Who we are

Mr R. Iannandrea (Head of Department)
Ms L. Clarke
Mr O. Sodeinde
Mr C. McIntosh (Resident Artist)

CFGS has a Performing Arts Archive, archiving the Dance, Drama and Music achievements of our students. To access this, click here.

What we do

Music is a unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. Music forms part of an individual’s identity and positive interaction with music can develop pupils’ competence as learners and increase their self-esteem.

Music brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of culture, past and present, music helps pupils understand themselves, relate to others and develop their cultural understanding, forging important links between home, school and the wider world.

Music education encourages active involvement in different forms of music-making, both individual and communal, helping to develop a sense of group identity and togetherness. Music can influence pupils’ development in and out of school by fostering personal development and maturity, creating a sense of achievement and self-worth by increasing pupils’ ability to work with others in a group context.

Music learning develops pupils’ critical skills including their ability to listen, to appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgements about musical quality. It also increases self-discipline, creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and artistic fulfilment.

How we do it

Music is an exciting and rewarding subject.  You will have the opportunity to perform, as well as create your own work using a wide range of instruments and technologies.  You will explore different music from around the world as well as have the chance to go to concerts, gigs and other live events.  You will undertake workshops with several professional musicians and artists throughout your two years of study, and develop a true understanding of the function of music within society.

What will I study?

• Performance
• Composition
• Music IT/Recording Technologies
• Musical History (c1600 – present day)
• Music Theory and Notation
 
How will the course be assessed?

Coursework: (60% of your final mark)

• Performance: one solo and one group piece – this is teacher assessed and worth 30% of the final mark.

• Composition: two pieces (in two different musical styles of your choice) this is also teacher assessed and worth 30% of the final mark.

Examination:  (40 % of your final mark)

• Although this is a written paper (90 mins long), it is a “Listening” paper. You listen to music from around the world, which you have studied over the two years, and then answer multiple choice and short answer questions. This paper is marked by an external examiner. It is worth 40% of your final mark.

What skills will I develop?

• Musical skills – read, write and play music
• Physical skills
• Concentration skills
• Listening skills
• Communication skills
• Confidence
• Creativity
• Leadership skills
• Group work skills
• Understanding of other cultures and societies
• A lasting enjoyment of music

How will I know if this course will suit me?

You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that:

• Involves performing
• Involves listening to all kinds of music
• Involves composing and arranging music
• Gives you the opportunity to play music with others (for example in rock groups, bands, orchestras or choirs), or on your own.
• Gives you the opportunity to learn more about and use music technology

What can I do at the end of the course?

• GCSE Music is a good preparation for further musical study and a solid foundation for the AS/A Levels in Music and Music Technology as well as BTEC National Diplomas 

• Alternatively, you may wish to go into a job where it is useful to have had experience of music or where you will need to use some of the skills developed during this course e.g. music for film/television/advertising/DVDs/computer games.

• Careers in the music industry, publishing, entertainment and teaching or any job which involves communication and expressive skills.
 
What visits and Work Related Learning Opportunities will there be?

Here are some examples of recent trips and Work Related Learning opportunities:

• London Symphony Orchestra at St Lukes, which included workshops with professional classical musicians.

• Gamelan workshop at the Barbican

• Visits to West End shows such as Hairspray 

• Stomp at the Camden Roundhouse

• Proms – concerts at the Royal Albert Hall

• South Bank–Jazz workshop at Queen Elizabeth

How can I find out more?

• Speak to your music teacher
• Speak to students who are on the course
 
Which teachers should I contact for more details?

Mr Iannandrea or Ms Clarke