Time Allocation
Music is a GCSE option choice; therefore, during KS4, 2 hours per week are allocated to its study. Students who choose Music as a GCSE are also encouraged to attend at least one extra-curricular session per week. It is recommended only to choose Music as a GCSE subject if you are already performing at a Gr 3 level, or are prepared to undertake private instrumental tuition.
Exam Board: EdExcel
Course Content
A summary outline of the course is as follows:
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Year 9 |
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
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Autumn |
Solo Performance in class October (Component 1) Musicianship & Keyboard skills
Time Periods of Music History – October half term timeline project Introduction to Film Music Class band performance – Game of Thrones |
Vocal Music
Music for Stage and Screen S Schwartz: Defying Gravity AND Wider Listening Instrumental Music 1700–1820 L van Beethoven: 1st (Component 3) |
Brief Composition (Component 2)
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Spring |
Solo Performance Evening with A Level (Component 1) Music for Stage and Screen J Williams: Main title/rebel blockade runner AND Wider Listening (Component 3) Introduction to composition Workshops and Haunted House Assessment (Component 2) |
Solo Performance Evening with Year 9 and/or Y 12 (Component 1) Free Composition
(Component 2) Free Composition
(Component 2) |
FINAL Solo Performance Evening Appraisal Revision (Component 3) |
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Summer |
Solo Performance Evening – with A Level (Component 1) Instrumental Music 1700–1820 J S Bach: 3rd Movement from Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 in D major (Component 3) Ensemble Performance Recording (Component 1) |
Ensemble Performance (Component 1) Fusions Esperanza Spalding: Samba Em Preludio AND Wider Listening (Component 3) FINAL Ensemble Performance Recorded (Component 1) Fusions Afro Celt Sound System: Release AND Wider Listening (Component 3) |
Revision for Exam (Component 3)
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Formative Assessment
A variety of assessment types are used including listening tests, topic-specific composition tasks, interim solo and ensemble performances. Homework is set weekly in accordance with the homework timetable.
Summative Assessment
Component 1: Performing (30%)
2 Performances – 1 Solo and 1 Ensemble. Total of 4 minutes across solo and ensemble pieces
Component 2: Composing (30%)
2 Compositions – 1 set to a brief, 1 free choice. Minimum of 3 minutes across both compositions
Component 3: Appraising (40% Exam)
4 Areas of Study: Instrumental Music 1700-1820, Vocal Music, Music for Stage and Screen, Fusions. 1hr 45min exam
Why you should consider studying Music
It will help you to develop broader life-skills including critical and creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity, emotional awareness, cultural understanding, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-motivation. As well as introducing you to a number of exciting new music styles from different cultures.
What skills profile a GCSE Music student should have
An ability to play an instrument or sing, a readiness to be involved in extra-curricular activities, concerts and productions and an interest in music of all cultures and times in history.
What opportunities a GCSE in Music will lead to
A creative subject looks impressive on any CV! It provides students with the opportunity to gain self-confidence through performance, develops team-working skills through ensemble playing, extends creative skills through writing music, provides a solid foundation for progression to music related courses, including A-level Music and a career in music professions.
Famous Musicians include: Bach to Beethoven to the Beatles to Black Sabbath to Bob Marley to Bruno Mars.
For more information, contact Ms Turner - Curriculum Leader for Music.
