Critical Thinking and Study Skills

Students are encouraged to use music-related ICT and GCSE students are often to be found involved in the many co-curricular activities of the school. Individual instrumental teachers provide a valuable input into the performing sections of the course.

Exam Format Section 1: Performing

Candidates must give at least one solo performance lasting at least 90 seconds and at least one ensemble performance lasting at least one minute. These have no audience and are recorded. This section is worth 30% of the total GCSE Grade.

Section 2: Composing

Candidates must submit one composition based on a set brief (supplied by Edexcel) and one free composition (chosen by the candidate). Again, this section is worth 30% of the total GCSE. A range of computer software can help students create fantastic pieces, whether by audio recording like Garageband or Sibelius.

Section 3: Appraising (written examination)

Candidates will study 8 set works ranging over 4 Areas of Study, including music by J S Bach, Beethoven, Purcell, Queen and John Williams. This section is worth 40% of the overall examination.

Enrichment

In the past, pupils have had webinars and concert visits, plus local visiting artists to help mould Music into a wider experience. We hope to schedule as much as we can within regulations. Musicians have access to their own areas with priority over practice rooms and computers in MUTEC.

Future Pathways

The full A Level Music is recognised as a valid university entrance subjectand is valued for its emphasis on wider appraising of a wide range of set works and analytical thinking.

In this course, students explore key skills to build levels of confidence when studying at GCSE and beyond. Critical Thinking equip pupils with vital approaches to identify different points of view and to formulate their own arguments. Study Skills are the foundation of lifelong learning and are techniques that can be applied to all subjects taught at school. Study Skills include academic writing and reading skills, research approaches, revision techniques and organisational skills. This course also includes curriculum and library private study time where pupils can focus on applying the above skills to their other GCSE subjects.

What is Critical Thinking? Study Skills: approaches to data and sources Creating an argument Critical reading techniques Conducting research Giving presentations

Study environment and study goals Study skills for revision Academic writing style Critical thinking revision: facts, arguments and viewpoints Final preparation for exams

Course outline for each half term:

Year 10

Year 11

Entry Requirement

This course is by recommendation only, in consultation with John Curry, Director of Years 9-11.

When will this course run?

This will run throughout Year 10 and 11 in place of studying an examined GCSE subject.

Will there be examined or assessed units?

This is a non-examination course so there will be no grade awarded at the end of the course.

How many lessons a fortnight?

There will be seven lessons, taught by one or several teachers a fortnight.

Ashford School - East Hill, Ashford, Kent TN24 8PB

Tel: +44 (0)1233 625171 registrar@ashfordschool.co.uk www.ashfordschool.co.uk

A Member School of United Learning

Registered Charity Number: 1016538