Music Years 10 to 11

Introduction and Overview

GCSE Music at Church Stretton School is an active and exploratory course that extends the learning undertaken at KS3 and develops the musicality and skill in students’ chosen instrument. GCSE music motivates and stretches students of all abilities and equips them with the skills and experience for further study.

Students develop their understanding and skill of composition, performance and appraisal in music learning about different styles and genres in music. Formal assessment is carried out through a combination of the class teacher, externally assessed compositions and and through a final listening examination. Students undertake the programme of study for AQA GCSE Drama and are assessed through 4 components.

Component 1: Understanding Music (40%)

Component 2: Performing Music (30%)

Component 3: Composing Music (30%)

Students study a range of cultural, contemporary and traditional musical styles that encourages them to develop their musicality and performance skill. They also have the opportunity to explore technology for composition and recording.

What’s it worth?  1  GCSE

Why do it?

  • Music GCSE builds on the strengths developed at Key Stage 3 in performing, composing and listening and analysis.
  • You will develop an appreciation of music from other cultures and different styles of music from around the world.
  • You will have the opportunity to create your own music using ICT and live instruments culminating in the recording of your own compositions and performances.
  • If you are studying an instrument already then GCSE Music is the perfect course for you as it allows you to use your chosen instrument for your coursework.
 
What will you do?

With a mix of performing, composing and developing your understanding of music, the GCSE music course offered produces students with a wide range of skills that can be taken far beyond the reach of the Music Room door.  The scheme contains a blend of team work and independence covering all 3 aspects of musical learning.  The skills learnt in years 7-9 are a solid foundation for GCSE.  They are developed through the creation of new material, refining performance practice and constructing responses to music throughout history, in a variety of styles and from different parts of the world. 

What do you need? 

You need to be able to play an instrument or sing to approximately grade 2 ABRSM equivalent. You need to be receiving regular lessons on your chosen instrument. These can be arranged through school. A true interest in, and an enjoyment of all music is a must. This course demands that you practise your instrument regularly and hone your composition skills through independent study. The course offers students a selection of opportunities across a wide range of musical disciplines, both traditional and contemporary.

For further details see:   Mr Mould

Subject                 Exam Board                        Internal                                       Exam Paper

Music                    AQA                                     30% Composition                       40%  Terminal Exam

                                                                          30% Performance                       Understanding Music

How to support your child

We are sure that you already do many of these things to support your child but here is a useful reminder for you to refer to:

  • Encourage wider reading
  • Ask them what they have learnt today
  • Help them to structure revision for tests and assessments
  • Make good use of BBC Bitesize GCSE Music
  • Practice playing a musical instrument at home
  • Join a group, band or ensemble that participates in public performances
  • Listen to a wide variety of musical genres and styles from different time periods and cultures

Web Links

Additional Reading

  • New GCSE Music AQA Complete Revision & Practice (with Audio CD) – for the Grade 9-1 Course – CGP Books