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The Howard Partnership Trust (THPT) is a Surrey based Multi-Academy Trust, comprising four secondary, six primary and two special schools with two further under development. We are proud of our ethos of collaboration and inclusion, "Bringing out the best" in students of all abilities and backgrounds. Visit website

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Music

Level GCSE
Exam Board Edexcel
Website www.edexcel.com

Music is an excellent choice for students who wish to extend their knowledge of performance, composition and the history of music. All styles of music from Baroque, Rock, Dance, Musical theatre and World Music are studied during this two year course, as well as learning to analyse familiar and unfamiliar music. 

Music is an excellent qualification to have as it shows motivation, dedication to rehearsals and practice as well as organisation, teamwork, independent study and the confidence to perform or speak in public as well as developing creativity. 

Students cover set works of music given by the exam board and will have an hour and a half exam based on these works which is worth 40% of the course. They will also have to analyse unfamiliar music which is in a similar style to the music they have studied. Students have a performing exam where they have to perform a solo and an ensemble, this is worth 30%. They also have to write two compositions based on the areas of study (30%). 

Students have access to computer software called Sibelius 7 and Garage Band which notate and plays back your compositions. Students are expected to regularly take part in the concerts for GCSE students and involve themselves in enrichment activities. Senior Choir is compulsory. Students are not expected to sing alone, particularly if singing is not their chosen instrument but this exercise helps develop reading, theory and harmony skills. There are also two compulsory GCSE concerts per year. 

Students should be able to play an instrument or sing.   Students are required to be of at least Grade 4 standard by Year 11 when taking their GCSE performance exam (not at the start of Year 10), they do not have to have taken the exams. Reading music is beneficial but can be taught. Students are expected to embrace all styles of music, even those they do not choose to listen to or perform as they will need to have knowledge of classical music styles as well as popular. 

Process 

  • Brief One given at start of Summer term of Year 10
  • Research and preparation undertaken during first half of Summer term
  • Writing of score and recording during second half of Summer term, max 10 hours
  • Brief Two given at start of Autumn term of Year 11
  • Research and preparation undertaken during first half of Autumn term
  • Writing of score and recording during second half of Autumn term, max 10 hours
  • Practice answering listening questions Spring term 

Controlled Assessments for Composition Unit

Two Controlled Assessments in two tasks to complete two final compositions: 

  • Composition 1 to be completed by end of Year 10
  • Composition 2 to be completed by end of Autumn term of Year 11

Exam Papers 

  • Unit 1 Performing - March Year 11 (30%)
  • Unit 2 Composition (30%)
  • Unit 3 Listening Exam - July Year 11 (40%)

 

 

Staff Contact
Mrs S Homewood - sally.homewood@oxted.thpt.org.uk