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 In
our classes all students have different levels of experience -
some students will have taken several grade exams and passed with
flying colours, others will have played in rock bands and
learned everything by ear. Everyone has slightly different skills and
specialisms and so everyone learns from each other.
However,
to do GCSE music you should have a really keen interest in music, and
you should be committed to learning more about unfamiliar
types of music. As you can see from the Areas
of Study,
we cover a variety of unique types of music. Some you
will love, others may not be to your taste, but you will be expected
to appreciate them and work hard throughout the two years of your course.
 
If
you decide to take GCSE Music and you are receiving tuition in school,
a 20-minute lesson is provided FREE OF CHARGE as part of your course.
A
GCSE in Music is a valuable qualification as part of a well-rounded
education – it is challenging both academically and
practically, and gives students many skills which are highly prized
by employers
and educationalists alike. They include self-confidence, self-discipline,
problem solving skills, technological and sound recording/sequencing
expertise, and a very wide knowledge of musical styles and cultures.
The Music Department follows the Edexcel
syllabus, and the Scheme of Assessment is as follows:
| Type of Assessment |
|
Percentage of final grade |
Details |
Coursework
|
Performing |
30% |
Perform two pieces;
one Solo performance and one Ensemble performance. Both pieces
are worth 15% of the final GCSE grade. |
| Coursework |
Composing |
30% |
Compose two pieces based on a two
different Areas of Study. Both pieces are worth 15% of the final
GCSE grade. |
| Examination |
Listening |
40% |
A Listening Exam containing extracts
and questions relating to Areas of Study 1, 2, 3 and 4. It is 90
minutes in length and takes place in May of the examination year. |
HOW WE SUPPORT YOUR STUDIES:
Tuition:
A team of highly qualified and experienced instrumental teachers and music professionals
visit the school each week.
An instrumental lesson, free of charge is provided to students as part of the
course.
Students who already have private arrangements with teachers are encouraged to
remain with them.
Assessment:
Performing is assessed regularly during the course and composing is assessed
by a folio of pieces presented in the final year.
Resources
and Facilities:
The music department has a dedicated suite of rooms including main teaching
rooms and practice/technology rooms.
The department is well equipped with a good range of percussion and electronic
musical instruments including digital piano and synthesisers.
There is also a comprehensive library of scores, books and recordings.
Technology facilities include:
16 PCs with Cubase
SX3 and Sibelius 4
Full PA equipment
Korg and Roland
Synthesisers
Hard disk recording-hardware
and software
Amplifiers, bass
guitar, electro/acoustic guitar, drum machine, etc.
Extra Curricular Activities flourish in the school; there are two choirs, a
wind band, samba band, music technology clubs and guitar groups. Numerous other
small groups meet including a recorder ensemble, a woodwind quartet and various
rock groups. Concerts are held regularly and each year there are showcase concerts
for the GCSE Musicians.
To
find out more you can do the following things:
Download the GCSE
Music Information booklet, (Year 9 Options Booklet) which gives you a more
detailed guide to the course and its contents. The Edexcel
Student Guide (Edexcel Student Guide) is also here.
You can find out
more about exactly what is in the course by looking at some of the resources
in the Areas of Study. (GCSE Music Areas of Study)
You can contact
the music teachers who
will be happy to answer any questions.
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