Music

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Music

Cerddoriaeth

Which teacher(s) should I see if I want more information about the course?

Mrs. Wood

What course will I be following?

GCSE Music (WJEC)

Music Specification

What kinds of things will I study?

The GCSE Music course sets out to develop broad based musicians through a wide range of performance, listening and composition activities. This engaging course covers a very wide range of musical styles including Film Music, Popular Music as well as music from the Western Classical Tradition.

GCSE Music is an interesting and creative course that equips pupils with a number of valuable skills. The WJEC syllabus we follow at Dyffryn Taf provides opportunities for:

a) already accomplished musicians to develop their talents and further progress their studies;

b) all pupils who may have enjoyed the subject during Key Stage 3 and are now keen to further their interest and improve their musical skills.

Similarly, to KS3, the skills of performing, composing and appraising are central to the course. These will allow you to become actively engaged in all aspects of music-making, to perform confidently, analyse and appraise music taken from a wide variety of styles, develop composing skills and presenting well organised and stylish musical ideas.

How will my work be assessed?

Performing – 35% of your overall grade

You will perform and record two pieces, ideally of a Grade III standard (although there is no requirement to have sat the Grade III examination).

Composing – 35% of your overall grade

You will compose two pieces using appropriate musical software.

Appraising – 30% of your overall grade

You will sit a listening examination at the end of Year 11 that will ask questions on pieces of music in a range of styles, from Classical to Pop.

How can I progress my learning in this subject after Year 11 and is this the course for me?

GCSE Music is designed to be accessible to all students who have studied music in Years 7 to 9 and caters for students of all abilities and musical tastes. A wide range of ICT equipment is used to produce and record music also. Pupils who have not received formal tuition on an instrument or voice are given the opportunity to do so in Year 10 through the school.

Studying Music has an enormous range of benefits. It promotes creativity, self-discipline and analytical skills to name but a few. After Year 11, If you enjoy the experience at GCSE you can progress into the Sixth Form here and study either A-Level or BTEC Level 3 Music.

Music is classified as an academic qualification by the Russell group of universities, meaning it combines well with any subject at A Level.

Commitment to after school and lunch time rehearsals is essential. Participation in extracurricular performances is encouraged as it gives you the opportunity to progress and try out new skills.

The following courses are offered post-16.

Please click on the relevant link button below for more information.