GCSE Revision Information

• Please click here to view the GCSE Example Revision Guide
• Please click here to view GCSE Exam Preparation Guide

The Music Department runs practical exams in three main exam boards across the year, details of which can be seen below. More details, along with syllabi and music ordering can be found on the exam board websites. It is worth noting that for exams above Grade 5, UCAS will issue additional points for university entrance.

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)

These exams are taken by students studying the main orchestral instruments and classical singing. Exams sessions are held twice a year, once in the spring term and once in the summer. Exams with the exception of theory exams (which have to be taken at the Woking Centre) usually take place at Gordon's in the Music Department. Click here for ABRSM exam regulation and UCAS points. Click on the ABRSM icon below to find out more:

Rockschool

As the name suggests, Rockschool exams are taken by students learning contemporary instruments and music, mainly electric guitar, drum kit and vocals. The exams are taken at the Berkshire Maestros building in Reading.  Click here for Rockschool and UCAS points.  For more information, please click here.

Music and UCAS Points

Click here for information London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) Qualification and UCAS.

Click here for Trinity College, London UCAS points.

Payment

You will be contacted by the Music Department if we feel your child is ready to take an exam. Fees vary between exam boards and can be found by clicking on the relevant links. Generally, this exam fee will be added to the school bill. If your child is ill on the day of the exam, a doctor’s note is required in order to claim back the exam fee. If they miss the exam for any other reason, the fee will be forfeited. Similarly if the candidate is withdrawn before the exam, no refund will be given by the exam board.

Results

Exam results for all boards are usually available between two and three weeks after the exam date. Where this falls in the holiday, we will endeavour to contact candidates by phone at the earliest opportunity.

Certificates are presented in assemblies as appropriate. Please see our Hall of Fame for some of our previous successes.

What Can You Do To Help?

If you know your child is being entered for an exam, please assist them in getting the best mark by:

1.   Supervising their practice time at home – little and often is the best way for reluctant performers.

2.   Keep in contact with the music teacher. All students have a practice diary in which you can write a note or check to see what they have been set.

3.   Test their scales or technical exercises – a list of these should be in their practice diary or the front of their music (ABRSM and Rockschool Exams).

4.   Ensuring they have their instrument and music with them in school for the day of their lesson. 

Please click here for information on alleviating performance anxiety.