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Original poster

GCSE options - is music a soft option?

59 replies

mysteryfairy · 22/01/2010 17:31

I have two DSs in yrs 9 and 8 at different schools and both have to make their GCSE options this term.

Both currently have grade five practical on their main instruments (and will be doing grade six in the summer term), a number of other instruments that they play, are in various bands, orchestras etc and have passed their grade five theory.

They both want to do science ALevels. I have been positively encouraging them to take music GCSE (which they do both want to do), believing it will be fun, build on skills they have already worked hard to acquire and perhaps differentiate them from other scientists a bit.

I've just read comments on the oxbridge options thread suggesting that music is or is perceived as a soft option. In addition my dad has commented (jokingly) that maybe they shouldn't do it as to reach the required performance standard might be taken as evidence of a privileged background and count against them with uni applications.

So sorry for posting this as a separate thread from the oxbridge one but I'd really like to know if taking music might count against them?

OP posts:
princessparty · 24/01/2010 17:50

Well both Oxford and Cambridge have a faculty of music , so obviously don't see it as soft.

adelicatequestion · 24/01/2010 10:08

mysteryfairy

My daughter's school is also following that format forfinishing KS3 and she has just had to pick 2 GCSEs to complete in Yr 9.

Does it work. I am dubious about the need for 15 or so GCSe's and think that by sitting early it may compromise grades.

Original poster
mysteryfairy · 22/01/2010 19:13

DS2 is at a state grammar school and they complete KS3 by the end of Y8 and do some GCSEs in y10, hence the early options.

The music GCSE seems to involve quite a lot of composition which isn't in the theory or practical exams they do.

It looks like DS2 will end up with loads of GCSEs 13/14 approx so probably not such a big deal for him.

DS1 only gets to choose 9 so more of a challenge to fit everything in - he will be doing two MFL and history I think.

OP posts:
BrigitBigKnickers · 22/01/2010 17:59

When I was at school a grade 5 theory and practical was considered to be equivalent to a GCE (as it was in thise days.)

I believe that if you get to grade 7 or 8 this can add to your A level points score.

Having said that Grade 5 thoery and practical does not involve any composing or history of music and as others have said it would show a rounded education.

If they have good sciences at GCSE and A level what difference is one little GCSE going to make that might actually be a bit of light relief for them?

tattycoram · 22/01/2010 17:56

Music isn't a soft option, it's quite difficult

titchy · 22/01/2010 17:53

Music A2 is on Cambridge's lis of preferred. And to study Music at university you need Music AL, so I'd encourage them!

titchy · 22/01/2010 17:47

Music is not regarded as a soft option at either GCSE or AL. And your dad's talking rubbish HTH

Dumbledoresgirl · 22/01/2010 17:46

The only counter argument I would put forward is that with the background they already have in music, what more would a Music GCSE add? Wouldn't it show a more rounded pupil if they picked something else entirely, eg a humanities or a language (or second language) as their music ability will speak for itself?

That said, I was trying (unsuccessfully) to get my ds to choose Music as he already plays an instrument.

Out of interest, why is the Year 8 son choosing his options a year early?

DecorHate · 22/01/2010 17:38

I have no idea really but my gut feeling is that universities want well-rounded students - so surely if they enjoy music (regardless of ability) and want to do a GCSE in it that is a Good Thing? I suppose it does depend on what they have to not do in order to do music though? Surely no "softer" than doing PE for GCSE which lots of academic pupils do?

My dd is possibly going to do Dance for GCSE - she is not likely to make a career of it but it is the only exercise she does as an extra-curricular activity so I want to encourage her to carry on. (She will be doing it outside school though so won't affect any of her subject choices at school).