GCSE MUSIC

Teacher in charge: Ms J Lobbett Examination Board: Edexcel

Course Aims To enable you to engage actively in the study of music To encourage you to understand and appreciate a wide range of different kinds of music To develop broader life skills and attributes including emotional awareness, cultural understanding, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-motivation The emphasis on practical ability throughout the course means you will get a realistic feeling for being a musician

What will I study? Listening and Appraising There will be four areas of study that will be studied throughout the course, each area includes 3 set works that will be the subject of examination at the end of year 11: Western Classical Music 1600 1899 Music in the 20th century Popular music in context World music Performing One solo performance One ensemble performance Composing Two compositions, or Two arrangements, or One composition and one arrangement

How is the course assessed? Examination: Listening to and Appraising Music 1hr 30 min written paper based on the set works studied throughout the course Coursework: Performing - Recordings of solo and ensemble performances - Scores, professional recordings, or written commentaries for both pieces Composition - Recordings of both compositions/ arrangements - Notated scores or written commentaries

Is this course suitable for me? Do you: Have an interest in music? Play one or more musical instrument and/or enjoy singing? Achieve well on compositional tasks? Play an active role in the life of the music department? If you have answered YES to one or more of the questions above, this is a suitable course for you.

What will I learn about? You will learn how to: Compose using a variety of resources keyboards/recording equipment and computers. Perform in a group and alone and be able to improve your performances Recognise and analyse music from each of the five areas of study.

How is this course relevant to my future career choices? The Music GCSE offers a wide range of performing and composing opportunities, as well as ways in which to develop your understanding and appreciation of a wide range of music. The new facilities in the department allow for the use of music technology to be explored and for regular performances and recordings to take place. There are many courses, post KS4, which allow you to specialise in any of these areas and to gain the appropriate qualifications for a career in the Performing Arts. For example, a professional musician/composer, working in a recording studio/in music technology, music therapy, primary and secondary specialist school teacher, instrumental teacher and music management.

What skills will I learn? You will: develop your listening and appraising skills improve your performing skills work on your composition skills in groups and as an individual be able to recognise and analyse music from different times and places be able to respond to music you hear and play.