GCSE Music

The department offers Eduqas GCSE Music as an option at KS4. It may be more suitable for Torch route students but is open to all option routes.

The course has three core components; Understanding Music, Performing Music, and Composing Music. You will explore music from around the world including popular music, music of different cultures and classical music.

Understanding Music includes a written examination (75 minutes, 40% of grade) – testing on elements of music as well as set works studied in depth during the course. These include Badinerie by Bach, and Africa by Toto.

Performing Music – You will perform two pieces; one as a solo, the other in an ensemble. These performances must last for a total of at least 4 minutes.

Composing Music – You must create two pieces of music that you have composed yourself. One of these pieces is completely free choice, in any style you like. The second piece is set to a brief that comes from the exam board. To complete this you will be working with our Music Technology suite and alongside professional composers to support your work.

There are opportunities to perform in professional venues with professional musicians, dramatists and technicians from across the UK.

The course offers opportunities to attend performances at BBC Studios, Manchester theatres and the University of Manchester.

Music students are “happy” and feel supported by staff. The courses are challenging and stretch students. The learning is different to other subjects and is really enjoyable! We often run collaborative projects alongside Drama and the other SPA subjects and students have described these as “fantastic opportunities.”