Ratton School Music Department
		Achieving Together

The GCSE music course consists of many varied activities - Composing (writing original music), Performing (solo and ensemble) and Listening (discussion, notes / questions) related to the areas of study. Listed below is a brief plan of topics covered in the course and deadlines for coursework. There are FIVE areas of study that need to be studied throughout the 2 years.

Year 10 - Term One

• * Basic music theory
• * Introduction to Listening work / ensemble work / composing
• * STUDY AREA – MUSIC FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
• * Related listening activities – how to describe music
• * Introduction to composing. Begin first composition (coursework)
• * How to write the composition commentary (diary, structure etc)

Term Two

• * STUDY AREA – MUSIC FOR STAGE AND SCREEN
• * Related listening activities
• * Solo performance assessment
• * First composition completed, recorded, written about.

Term Three

• * STUDY AREA – MUSIC EVOLUTION
• * Related listening activities
• * Ensemble performance assessment
• * Begin 2nd Composition

Year 11 - Term One

• * STUDY AREA – MUSIC IN WALES
• * Related listening activities
• * Prepare for mock exam – listening paper
* Assessment on performing – solo and ensemble (mock exam)

Term Two

• * STUDY AREA – MUSICAL STRUCTURE
• * Related Listening activities
• * Complete composition Two – record, written work complete
• * Practise solo and ensemble pieces ready for actual exam (Feb / March ?)

Term Three

• * Revision of study areas for listening exam (May / June)
• * Compositions completed by May for moderation.

Please note that in the final exam one study area must be assessed in composing and either solo or ensemble performing work. You need to plan for this. See Miss Smith or Mr Cane-Hardy for advice.

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