COURSE CONTENT

Years 7 – 9

In years 7 – 9 we follow a modified version of the National Curriculum. The aim for these years is two-fold: I) that pupils should both enjoy their work and learn effectively with a sense of purpose and 2) that those pupils in year 9 who may consider opting for GCSE studies should be able to transfer onto that course equipped with the skills they need to achieve a high grade. Music Theory, listening, composing and performing are all integral parts of the curriculum for each year. Areas of study include: music and the media, the basis of composition, form and structure, soundscapes, improvisation, world music, an overview of the history of music, narrative music and music for the moving image.

 

Years 10 – 11: GCSE

At GCSE students will build on skills in composing, listening and appraising and performance. The course is in three parts:

• PERFORMANCE : Accounting for 25% of total marks. This will involve a solo and an ensemble performance of two different pieces.

• COMPOSITION: Accounting for 50% of total marks. This involves composing two separate pieces – one designed for a special event and the other will be chosen from a brief set by the AQA exam board.

• LISTENING EXAM: Accounting for 25% of the total marks. This will involve a one and a quarter hour exam at the end of the course based on recorded examples of all of the following five areas of study: music for film, music for dance, music for special events, orchestral landmarks, popular song since 1960.