Music

At KS4 students study the EDUQAS GCSE in Music. There are three components to this course.

Component 1 is an internally assessed performance. Students are required to record performances in an ensemble and as a soloist which demonstrate their ability on their chosen instrument. Their recordings are required to be between four and six minutes long. This component is worth 30% of the overall qualification.

Component 2 is also internally assessed and involves students composing two pieces of music, one of these is based on a brief provided by the exam board, the second is a free choice composition. This component is also worth 30% of the overall qualification.

Component 3 is an externally assessed listening and appraising exam which takes place in the summer of Year 11. In the exam, students will be expected to understand and aurally identify features of music linked to the following areas of study: musical forms and devices; music for ensemble; film music; and popular music. This is worth 40% of the overall qualification.