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Music

Course Title: GCSE Music

Examination Board: AQA

Entry Requirements (if appropriate): Students who would like to take this course should already be able to play an instrument to a passable standard, it will also be expected that students undertake some practice at home outside of directed rehearsal time.

Contact: Mr Kinghorn

Course Aims:

To aid you in advancing your general musicianship and to act as a natural stepping stone to further education or careers in the music industry. The music staff will not only thoroughly deliver the course as written but will also strive to aid in your whole person learning and guide you on your path towards musical excellence.

Course Description:

Music GCSE doesn’t cover every single aspect of music, if it did it would take forever. Instead you will focus on five main areas of study.

How will I learn:

Part 1 Coursework : Composing (Worth 25% of your total mark): You will compose one piece, it has to link to Section 3 ‘Music for Special events’ e.g.: ‘Your Sisters wedding’, ‘A Prize-giving ceremony’ or ‘The Olympics’.

Part 2 Performing: (Worth 25% of your total mark):You will perform two pieces. You choose the pieces but one must be an ensemble piece and the other must be performed solo.

Part 3 Integrated Assignment: (Worth 25% of your total mark): The Exam Board will set a brief for a composition, you compose a piece of music and record it being performed. Later on you will evaluate your composition and the recording in a half hour exam.

Part 3 Listening: Exam (Also worth 25% of your total mark, I bet you’d guessed that!): At the end of Year 11 You will do an exam called the ‘Listening and Appraising Exam’. You will listen to music from all five areas of study and answer questions on what you hear.

Possible Career Pathways:What can I do with my qualification? Several further education establishments offer courses in Music. One of these is Newcastle College, Performance Academy. This establishment offers a GNVQ or BTEC in Popular Music. Both of these courses are required to gain access onto the BA (Hons) in Jazz and Commercial Music.

Subject summary:  Key Stage 3 Music Programme of Study

In Key Stage 3 students at the Venerable Bede School follow an interesting and diverse programme of study in Music.  At the heart of all lessons is a desire to express Music practically, but always reinforced with theoretical study.

Students learn to perform, compose and critically appraise music from various cultures and styles, including their own.  They study music from the western classical tradition, to the Gamelan of Java and Bali, through to current dance and chart music.

Students are encouraged to learn to play an instrument and all instrumental disciplines are available through the school.  There are many opportunities for students at the Venerable Bede to develop their musical ability and awareness if they decide to take part.

Subject summary: Year 9 Music Programme of Study

Students in Year 9 follow a course exploring diverse aspects of music through an integrated approach to the three elements of performance, composition and listening. Together we look at keyboard skills, Music Technology (including an in depth course into relevant music software), the Concerto, and song writing.  Students develop a grasp of how Music affects themselves and the world around them.

Subject summary: GCSE Music Programme of Study

Students studying GCSE Music explore three main areas: appraisal and historical/contextual study, performing and composing.  This is approached through five main areas of study which include Music for Film, Music for Dance, Music for Special Occasions, Popular Music since 1960 and Orchestral Landmarks.  Students learn to appreciate music from different historical periods and apply the change and development of music to the contextual areas outlined. Students compose music for coursework examination and also perform regularly.