1. GCSE MUSIC
WELCOME!

2. Course Outline
We follow the AQA GCSE Music course. You can download the full specification form
Unit 1 – Listening and Appraising Music
1 hour written exam in Summer of year 11 making up 20% of your final grade. Questions will be based on the 5 areas of study:
Rhythm and Metre
Harmony and Tonality
Texture and Melody
Timbre and Dynamics
Structure and Form
And linked to the three strands:
The Western Classical Tradition
Popular Music of the 20th and 21st centuries
World Music

3. Course Outline Unit 2 – Composing and Appraising Music
A composition which has clear links to 2 of the Areas of Study and a link to the strand Popular music of the 20th and 21st centuries. This is 10% of your final grade and will be completed in 20 hours of controlled assessment time
A written appraisal of your composition. This is 10% of your final grade and will be completed in 2 hours of formally controlled time.
You will complete this unit in year 11

4. Course Outline Unit 3 – Performing Music
Each candidate should perform two different pieces:
Individual performance lasting no more than 5 minutes
Group performance lasting no more than 5 minutes
This makes up 40% of your final grade

5. Course Outline Unit 4 – Composing Music
A composition which explores 2 or more of the Areas of Study in any style or genre.
You will have 25 hours of controlled Assessment time in which to complete your composition which makes up 20% of your final grade
You will complete this unit in year 10.

6. EXPECTATIONS Line up outside the classroom and wait for me.
You may sit where you like unless I move you.
Encourage each other, some people will not be confident performing to the group.
Share your knowledge, we can’t all be experts at every instrument.
Take responsibility for your work. Only you can pass this course.
Bring the correct equipment – make sure you know if you need instruments or books or both for the next lesson.
Listen carefully and don’t interrupt when I am talking.
Hand in homework on time (or get a detention – your choice..)
Meet all deadlines, they are there for a reason.
Be nice to me and each other and WORK HARD and ENJOY IT.