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Music GCSE| AOS1 | Exploiting the Resource (performing, composing and researching the student’s own instrument and their chosen style) |
| AOS2 | Techniques of Melodic Composition (learning how to compose melodies and how to improvise) |
| AOS3 | Dance Music (1970s Disco, Pavan and Galliard, Waltz) |
| AOS4 | Traditions and Innovations (Salsa, Bhangra, Minimalism) |
Course structure:
Each term, students will be involved in performance and composition activities and related listening work. Lessons take place in music-specific rooms and Apple Mac computers are available for composition purposes. Regular assessment will be followed by detailed feedback and the best performance and composition work will be submitted as coursework at the end of the course. At Easter in Year 11 there will be a practical exam (improvisation) and the listening exam takes place in the summer. Composition and performance workshops take place throughout the course in addition to concerts available for the students to attend (current trips include Glyndebourne Opera House, ‘Les Miserables’ in the West End, performing as part of the Early Music Festival).
Homework:
It is expected that each music student will spend one hour a week working on composition (the music department’s equipment is available after school), one hour a week on performing skills (i.e. practising on their instrument or voice). Students will also be set listening and research tasks to support their work in lessons.
Assessment, weighting and timings of assessments:
Performing (35%) – the best solo and ensemble performance, recorded throughout the course, will be submitted as coursework
Composition (20%) – the best two compositions (from different areas of study), completed throughout the course, will be submitted as coursework
Listening exam (25%) – a one hour written paper, testing the candidates knowledge of the 4 areas of study, will be taken in the summer of Year 11
Terminal Task (15%) – an improvisation task takes place at Easter of Year 11
Written work (10%) – research, planning and appraisal work to accompany Area of Study 1
Books, equipment, materials and resources recommended / needed:
Access to a wide variety of listening materials will be required (if not available at home, the music department’s collection is available or Hove / Jubilee library are very well stocked). Performance pieces will be needed (the department has many pieces available for students to borrow).
Opportunities for study beyond Key Stage 4:
AS / A2 Music, AS / A2 Music Technology. Blatch 6 also offer BTEC (level 3) in Music Theatre
Career opportunities supported by this subject
Employers value skills achieved through music; teamwork, problem solving, confidence development, self presentation, independent study, self determination etc. Actual jobs can include music therapist, performer, composer, teacher, radio, film and TV work, production/recording.
