GCSE MUSIC

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The AQA specification in Music will be followed. The course is designed to foster a greater understanding of Music through direct experience of the creative processes involved and through taking part in the three primary activities: Listening, Performance and Composing.

 

Throughout the course, the pupils will be able to experience a wide variety of musical forms and styles through listening and performing. This in turn will provide inspiration for their own compositions which will be attempted over the period of the course. The marks allocated to the components will be divided as follows:

 

• Listening and Appraising 25% -May 2010 1¼ hrs.
• Coursework Performing 25% - one solo, one ensemble teacher assessed, any time before Spring 2010
• Coursework Composing 25% - 2 pieces of coursework teacher assessed by Spring 2010
• Integrated Assignment 25% - 1 composition (coursework) and a written (½ hr.) exam to do a written evaluation of the realisation of the piece. Examiner assessed May 2010

Listening and Appraising Test

 

This test will take the form of a Question and Answer book, with accompanying cd. The extracts cover a variety of musical styles with five Areas of Study. All areas must be studied.

1. Music for Film
2. Music for Dance
3. Music for Special Events
4. Orchestral Landmarks
5. The Popular Song since 1960

This component will be marked by the Exam Board.

 

Coursework Performing

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Candidates will be required to demonstrate their performance skills by offering both of the following:

• Playing or singing a piece of the candidate’s own choice, performing as an individual.
• Playing or singing a piece of the candidate’s own choice, performing as a member of an ensemble.

Assessment may be conducted at any stage during the course. This component will be internally-assessed and moderated by AQA.

 

Coursework Composing

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Candidates will be required to submit a score and tape of one of their own compositions. This composition must be inspired by the Area of Study: Music for Special Events.

 

This component will be internally assessed and moderated by AQA.

Integrated Assignment

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Candidates will be required to submit one composition, based on an AQA-set assignment, arising from one of four of the Areas of Study (excluding Music for Special Events). The assignment will be issued in the Autumn Term of Year 11, and the composition, submitted as a score, must also be accompanied by a recorded realisation and an evaluation.

 

This component will be externally – assessed as part of the Terminal Examination.

Core Subjects

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