Ratton School Music Department
		Achieving Together

GCSE Syllabus

Introduction

We are covering the GCSE music syllabus from the Welsh Exam Board (WJEC). The exam covers the three areas of Listening, Composing and Performing. Students studying for the GCSE music exam should be able to play an instrument or sing confidently as 30% of the course is based on performing skills. If students do not currently learn an instrument they should be willing to have additional instrumental or vocal lessons to develop this aspect.(These lessons can be arranged at the school if needed).

Course Content - Listening

This aspect of the course is externally assessed by a written exam in approximately June of year 11. The listening exam is 1½ hours long. Students are examined on music from the 5 areas of study (listed below) and are expected to analyse and evaluate music using music terminology. For details of the music vocabulary needed please click here

	Music in Wales	Covering folk songs, harp music, pop song, art songs
	Musical Structure	Covering western classical music, Jazz/rock, Fusion of classical and jazz/rock music.
	Music for Special Occasions	Covering any style of music written for a special occasion.
	Music for Stage and Screen	Covering extracts from films or musicals.
	Music Evolution	Covering modern music and experimental music and the impact of technology on music composition.

Students will be required to answer a series of questions on the music they hear and respond by using specific music terminology learnt in the course.

Composing

Throughout the two year course students learn how to compose and write their own music. This aspect is moderated externally and accounts for 40% of the exam mark.

By the end of year 11 students will need to :

	Create 2 contrasting compositions with a playing time not exceeding 2-4 minutes.
	Write evaluations to explain how the composition was written and explain its connection with the area of study
	Produce a folio of the work (printed music notation is not compulsory)
	Record the compositions onto CD or tape (recorded by the music department).

Performing Skills

This aspect accounts for 30% of the exam mark and is assessed by a visiting examiner. Students need to be well prepared and ready to play or sing 2 pieces of their choice. It is expected that the final performance usually taken in March, of year 11, is a culmination of 2 years work and should be of a sufficient standard. It is helpful if students have additional instrumental or vocal lessons in order to improve their performing skills over the 2 years.

Students are assessed on the following 2 areas:

	Singing or playing a solo part or piece of music.
	Singing or playing in an ensemble (at least 3 players)

Students performing a solo piece are allowed an accompaniment (pianist/drums etc). A backing track (CD or tape) is acceptable for this performance. The ensemble performance should not use a backing track and the student being assessed should not double the music played by others in the ensemble group.