Subject: Music
Syllabus Number: Eduqas (WJEC) 9-1
Teacher who leads the subject: Mrs J Bowen-Melfi
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Why study Music?
Research has shown that studying and playing music can give you: improved language abilities, improved working memory, increased emotional resilience, increased attention span and focus and increased self-confidence and communication skills.
If you like playing and listening to music, GCSE Music is for you! The content of the course encourages students to develop a deeper awareness and understanding of music that is both familiar and unfamiliar. Students have the opportunity in lessons to develop their musical performing, composing and analytical skills throughout the course.
It is expected that students will be approximately Grade 3 or higher in their instrument or voice and are either taking instrumental or singing lessons in or out of school.
It is helpful if students are able to read basic traditional musical notation in treble and bass clef.
As music students, students are also expected to participate in the musical extra-curricular life at school. It is not an ‘easy’ option, but it is very interesting and good fun!
Outline of syllabus content
The GCSE Music syllabus is divided into three areas:
1. Performing
You will be assessed on your performance of at least two pieces. This can be a mixture of solo and group performances. However one piece must be a group piece and the minimum total time allowed for performance has to be a minimum of 4 minutes.
2. Composing
You will be assessed on two compositions. One piece must respond to a set brief eg: ‘write a piece of music suitable for a haunted house scene in a film’ and one piece will be a free composition. Minimum total composition time (both pieces combined) is 3 minutes. Students will need to present a notated score, composing log and a recording of each piece. Students may compose for any combination of instruments. Please note that group compositions are not allowed.
3. Listening and Appraising
You will have a 1hour 20mins written paper with questions on two set works: ‘Africa’ by Toto (AOS4) and Badinerie (Bach) AOSA. There will also be questions on different music from the following areas of study: Musical Forms and Devices, Music For Ensemble, Film Music and Popular Music.
Assessment
Performing Music
A portfolio of performances totalling at least 4 minutes of performance - internally assessed and externally moderated. This is worth 30% of the total GCSE.
Composing Music
A portfolio of 2/3 compositions totalling at least 3 minutes - internally assessed and externally moderated. This is worth 30% of the total GCSE.
Listening and Appraising
A written paper with questions relating to the 2 set works and general listening – externally assessed and worth 40% of the total GCSE.
Additional information is available on the Curriculum Overview section of the website - click here