More about our GCE from 2008 in Music

Skills
Students will develop performance skills (solo and/or ensemble), compose music and learn about harmony (the basics at AS and stylistic studies at A2). They will build up their aural and analytical skills by studying selections from the ‘New Anthology of Music’ (edited by J. Winterson, Peters, 2000) and wider listening. 

Flexibility
The full GCE course (AS plus A2) is excellent preparation for higher education courses in music, but is equally valuable for non-specialists as a second or third area of study. The AS units alone can offer a broad and satisfying experience for those who want to conclude their musical studies at this point.

The anthology
The anthology remains the basis of historical and analytical study. Works are now grouped into three areas of study: instrumental music, vocal music and applied music. It is hoped that in this new specification, teachers and students will enjoy working on different selections of work in each year of the course. 

Teacher assessment
We have listened to the argument that marking performances entirely from recordings does not always allow students’ commitment and communication skills to be recognised fully. In this new specification, teachers (who know the capabilities of their students best of all) will initially mark performances. Work will then be externally moderated by Edexcel.

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