Year 10 – 11
Music
Key Stage: KS4
Exam Board: Eduqas
Qualification Gained: GCSE Music
Assessment breakdown:
GCSE Music is assessed through a combination of practical coursework and a final listening examination.
- Listening and Appraising Examination – 40%
A written listening exam assessing students’ ability to analyse unfamiliar music and respond to questions based on the four Areas of Study.
- Performing – 30%
Students complete at least two performances, including one solo and one ensemble performance, demonstrating technical control, expression and interpretation.
- Composing – 30%
Students produce two original compositions: one free composition and one written in response to a brief set by the exam board.
The Music department at Hammersmith Academy aims to provide all students, regardless of ability or background, with a high-quality and accessible music education. We foster both musical development and wider transferable skills, helping students build confidence while developing a lasting appreciation of music. Students explore a wide range of musical styles, cultures and traditions through listening, performing and collaborative work. The curriculum is built around three core strands that run throughout all key stages: performing, composing, and listening and appraising. Through these strands, students develop practical musicianship alongside the analytical skills needed to understand and evaluate music.
Through composing, performing and listening activities, students develop theoretical understanding, creativity and practical musicianship. Alongside musical knowledge, the course also supports the development of valuable personal skills including problem-solving, resilience, teamwork, organisation and self-evaluation. Music offers a wide range of cognitive and personal benefits. It can improve memory, concentration and verbal intelligence while providing a creative outlet for emotional expression. Students are encouraged to approach their work with professionalism and pride, both inside and outside the classroom.
The department aims to provide rich musical experiences through a varied curriculum, structured extracurricular opportunities and partnerships with organisations such as the Royal College of Music and the Tri-borough Music Hub. These experiences support students in developing confidence, creativity and high standards of musical performance and composition.
At Key Stage 4, students study GCSE Music to deepen their enjoyment and understanding of music through a broad and engaging curriculum. Students build on the musical foundations developed in earlier years by creating, performing and appraising music across a range of styles and traditions. They develop instrumental and vocal performance skills while also gaining experience using music technology and composition software in the Mac suite. This balanced approach encourages creativity while helping students develop confidence, independence and a deeper appreciation of music from different cultures and traditions.
Year-by-Year Curriculum
Year 10
Modules include:
Module 1: Foundations of Musical Language and Classical Music (Area of Study 1)
Students develop core listening and analytical skills by exploring the musical elements through classical repertoire and ensemble music. Practical work includes ensemble performance and short composition exercises.
Module 2: Baroque Music and ‘Badinerie’ Set Work
Students study the stylistic features of Baroque music including ornamentation, contrapuntal textures and basso continuo. A detailed study of Badinerie from Orchestral Suite No. 2 by J.S. Bach develops analytical listening skills alongside ensemble performance and composition work.
Module 3: Classical Style and Music for Ensemble (Area of Study 2)
Students explore the characteristics of Classical music including balanced phrasing, structured forms and clear harmonic progressions. Listening and performance activities focus on ensemble writing and musical texture.
Module 4: Film Music (Area of Study 3)
Students explore how composers use music to enhance storytelling in film. They analyse techniques such as leitmotifs, orchestration and harmony while composing short pieces to accompany visual media.
Module 5: Pop Music and ‘Africa’ Set Work (Area of Study 4)
Students study the set work Africa by Toto, exploring its cultural context and identifying key musical features. Listening tasks focus on recognising how musical elements contribute to the distinctive sound of the piece.
Module 6: Popular Music and Classical Music
Students explore features of popular music including song structure, chord progressions and recording techniques while preparing for the end-of-year listening examination.
Year 11
Modules include:
Module 1: Musical Analysis of ‘Africa’ and Areas of Study 3 and 4
Students analyse Africa in greater depth, exploring its structure, melodic writing, harmonic progressions and production techniques. Practical work includes solo or ensemble performance and composition brief two.
Module 2: Musical Analysis of ‘Badinerie’ and Areas of Study 1 and 2
Students revisit Badinerie from Orchestral Suite No. 2 by J.S. Bach, analysing its musical features and stylistic characteristics while revising topics from the classical periods and ensemble music.
Modules 3 and 4: Set Works
Students consolidate their understanding of both set works and practise listening and analysis skills across all Areas of Study.
Modules 5 and 6: Revision
Students complete mock listening exams, review musical terminology and strengthen exam techniques in preparation for the GCSE examination.
Skills Gained
Students develop a range of musical and transferable skills, including:
- Performing confidently in front of others
- Composing music individually and collaboratively in different styles
- Listening to and analysing music from a range of genres and cultures
- Communication and teamwork
- Problem-solving and creative thinking
- Planning, organisation and self-management
- Leadership and collaboration in ensemble performance
These skills help students build confidence, creativity and independence while supporting success both inside and outside the classroom.
Partnerships & Enrichment
Students benefit from extensive musical and cultural opportunities through engagement with:
- Royal College of Music
- Tri-borough Music Hub
These partnerships provide students with exposure to high-level musical practice and collaborative experiences, supporting the development of performance, composition, and listening skills while deepening their understanding of the music industry and pathways into further study.
Potential Careers & Progression
Studying Music can lead to a wide range of creative and professional pathways, including:
Music Journalism | Sound Technician or Audio Engineer | Event Management | Music Therapy | Composer | Performer | Music Publishing | Music Marketing | Teaching
Music also develops transferable skills such as communication, creativity and collaboration, which are highly valued across many different industries.
