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Which GCSEs Have Coursework?
In GCSE by Think Student Editor September 23, 2022 Leave a Comment
If you’re currently trying to decide which GCSEs you should take, it’s important to know whether the option you’re considering will involve coursework. Coursework is a useful way of showing your ability outside of taking written exams. Coursework can allow you to: take more responsibility for what you study, study a topic in more depth, and have more control over the pace at which you study.
To understand which subjects involve coursework and learn the percentage of coursework and exams in these subjects, keep reading this article.
Table of Contents
Do GCSEs still have coursework?
After new education plans were introduced in 2015, most GCSEs no longer include any coursework that count towards students’ final grades. Before this, there would be coursework tasks even in subjects such as maths and English.
In some subjects coursework was done through long written tasks, whereas in maths this was done through a handling data project and an applying mathematics task. In English Language, 40% of the end grade used to be from coursework. This was through assessment of speaking, listening and written assignments.
Despite the recent changes to the GCSE system, all creative and practical subjects do still have some level of coursework. This is because in certain subjects, like Art for example, coursework is necessary for students to demonstrate their talent at particular skills. The subjects that have coursework are Food Preparation & Nutrition, Drama, Art, Music, DT (Design Technology), and PE (Physical education).
What percentage of creative or practical GCSEs is coursework?
No GCSE is currently 100% coursework. There will always be some weighting placed on final exams. All of these final exams are written, apart from Art which is instead a creative project done under time pressure.
Also, it’s important to note that for the same subject, different exam boards may require different amounts of coursework. Make sure to find out which exam board your school uses for the particular subject you’re considering. If your school offers IGCSEs, have a read of this Think Student article to understand the difference between them and normal GCSEs.
Have a look at the table below which has information outlining what percentage of the GCSEs are coursework and exams. This data is from AQA’s website .
Food Preparation and Nutrition | 50% | 50% |
Drama | 60% | 40% |
Art | 60% | 40% |
Music | 60% | 40% |
Design and Technology (DT) | 50% | 50% |
Physical Education (PE) | 40% | 60% |
In each of these subjects, the type of task to be completed for coursework is completely different. Most exam boards refer to coursework as a non-exam assessment (NEA).
What does GCSE coursework involve?
In the Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE, the non-exam assessment mainly consists of a cooking practical. Students will have to prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes. The students will then have to write a report about their work and include photographic evidence. To find out more about the Food Preparation and Nutrition course, visit the AQA page .
For the coursework in Drama, there are two different components. One involves performing a group devised mini play and keeping a log of the creation process. The other involves performing two extracts from a play. To find out more about GCSE Drama, visit the AQA page .
In GCSE Art, the coursework component consists of selecting and presenting a portfolio representative of their course of study. The portfolio must include one main project as well as a selection of other work from activities such as experiments, skills-based workshops, or responses to gallery visits. To find out more about GCSE Art, visit the AQA page .
In GCSE Music, students must do both an ensemble performance and a solo performance using the instrument of their choice (which can be voice). They must also create two different music compositions. To find out more about GCSE Music, visit the AQA page .
For coursework in GCSE DT, students must design and produce a product. This will involve investigating design possibilities, planning, creating their idea, and evaluating the end result. At school, students will have to use special equipment such as machines and saws. To find out more about GCSE DT, visit the AQA page .
For coursework in GCSE PE, students will be assessed through their performance in three different sports or physical activities of their choice. One has to be a team activity, one an individual activity, and the third either a team or individual activity. Students will also be assessed on their analysis and evaluation of their improvements in performance. To find out more about GCSE PE, visit the AQA page .
Does GCSE Science have coursework?
GCSE Science doesn’t involve any graded coursework. However, there is a list of required practicals that students are supposed to complete. These science practicals will involve following instructions set out by the teacher to investigate materials or scientific principles. Students will often have to write up the method and conclusion. It’s important that students try their best to understand these practicals as there will be questions about them that are worth several marks in the exams.
Does GCSE English have coursework?
GCSE English technically doesn’t have any coursework that has a weighting on the final grade. However, in English Language there’s a compulsory spoken language assessment that isn’t done at the same time as normal GCSE exams. It’s reported as a separate grade (either Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified) and doesn’t contribute to the result of the GCSE English Language qualification. To learn more about the spoken language assessment, have a look at this AQA page .
For English Literature, despite there not being any coursework tasks, there are of course novels and poems that students need to become familiar with in order to pass the GCSE. This will have to be done throughout Year 10 and Year 11. Students might be set the homework of reading a couple of chapters for example.
What are some tips for completing GCSE coursework?
If you’re deciding to do one or multiple GCSE subjects that involve coursework, it’s crucial that you can be organised enough to complete them to the best possible standard. As seen from the table shown previously, coursework makes up a significant proportion of the final grade. To have the best chance at getting a high grade, you’ll need to put an adequate amount of time into the task and not treat it as trivial.
In GCSE Art in particular, there is a lot of work that will need to be completed throughout the two-year course. A lot of homework will end up being graded for coursework as they will go in your portfolio. GCSE Art is often said to be one of the most stressful GCSEs because of this constant pressure of getting work done on time out of school.
If you love art and want to continue studying it, it’s important to manage your time well and not post-pone completing tasks until the last minute. As soon as you start getting behind with work that needs completing, that’s when you’ll really start to struggle and make things harder for yourself. If you want to learn how to get a good grade in GCSE Art in general, check out this Think Student article .
Make sure that you always note down what you’ve got to get done and by what date. This could be in a physical planner, on an app on your phone, or on a digital calendar. Perhaps set a specific time each weekend to complete any remaining work that you didn’t manage to get done during the week. If you remain on schedule, you’ll significantly reduce any stress plus you’ll have a higher chance of producing your best quality work.
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- Centre Services
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- All About Maths
- Specification
- Planning resources
- Teaching resources
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- Introduction
- Specification at a glance
- 3.1 Understanding music
- 3.2 Performing music
3.3 Composing music
- Scheme of assessment
- Non-exam assessment administration
- General administration
![aqa gcse music coursework percentage Composing music](https://static.aqa.org.uk/assets/image/0011/182729/GCSE-accredited-music-new-version-new.jpg?0.1.3)
Students must learn how to develop musical ideas , including extending and manipulating musical ideas, and compose music that is musically convincing through two compositions. One must be in response to an externally set brief (Composition 1) and the other a free composition (Composition 2).
The combined duration of the compositions must be a minimum of three minutes.
Compositions can be composed in any style or genre to best reflect the skills, strengths and interests of the individual students.
- Creative and effective selection and use of musical elements
- Appropriate selection and use of musical elements (to the compositional intention)
- Technical and expressive control in the use of musical elements.
- at least two of rhythm, metre, texture, melody, structure, form
- at least two of harmony, tonality, timbre, dynamics, phrasing, articulation.
Please also refer to the full tables of musical elements in Subject content .
Students must be able to compose using methods appropriate to the style/ genre of their composition and may use a combination of vocal/instrumental and technology . This could include the use of score writing software, sequencing software, studio multi-tracking or traditional techniques including hand written notation and working through improvisation.
Documenting the composition
Programme note.
Students must write a Programme note of approximately 150 words for each composition, which clearly informs the assessor of the compositional intention , including the intended audience/occasion . Students must also identify the types of musical element selected and provide details of any software and hardware used in their compositional process.
In all cases the audio recording of the composition and Programme note must be accompanied by one or more of the following documents :
- staff notated score
- aural guide.
Please refer to Component 3: Composing music assessment grid for information about how to mark compositions.
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IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
How it's assessed. Composition 1: Composition to a brief (36 marks) Composition 2: Free composition (36 marks). A minimum of three minutes of music in total is required. This component is 30% of GCSE marks (72 marks). Non-exam assessment (NEA) will be internally marked by teachers and externally moderated by AQA.
AQA GCSE Music 8271. GCSE exams June 2018 onwards. Version 1.9 4 September 2023 Visit for the most up-to-date specication, resources, support and administration 3. 1 Introduction5. 1.1 Why choose AQA for GCSE Music5. 1.2 Support and resources to help you teach5. 2 Specification at a glance9. 2.1 Subject content9. 2.2 Assessments9. 3 Subject ...
Scheme of assessment. Find past papers and mark schemes, and specimen papers for new courses, on our website at aqa.org.uk/pastpapers. This specification is designed to be taken over two years. This is a linear qualification. In order to achieve the award, students must complete all assessments at the end of the course and in the same series.
Component 2: Performing music assessment grids. The performance component is marked out of a total of 72 marks. Each of the performances is out of a maximum of 36. You are required to provide a mark for each of the assessment grids separately in accordance with the assessment criteria and a total mark out of 72 must be provided for the component.
MARK SCHEME - GCSE MUSIC - 8271/W - JUNE 2022 4 Section A: Listening 60 minutes 68 marks Question 1 Area of study 2: Popular Music Total for this question: [9 marks] Excerpt A The Very Best of the Electric Light Orchestra All over the world 520129 2 Rockaria! Track 17 0'16" - c. 0'59" incl. fade
The subjects that have coursework are Food Preparation & Nutrition, Drama, Art, Music, DT (Design Technology), and PE (Physical education). What percentage of creative or practical GCSEs is coursework? No GCSE is currently 100% coursework. There will always be some weighting placed on final exams.
3.2 Performing music Students must be able to perform live music using one or both of the following ways: instrumental (including DJ)/vocal; production via technology. One performance must be as a soloist and one piece must be as part of an ensemble lasting a combined minimum of four minutes. The performance as part of an ensemble must last for a minimum of one minute.
AQA GCSE Music 8271. GCSE exams June 2018 onwards. Version 1.7 20 May 2020 Visit aqa.org.uk/8271 for the most up-to-date specification, resources, support and administration 5 ... You can attend a course at venues around the country, in your school or online - whatever suits your needs and availability. Find out more at coursesandevents.aqa ...
In most cases, the style of music chosen will influence what combination of musical elements are used. Each composition must use at least four musical elements. The elements are divided into two groups and students must choose at least two elements from each one: List 1: two elements from rhythm, metre, texture, melody, structure, form. List 2 ...
AQA GCSE Music. Tools to help you ace your exams, including: past papers, revision notes, and exam-style questions (organised by topic)
GCSE Music. 8271. Find all the information, support and resources you need to deliver our specification. Teaching from: September 2016. Exams from: June 2018. QAN code: 601/8361/5.
Step 1 Determine a level. Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the answer meets the descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be seen in the student's answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and decide ...
I was about grade 5/6/7 violin when I took GCSE music. Course: ... AQA GCSE Music: Understanding Music (8271/W) - 17th June 2024 [Exam Chat] Creative and performance arts. 8. 14. Last reply 2 months ago. Edexcel GCSE Music : Listening and Appraising (1MU0 03) - 17th June 2024 [Exam Chat]
Subject content. Developing and applying the musical knowledge, understanding and skills set out in our GCSE specification can ensure your students form a personal and meaningful relationship with music. They will be encouraged to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of music and musical contexts, and reflect on how music is used ...
For AQA GCSE Music Complete Revision & Practice, don't miss CGP's all-in-one book! It covers musical knowledge, AQA's areas of study and the new study pieces. There are crystal-clear study notes for every topic, plus a wide range of exam-style questions to test students' knowledge (with Online Audio for the listening questions). We've also added a section devoted to exam and coursework ...
This guide has been created to help you understand how GCSE Music composition assessment works. GCSE Music Composition assessment process. 1. Students complete their compositions. 2. By 7 May of year of certification, teachers enter their marks into Centre Marks Submission (CMS) on Centre Services or Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). 3.
Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/8271. If you'd like us to share news and information about this qualification, sign up for emails and updates at aqa.org.uk/keepinformedmusic. Alternatively, you can call or email our subject team direct. E: [email protected]. T: 01483 437 750.
Question paper (Modified A4 18pt): Component 1 Understanding music - June 2023. Question paper (Modified A3 36pt): Component 1 Understanding music - June 2023. Mark scheme: Component 1 Understanding music - June 2023. Centre declaration sheet 2025. Candidate record form: Component 2 NEA Performing music 2025.
General administration. Download Published 20 May 2020 | PDF | 1.2 MB. 3.1 Understanding music. The areas of study provide an appropriate focus for students to appraise, develop and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical context and musical language. The four areas of study can also provide a rich ...
For further information, email [email protected] GCSE Subject grade boundaries - June 2023 exams This document shows the confirmed subject grade boundaries and the notional component grade boundaries for illustrative purposes only 8668F GERMAN TIER F. 240 - - - - 166. 146 105. 64 24. 8668H GERMAN TIER H. 240 199. 177 156. 134 113. 92 81 ...
3.3 Composing music. Students must learn how to develop musical ideas , including extending and manipulating musical ideas, and compose music that is musically convincing through two compositions. One must be in response to an externally set brief (Composition 1) and the other a free composition (Composition 2).