MUSIC

Year 9 Course Outline

The Year 9 Music course provides the opportunity for pupils to gain practical experience of a wide range of musical cultures and traditions, through listening, performing and composing. By Year 9, pupils should be developing a certain amount of practical proficiency on an instrument or voice. They are required to perform regularly and are encouraged to explore their own musical interests when selecting what to perform. It is also expected that they will be involved in at least one ensemble in their voice or instrument. A series of projects tie together composition and appraising with related listening and performing. The course topics include Programmatic and Film Music, Pop music and song-writing and World Music and Fusion.

Years 10 and 11 Course Outline

In Years 10 and 11 the Edexcel GCSE syllabus is followed. Pupils selecting Music at GCSE level should normally have studied the subject at Year 9. If this is not the case, individual consultation with the Music department is required. During the two year course, listening lessons continue to develop the pupils’ knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical contexts and musical language to make critical judgements about the repertoire and context of music within four areas of study. The coursework element is divided between composition and performance. Pupils submit two compositions: one free choice composition and one to a brief set by the examination board. The performance aspect assesses pupils’ ability to play or sing and perform as individuals and in an ensemble.

Skills Required and Developed

Pupils should have attained a standard of at least Grade 4 or equivalent on their first instrument by the end of Year 11. Pupils should also be performing regularly in at least one ensemble. We recommend all pupils sing in the Chamber Choir.

External Assessment

The compositions (at least five hours must be completed under controlled conditions and worth 30%) and performance (30%) are marked internally and sent to the examination board for moderation at the beginning of the final term. The listening paper (40%) is taken during the normal examination period at the end of Year 11.

Beyond the Classroom

Academic lessons are supported by many opportunities to perform in school ensembles, attend regular trips to concerts and musical theatre shows in London and closer to home, as well as enjoy music workshops and master-classes with visiting specialists.

Further Information

Mr G Hemmings, Director of Music, Tel 023 9236 4226, Email g.hemmings@pgs.org.uk

Miss S Heath, Head of Academic Music, Tel 023 9236 4257, Email s.heath@pgs.org.uk

Exam Board Website https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/music-2016.html