Examination Board: Edexcel
Music at GCSE is an excellent opportunity for students to develop skills in a subject they enjoy. Surrounded by like minded individuals the chance to share experiences and earn from each other enhances the traditional delivery of the course. GCSE musicians are certainly senior musicians in the school and participate in many of the wide ranging music activities offered at Hayesfield.
Course Content
The course is divided into 3 components:
Performing
Students will be assessed performing on their instrument or using their voice. The course will include opportunities to perform together and also as soloists. In year 10 students will prepare a group performance for the Christmas Concert. They will also be encourage to perform in the music showcases. In year 11 students will be assessed in a group performance in term 2 and in a solo performance in term 4.
Composing
Students will complete a series of small, individual compositions in a variety of specified styles during year 10. In year 11 they will work on their 2 coursework compositions. One of these is a free choice, the other is to a brief.
Analysing
Students will study 8 pieces of music in depth. 4 of these in year 10 and 4 in year 11.
The pieces include:
Area of study | Set works |
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Instrumental Music 1700-1820 |
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Vocal Music |
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Music for Stage and Screen | S Schwartz: Defying Gravity (from the album of the cast recording of Wicked |
Fusions |
|
Subject Specific Skills
- Engage actively in the process of music study
- Develop performing skills individually and in groups to communicate musically with fluency and control of the resources used
- Develop composing skills to organise musical ideas and make use of appropriate resources
- Recognise links between the integrated activities of performing, composing and appraising and how this informs the development of music
- Broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity
- Develop knowledge, understanding and skills needed to communicate effectively as musicians
- Develop awareness of a variety of instruments, styles and approaches to performing and composing
- Develop awareness of music technologies and their use in the creation and presentation of music
- Recognise contrasting genres, styles and traditions of music, and develop some awareness of musical chronology
- Develop as effective and independent learners with enquiring minds
- Reflect on and evaluate their own and others’ music
- Engage with and appreciate the diverse heritage of music, in order to promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development
Assessment in Upper School Music
How we assess
The 3 component areas are assessed separately.
Performing
Students are required to perform a solo and a group piece. Each of these should be at least 1 minute long, with the total time being at least 4 minutes. Each performance is marked out of 24. The marks are then scaled up relative the difficulty of the piece. To access a 9 students should perform at a level equivalent to grade 4. There is no extra credit available for playing a piece harder than grade 5
Composing
Students are required to compose 2 pieces. One of these is to a brief provided by the exam board. Each composition is marked out of 30 with 10 marks available for each of Developing Musical Ideas, Technical Control and Composing with coherence.
Analysing
Students are set essays and listening tests as the study each of the 8 set works. The tests are differentiated and will become more challenging as the course progresses.
When we assess
Performing
There will be a formal assessment of a solo performance in term 5 of year 10. Prior to this students’ are assessed based upon their external grading or tuition.
In year 11 the group coursework is assessed in Term 2. The solo coursework in term 4.
Composing
Students will complete 4 formally marked compositions in Year 10 and a number of smaller excercises.
In Year 11 composition 1 (free composition) will be internally assessed at the end of term 2. Composition 2 (to a brief) will be assessed at the end of term 4.
Analysing
Students will complete a terminal essay at the end of each piece (approximately termly) and a variety of listening tests throughout the year. The component is externally assessed via a formal exam in summer of Year 11.
Setting in Upper School Music
There is only one taught class at Upper School GCSE Music and work is differentiated through teaching and learning to deliver the curriculum across the range of ability levels.
Homework
Most music homework at GCSE is to practice for performance or develop compositions. It is assumed that students will find time to work on their computer based pieces at school, either during period 6 or before school.
Essays are also set as homework at the end of each topic.