If you are learning to play an instrument and enjoy making music, then studying music at GCSE level is a natural progression.
Different schools use different exam boards, but the requirements are much the same regardless of which school you attend. The study of music and composition takes place in the classroom during weekly class lessons, but the performance element which usually equates to 30% of the overall mark is prepared with your instrumental teacher. Students should ideally be able to play to grade 3 standard at the point of recording their final performances. GCSE music is a multi-disciplined GCSE which tests a broad range of skills including performance, composing and listening. GCSE music builds on everything learned in Key Stage 3. Students develop their listening skills by studying a wide range of music including Romantic and Baroque, as well as popular music, jazz and music from around the world. They also develop their composing skills, writing two different pieces of music which can be in any of the above styles. Both composition and performance are key skills at GCSE, which requires that every student performs both a solo and an ensemble piece. In Year 11 students will take their final GCSE music exam. Learning combines theoretical and practical approaches throughout, with lots of opportunities for students to express their ideas and understanding through performance, composition and written work. Assessment is through a combination of examinations, controlled assessment tasks (composition) and performance pieces. |