, Fusion music (incorporating African and/or Caribbean music), Contemporary Latin music (including Supernatural by Santana) and Contemporary Folk music of the British Isles. 

4. Western Classical Tradition since 1910: including works by Copland, Arnold, Britten, Maxwell-Davies, Tavener, Kodály, Bartók, Adams, Reich and Riley. 

Component 2: Performing music (30%) 

Two separate performances lasting a combined minimum total of 4 minutes: 

1. Solo performance of one piece. 

2. Ensemble performance (two or more players) of one piece (lasting a minimum of 1 minute)

Component 3: Composing music (30%) 

Two compositions, lasting at least 3 minutes in total: 

1. One written in response to a brief set by the exam board. 

2. One freely composed by the candidate. 

The compositions must include a score or written account, and a programme note describing key elements of the piece. 

Music Technology

Although not part of the official Music AQA GCSE syllabus, candidates will have regular access to the departmental computers and music software. This work will be undertaken using the department’s iMac computers, all equipped with high quality sequencing (Logic) and/or score-writing software (Sibelius). All candidates will receive tuition in this, and many will go on to use it for their compositions. However, standard hand-written scores are equally acceptable and will gain just as many marks if produced properly. 

Homework 

Written homework and revision is given on a regular basis, but it is expected that students spend at least 20 minutes per day practising their instruments or voice. We offer advice and practice programmes as part of the course. As 60% of the total marks are awarded for pieces of coursework (compositions and performances) it is expected students spend time outside of lessons preparing for and working on these. 

Time, Equipment and Expenses

Music Tuition: It is expected that students have a regular lesson in their chosen instrument or voice. Performance accounts for 30% of the course, and much of the classwork is also practical. We offer a comprehensive range of lesson options as part of our peripatetic service. Fees are included in the Peripatetic Lessons information booklet available from Reception. 

Other necessities: Vital to a musician’s rucksack are a pen, pencil and rubber. Students may wish to purchase a pad of manuscript paper for any notation work, although this is not a compulsory requirement. WHSmith currently sell a manuscript pad of 100 pages for £2.99. The department will provide textbooks for the course, however many students find purchasing the AQA Revision Guide towards the end of the course useful. Further details for this, including price, will be given at the time. There is likely to be at least one visit to a musical event, concert or workshop during the GCSE Music course which might incur a small cost. 

For further information please speak to Mr Miall, Director of Music