Key Stage Three

Girls are encouraged to develop skills in listening, composing and performing. In years 7, 8 and 9 girls have one singing lesson and one music lesson each week. Girls study music from around the world as well as classical music and topics such as ‘musicals’ and ‘film music’. They will develop skills on a variety of percussion and keyboard instruments, and will develop music technology skills using Garageband software.

Key Stage Four

GCSE Music - EDEXCEL Code: 1MU0 - Specifications

Course Content - What will I study?

• Music of all kinds, western music from 1600 to the present day, popular music and music from around the world through performing and playing, then using these ideas to compose and create your own music.
• You will use the ICT resources available for composing music.

How will my progress be tested and examined?

• Unit 1: Performing Music 30% of CSGE Qualification.
• Unit 2 : Composing Music 30% of GCSE Qualification.
• Unit 3: Music- Listening and Appraising 40% of GCSE Qualification.

It is expected that you will take part in at least one school-based ensemble in order to support your progress in performance.

GCSE Music is also offered as a twilight course and will be taught one afternoon a week from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. Students following the twilight course will have to be highly committed, motivated and have a good musical background. This is an extra GCSE and it will be at the discretion of the department if students are accepted on this course

GCSE Performing Arts - AQA Code: 4882 - Specifications

Course Content - What will I study?

• You will develop all skills connected with Performing Arts in singing or playing.
• You will build up a portfolio of your personal skills and your understanding of performance with an emphasis on music. The course will involve performing, recording, evaluating and working behind the scenes. Your work placement in Year 11 will be directed towards the performance industry.
• You must be willing to perform. Team work and team performance is central in this course. You must be able to work with others in this course, sharing and appreciating ideas.
• Great emphasis is placed on your portfolio (this is 60% of the marks) and you must be prepared to write up what you do.

How will my progress be tested and examined?

• Unit 1: Skills development. Portfolio evidence and Controlled Assessment - 60% of the GCSE Qualification.
• Unit 2: Showcase Performance. Portfolio evidence – 40% of the GCSE Qualification.

Progression - How will the study of Music and Performing Arts benefit students’ future education and career?

Music

• Music is very valuable in many careers.
• Naturally many students want to pursue a career in music for its own sake through performing, teaching, music therapy, music publishing.
• It is useful in any general teaching and in careers in drama or the arts.
• Music builds poise, confidence and co-ordination and is therefore of great benefit in any career.
• It is said that music enhances general skills and the ability to learn and acquire new knowledge in any field.
• Those who study Music learn to work with a team and yet be independent enough to perform well on their own.
• These are vital skills for the Development of any student and equip them well for the future.

Performing Arts

• This is a general course that gives you a broad understanding of the Performance industry while developing your own personal performance for any specialist Performance Arts course at Level 3, in particular, the ‘A’ Level in ‘Applied Performing Arts’.
• Performing Arts is very valuable for a variety of careers in the Arts. The course covers a range of skills which could easily lead to careers in, for example, theatre management, front of house, makeup, design, lighting, etc, in addition to the performance opportunities.