Exam Board: Edexcel
Eight set works are studied over three years. They are examined in a paper which tests aural skills as well as knowledge of the set works. You are required to write short comparative essays as part of the paper.
You will be required to create three compositions—one in Year 9, one in Year 10 and one in Year 11.
You will also be required to perform a minimum of two pieces each year—one solo piece and one ensemble piece.
You must be prepared to perform on your chosen instrument or sing, as this counts as 30% of the final GCSE mark.
Possible career paths include performing, the military, teaching, a sound technician, composing, research, a historian, a librarian, advertising and many more.
60% controlled assessment, 40% examination. The controlled assessment is in two sections: composing and performing. Two compositions are submitted at the end of the course and count as 30% (15% each) of the final mark. Two performances, a solo and ensemble performance, are submitted at the end of the course and count as 30% (15% each) of the final mark.
Possible career paths include: teacher, military, sound technician, composer, researcher, historian, librarian, advertiser and more.
You will gain many transferable skills such as composing, communication, creativity, discipline, patience, teamwork, self-motivation.
Find out where studies in Music can take you on Unifrog: