| Key Stage | Qualification | Course Code | Exam Board |
| KS4 | GCSE Music | Eduqas | |
| KS4 | Level 2 Technical Award in Music Technology | NCFE | |
| KS5 | A Level Music | 9MU01 | Edexcel |
| KS5 | A Level Music Technology | Edexcel |
Music
Studying Music will help you to develop your love, ideas and understanding of music as well as making closer links between the music you listen to and that which you perform and compose. You’ll learn how to recognise and describe different styles of music and the techniques used within them.
Year 8 into 9
After the first year of study (Year 9), where all students that have opted to follow a Music course (which does contain the use of music technology)
In Year 10 students can then choose to follow either course: GCSE Music (Eduqas) or NCFE Level 2 Technical Award in Music Technology.
This will be an alternative course to GCSE Music and interest those students keen to learn more about music production and recording.
Years 10 & 11
GCSE Music Course Content: Lessons are a combination of individual and group practical, listening and analysing, music theory and completing performing and composing coursework. Music technology can be used during the course and all students will develop their skills further on Cubase and Dorico software. Students will also have the opportunity to take part in workshops, trips and visits.
How are you assessed?
60% Coursework – split equally between performing and composing and 40% Listening Exam
| Coursework: Performing (minimum. of 4 minutes): A minimum of 2 pieces, 1 of which must be an ensemble. The other piece(s) may be either solo and/or ensemble. The minimum standard of pieces selected for performance should be broadly equivalent to Grade 3 of the graded music examinations. Students performing at Grade 4 level and above receive extra credit. |
| Composing (minimum. of 3 minutes): Students will complete 2 compositions, 1 of which will be in response to a brief set by the exam board. Students will choose 1 brief from a choice of 4. The second composition is a free composition for which students set their own brief. |
| Exam: A 1 hour 15 minute listening exam with 8 questions in total, 2 from the four areas of study: Musical Forms and Devices (Western Classical tradition 1650-1910), Music for Ensemble (Chamber music, Musical Theatre, Jazz and Blues), Film Music and Popular Music (Rock and Pop, Bhangra and Fusion). 2 of the questions are based on set works: Final Movement from Badinerie by J. S Bach and Africa by Toto (released 1982). |
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Sixth Form (Music)
| Component | Assessment | ||
| Component 1: Performing A balanced recital (minimum eight minutes) of music in any style and of Grade VII standard, as either a soloist or part of an ensemble. Performing at Grade 8 level or above receives extra credit. Any instrument(s) and/or voice(s) are acceptable. Recorded in one unedited take. The performance has to be recorded after 1st March Year 13 but practices will be completed throughout the sixth form. | Non-examined assessment Public performance of one or more pieces. 30% of A Level | ||
| Component 2: Composing and Technical Studies One composition of at least four minutes duration (20%), either to a brief issued by Edexcel (set in Yr13) or a free composition to a brief that you devise (which can be started at any point of the course and be in any style). The briefs, based on the six Areas of Study used in appraising, each require you to consider the intended audience and occasion. You spend as long as you wish researching and writing the composition and submit a score and recording (which may be exported from music software or recorded live). The technical study is completed in Year 13 and popular choices include an arrangement or a remix task. | Non-examined assessment Two compositions 30% of A Level | ||
| Component 3: Appraising This component is assessed as a 2 hour and 10 minute exam at the end of the course. You study thirteen set works (across the six Areas of Study) including piano music by Debussy, the Batman Returns soundtrack by Danny Elfman, the Revolver album by The Beatles and Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Each of the set works is chosen either for its important place in musical history or because it is an excellent example of a particular idea, or new way of thinking, in music. The Areas of Study are really interesting. They are: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Film Music, Pop Music and Jazz, Fusions, and New Directions. | Written exam, 2 hours 10 minutes 40% of A Level |
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Sixth Form (Music Technology)
| Component | Assessment | ||
| Component 1: Recording The purpose of this component is to assess the students’ skills in capturing, editing and mixing sounds to produce an audio recording with increased sensitivity and control. Students will develop the skills to capture and manipulate sounds in corrective ways in order to create an accomplished final product. | Non-examined assessment 20% of A Level | ||
| Component 2: Technology-Based Composition The purpose of this component is to assess students’ skills in creating, editing and structuring sounds with increased sensitivity and control to develop a technology-based composition. Students will develop the skills to create and manipulate sounds in imaginative and creative ways in order to communicate effectively with listeners. | Non-examined assessment 20% of A Level | ||
| Component 3: Listening and Analysing The purpose of this component is for students’ to develop listening and analysing skills through the study of a range of music production techniques used in commercial recording and production practices associated with a number of historical eras. | Written exam, 1 hour 30 minutes 25% of A Level | ||
| Component 4: Producing and Analysing This composition assesses students’ knowledge of the techniques and principles of music technology through a series of written and practical tasks, in the context of audio and MIDI materials provided by the awarding body. The examination will also assess the students’ ability to process and correct these materials using a range of production skills to form a convincing final product. | Written/practical exam 2 hours, 15 minutes 35% of A Level |
