KS4
Why consider GCSE Music
- Music is a sociable subject
- It is a practical subject with limited time sitting behind desks. This can create a nice balance to your timetable and studies.
- Gives you the chance to be creative.
- Gives you the chance to be credited for existing performance skills you will have
- Music looks good to colleges, universities or employers. It is a highly regarded academic subject.
Course Structure
COMPONENT 1 (PERFORMANCE) = 30% - Perform 1 solo and 1 ensemble performance totalling 4 minutes combined duration.
COMPONENT 2 (COMPOSING) = 30% - Compose 2 compositions totalling 3 minutes combined duration. One to a choice of briefs set by Edexcel, one a free composition
COMPONENT 3 (APPRAISING) = 40% - 1hr 45 min exam. Study 8 set-works from 4 Areas of Study. Exam is a mixture of listening questions, short written answer and 1 extended written answer
Component 3 Set-works
J.S. Bach – 3rd movement from Brandenburg Concerto no.5 in D
L. Beethoven – 1st mvt from Piano Sonata no.8 in Cm “Pathetique”
H. Purcell – Music for a While
Queen – Killer Queen
S. Schwartz – Defying Gravity
J. Williams – Main titles from Star Wars IV: A New Hope
Afro Celt Sound System – Release
Esperanza Spalding – Samba Em Preludio
Course Expectations
- You need to be able to sing and/or play an instrument to a reasonable standard
- You must be prepared to work on your ability to read music
- You must be involved in at least one of the extra-curricular clubs in the music department (minimum Senior Choir)
- You must be willing to open your mind to new styles of music and musical experiences
- You must meet deadlines