EDEXCEL GCSE MUSIC                                        

This course is designed to allow the study of music through the integration of performing, composing, listening and appraising with opportunities to use music technology. It recognises that we live in an age of cultural diversity and the Areas of Study cover a wide range of music: classical, world and popular music. This flexibly structured course allows students to capitalise on their different interests. The course gives students the opportunity to make music, both individually and in groups, to develop a life-long interest in music and to progress to further study. 

KEY FEATURES: 

• Continues the philosophy of the current syllabuses in music. 

• Integrates performing, composing, listening and appraising. 

• Is flexible and encourages a diversity of approaches to the teaching of music. 

• Offers a broad range of Areas of Study. 

• Encourages a range of ensemble work. 

• Is a good preparation for further musical study and a solid foundation for 

  Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced GCE. 

AIMS: 

This specification aims to give students opportunities to: 

• Develop their understanding and appreciation of a range of different kinds of music 

• Extend their own interests and increase their ability to make judgements about musical quality 

• Develop broader life skills and attributes including critical and creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity and emotional and cultural development 

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES 

• Singing and/or playing an individual part with technical control, expression, interpretation and, where appropriate, a sense of ensemble – performing skills 

• Creating and developing musical ideas in relation to a brief – composing skills 

• Analysing and evaluating music using a musical terminology – appraising skills 

EXAMINING BOARD:        EDEXCEL 

CLASS DETAILS:               1 year course run Thursdays, from 6.00pm – 8.00pm

FEES:                                £150.00 per term (3 terms in total) 

                                          £50.00 non-refundable exam entry fee  

                                          £35.00 year membership to the Centre 

GCSE MUSIC COURSE 2007/08 COURSE STRUCTURE 

Paper 1: 

• Performing (30%) 

Solo performing - Candidates will perform one solo piece (15% internally assessed/externally moderated) 

Ensemble performing – Candidates will perform/direct one ensemble piece (15% internally assessed/externally moderated) 

Paper 2: 

• Composing (30%) 

Composition 1: One composition, written to a brief, based on one of the Areas of Study (15% internally assessed/externally moderated) 

Composition 2: One composition, written to a brief, based on a different Area of Study (15% internally assessed/externally moderated) 

Paper 3: 

• Listening and Appraising (40%) 

Written Paper – 1 hour 30 minutes 

Candidates to answer questions on all four Areas of Study (40% externally assessed)  

Introduction to Areas of Study 

Christmas Mock Exam: In order to ensure students are progressing on the course in line with the exam board guidelines, we hold a mock exam at the end of the Autumn term to assess all students. The course tutor is then able to discuss results with both students and parents and then if necessary, suggest ways in which to bring students up to the correct level or in some cases look at the option of extending the course to two years.