GCSE Music

Exam Board: Edexcel

This qualification supports students in forming personal and meaningful relationships with music through the development of musical knowledge, understanding and skills including performing, composing and appraising. The qualification encourages students to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of music and musical contexts, develop an understanding of the place of music in different cultures and contexts, and reflect on how music is used in the expression of personal and collective identities.
This qualification also supports the development of musical fluency and provides access to further study of music at AS and A Level.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• engage actively in the process of music study
• develop performing skills individually and in groups to communicate musically with fluency and control of the resources used
• develop composing skills to organise musical ideas and make use of appropriate resources
• recognise links between the integrated activities of performing, composing and appraising and how this informs the development of music
• broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity
• develop knowledge, understanding and skills needed to communicate effectively as musicians
• develop awareness of a variety of instruments, styles and approaches to performing and composing
• develop awareness of music technologies and their use in the creation and presentation of music
• recognise contrasting genres, styles and traditions of music, and develop some awareness of musical chronology
• develop as effective and independent learners with enquiring minds
• reflect on and evaluate their own and others’ music
• engage with and appreciate the diverse heritage of music, in order to promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development.

Assessment

This is a linear qualification. In order to achieve the award, students must complete both coursework units in full followed by an exam paper in the summer of year 11.

Enrichment Opportunities

After school and lunch time performance-based clubs, fortnightly GCSE support session for years 10 and 11, visiting musician talks and workshops, peripatetic individual lessons including a 50% discount for students on the Selective Music scheme.

Links

• Edexcel Exam Board
• The Music Programme at The Canterbury Academy
• The Performing Arts Pillar