Music Department year 10 Information
Why should you opt to take Music at GCSE?
Here are three reasons, if one of them fits, then keep reading.
You are learning to play an instrument. In this case you should definitely consider Music as you already have much of the knowledge required.
You have a genuine interest in the subject and you have taken part in school concerts, singing in the choir etc. We have an excellent singing teacher visiting the school to improve your voice, and singing lessons are free!
You enjoy music at school and listening to it at home, but you think you can't take the subject because you don't play an instrument. Well, you have performed music at Key Stage 3 on Percussion and Keyboard so you already have some of the basic skills required.
Interested? The course is in three parts.
Listening. 30%
You will become familiar with many styles and types of music from the Year 1500 up to the latest styles of music. Some knowledge of musical notation is also needed here. There is a listening exam at the end of the course.
Performing. 30%
You will need to perform a solo on the instrument of your choice (including voice), and perform as part of a group. This is assessed by a visiting examiner.
Composing. 40%
You do not need to be Beethoven! To compose, the most important thing is imagination and you will be taught many approaches to composition. A folio of compositions is submitted at the end of the course.
The GCSE course is very much a continuation of the Key Stage 3 course, and builds on the skills you have learned in the past three years. We emphasise that you do not need to be a brilliant musician, although you must be keen to learn.
Here are three reasons, if one of them fits, then keep reading.
You are learning to play an instrument. In this case you should definitely consider Music as you already have much of the knowledge required.
You have a genuine interest in the subject and you have taken part in school concerts, singing in the choir etc. We have an excellent singing teacher visiting the school to improve your voice, and singing lessons are free!
You enjoy music at school and listening to it at home, but you think you can't take the subject because you don't play an instrument. Well, you have performed music at Key Stage 3 on Percussion and Keyboard so you already have some of the basic skills required.
Interested? The course is in three parts.
Listening. 30%
You will become familiar with many styles and types of music from the Year 1500 up to the latest styles of music. Some knowledge of musical notation is also needed here. There is a listening exam at the end of the course.
Performing. 30%
You will need to perform a solo on the instrument of your choice (including voice), and perform as part of a group. This is assessed by a visiting examiner.
Composing. 40%
You do not need to be Beethoven! To compose, the most important thing is imagination and you will be taught many approaches to composition. A folio of compositions is submitted at the end of the course.
The GCSE course is very much a continuation of the Key Stage 3 course, and builds on the skills you have learned in the past three years. We emphasise that you do not need to be a brilliant musician, although you must be keen to learn.
