Students who choose to study Music at Key Stage 4 will follow the Eduqas GCSE Music course.

The course consists of three components:

• Performing
• Composing
• Appraising

The types of tasks that are completed are:

• Engaging critically and creatively with a wide range of music
• Developing an understanding of the place of music in different cultures and contexts
• Reflecting on how music is used in the expression of personal and collective identities

The course is assessed through:

• Controlled Assessment - The composition of two pieces of music based on a combination of musical elements, worth 30% of the final grade (the use of music technology is encouraged which assists students with multi-textured composition, sounds and playback) plus solo and ensemble performances worth 30% of the final grade.
• Examination - A 1 hour 45 minute written paper worth 40% of the final grade. This comprises of four areas of study, each containing two Set Works. Students use the musical elements, musical contexts and musical language to analyse the pieces which range from Bach to Queen!

In the words of Albert Einstein: 'The greatest scientists are artists as well'. Music is part art, part science! Which means it will help students to build on their problem-solving, research, planning, analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as developing their creativity.

Music encourages discipline, composure under pressure, time management, communication, team and individual working ability - all gained from practise and performing. These skills are in great demand from employers across a range of industries and is why GCSE Music is very highly regarded.

Music graduates have a wide range of career options available to them both inside and outside the industry including performer, teacher, administrator, songwriter, conductor, composer, recording engineer, manager, promoter, or music publisher.

There are also more jobs than ever in music business related areas, such as careers in digital marketing, public relations, social media, technology, ticketing and merchandising. It is also common to find music graduates in consultancy, finance, banking, music therapy and legal jobs.

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