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Music
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Mr H E Brink Music
What do I need to know and be able to do before taking this course?
All GCSE Music pupils must take instrumental or vocal lessons throughout the course, and to do well they should be at least Grade 4 standard by the start of Year 11. A good theoretical base is important, and pupils without Grade 5 Theory are advised to supplement their studies by attending theory clubs and to reach this level. Music staff will be happy to advise pupils on this through preliminary discussion.
Music GCSE and Music Specialism
Music is a required course of study for Specialist Musicians entering Year 10. However, nonspecialists with passion and dedication to music are enthusiastically encouraged to choose the subject and the mix of specialists and non-specialists is mutually supportive. Those arriving new to the school in Year 10 or outside the M-form are advised to discuss their suitability with the Music Department. Specialists sitting GCSE in Year 9 will choose the Wells Specialist Music Certificate option.
What will I learn?
Pupils will study music through the integration of performing (30%), composing (30%), listening and appraising (40%) with many opportunities to use music technology. Four areas of study (vocal and instrumental music, music for stage and screen and music from across cultural traditions) are studied which comprise eight set works (list below). This breadth allows pupils to capitalise on their different musical interests as well as developing an understanding of the whole musical spectrum.
How is the written part of the course structured and assessed?
There is one written examination in the summer of the final year of the course which focuses on listening and appraising. Candidates are required to respond to music from a variety of styles and traditions.
What is the nature and timing of coursework?
The coursework falls into the two components of performing and composing. Performances may take place at any time during the course, up to the end of the Lent term in Year 11. For composing, candidates create a number of pieces in controlled conditions throughout the course up to the end of the Lent term in Year 11. Subsequently, the best two are selected for submission.
What Sixth Form subjects will this course be useful for?
Whilst many GCSE Music pupils are already set to study Music seriously at A level and beyond, Music GCSE is considered as a rigorous and multi-faceted discipline and the diverse skills, independent study and motivation that it promotes will support the full spectrum of A level choices.
What were the Music GCSE examination results like last year?
In 2020, 40 pupils took GCSE Music and of these 48% scored the top grade 9 and 78% scored grades 9-7.
Set Works
Vocal Music: Purcell Music For A While, Queen Killer Queen Instrumental Music: Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D (3rd movement), Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor (Pathétique) (1st movement) Music for Stage and Screen: John Williams Star Wars Episode IV: Opening Title, Stephen Schwartz ‘Defying Gravity’ (Wicked) Fusions: Powell/Moraes/Spalding Samba em Prelúdio, Afro Celtic Sound System Release
