Contact: Mrs A Clarke
Email: aclarke@boteler.org.uk
Qualification Details
AQA GCSE Music
What you will study:
You will develop your performance skills, both as a soloist and playing in an ensemble. You will have lots of time to practise and try out different styles of music on your chosen instrument or voice. You will also develop your composition skills through experimenting with different techniques, creating music in a wide range of styles, both individually and in small groups. The final strand of GCSE Music is learning about the features of different styles of music, both through time and around the world.
How you will be assessed:
Performance:
You will submit two performances which will be recorded during Year 11. One performance is a solo piece and the second one is an ensemble. This counts for 30% of your overall grade.
Composition:
You will submit two composition pieces. One is a free choice composition when you can decide what style of music you compose. The second composition is a response to a brief set by the exam board – you have four to select from. This counts for 30% of your overall grade. So, 60% of your GCSE Music is focussed on Practical work completed throughout Years 10 and 11.
Listening and Appraising:
You will learn about and listen to lots of different music so that you can identify key features. This element of the course is a listening exam when you answer questions about music that is played to you. You will also learn about two pieces set by the exam board and answer questions based on them. This counts for 40% of your overall grade.
Potential Post-16/ Potential Careers/Higher Education progression:
GCSE Music is a very well regarded qualification by all colleges and universities. It develops a very wide variety of skills that employers look for, such as creative thinking, problem solving, team work and confidence; alongside the more obvious musical skills. It works well alongside other subjects, whether they are scientific, academic or creative to prepare you for your future.