Course = AQA 3271 MUSIC

Why Choose Music?

• This course is clearly a must for anyone hoping to pursue a career directly involved in Music. However, it also caters for those students who simply enjoy music making. All students can expect to develop skills such as aural perception, self-discipline, music appreciation and teamwork. Most importantly, Music G.C.S.E. provides ample opportunity to be "creative".

• The G.C.S.E. in Music may complement and enhance other areas of the curriculum as well as providing a useful preparation for a wide range of careers (e.g. teaching, television, production and theatre). Furthermore, this course may also cultivate a hobby and source of pleasure to last a lifetime.
  
• The specification offered is the AQA G.C.S.E. in Music (specification no. 3271) providing our students with innovation, variety and depth.

Advantages of this specification include:

• An emphasis on practical activities (75% of the examination).


• Interesting areas of study catering for all tastes


• The areas of study are balanced and provide opportunities to develop student's individual interests.

Our recording studio

Assessment Structure:

There are four components that make up the specification:

• Students are required to submit one composition. Music Technology will undoubtedly be used to assist in the production of a quality score


• The practical element consists of two prepared performances: one solo and one ensemble. This part of the exam will be assessed in school and moderated by an external examiner.


• The integrated assignment is set by the exam board in January of Year 11. Essentially this is the third (and final) composition. Candidates must compose (in response to a given brief), record and evaluate their piece.


• A listening and appraising test in response to short musical extracts, incorporating all five areas of study.
  

Areas of study:

• Music for Film (A variety of genres from Silent films to Hollywood Blockbusters).


• Music for Dance (Salsa, Disco, Ballet, Bhangra, Elizabethan and Baroque styles studied).


• Music for Special Events (An eclectic mix of music for a variety of occasions).


• Orchestral Landmarks (A brief study of important Classical, Romantic and 20 th Century music).


• The Popular song since 1960 (An overview of music from The Beatles to Bjork).

Extra-Curricular Music:

The school offers a varied and high quality programme of extra-curricular activities. It is expected (as an essential part of the course) that students take part in a variety of these activities. For more details click here.

What next?

Students can continue to study AS and A2 Music. It is also proposed to introduce AS Music Technology in the future and students will need GCSE Music as a good foundation for study.