Music Pre-requisites:
Pupils must have studied Music in Year 9. Examination Board GCSE Type Specification No.
AQA GCSE 8271
What is Music?
The course caters for a wide range of musical enthusiasms and is sufficiently flexible to cater for a variety of musical tastes, covering 16 topics as diverse as Contemporary Latin Music, The Requiem of the late Romantic period, and Rock music of the 1950s and 60s.
What skills are involved/developed through the course?
Performing (30%): Pupils should be learning an instrument and should be at a minimum standard of about Grade 3-4 at the start of the course. Pupils will produce two performances, one as a soloist and one as part of an ensemble or group. There is no restriction on style or instrument. Composing (30%): Pupils will produce two compositions. One will be in response to a brief given by the board the other will be a free composition. Understanding Music (40%): Pupils will analyse and evaluate a wide variety of music covering 16 diverse topics and will also study in detail four set works.
GCSE Specification Unit/Topic
Year 10
Component 1 – Understanding Music: 7 topics covered in addition to the 6 covered in Y9.
Assessment
Unit/Topic
Year 11 Assessment
Component 2 – Performing Music: 2 solo and 2 ensemble pieces to be recorded.
Coursework submission before half term of Y11 Spring term.
Component 1 – Understanding Music: 3 topics covered in addition to the 13 covered in Years 9 and 10. Component 2 – Performing Music: 2 solo and 2 ensemble pieces to be recorded.
Component 3 – Composing Music: Preparatory exercises and one free composition completed.
Coursework submission before half term of Y11 Spring term.
Component 3 – Composing Music: One composition in response to a set brief completed.
Written Exam at end of Y11
Written Exam: 40% of GCSE Mark
Coursework submission of recording of one solo and one ensemble before half term of Spring term: 30% of GCSE Mark Coursework submission of two compositions (one free, one to a brief) before half term of Spring term: 30% of GCSE Mark
Nature and timings of assessment
Pupils will submit performance and composition coursework before half term of the Spring term of Year 11 and will sit the written examination (Component 1) during the summer exam period in Year 11.
What sort of pupil does it suit and what will they get out of the course?
Pupils need to have a good musical ear and the ability to play an instrument to a high level. They should have an open mind to all styles of music and a desire to be challenged by unfamiliar music. Pupils will develop performing, composing and analytical skills in their work towards the GCSE.
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