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KS4 - Music

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Board 

Edexcel 

Outline of the Course 

  • Made up of musical performance, composition and appraising. 

  • Performing is worth 30% and students must perform at least two pieces, one of which will be a solo and one as part of an ensemble.  The minimum time for both pieces must be at least 4 minutes. Grade 4 equivalent difficultly is the aim by the end of year 11 for top marks. 

  • Composing is worth 30% and students need to compose at least two pieces, one must be in response to a brief set by the awarding organisation and one must be a piece of free composition, the minimum time for both pieces must be at least 3 minutes.  

  • Appraising is worth 40% looking at musical theory through set works including: Defying Gravity, Star Wars main theme, Killer Queen, a Beethoven sonata and more! 

Assessment 

 
Type of Assessment 
Duration 
Weighting 
1 
Performing 
2 performances  
Solo – minimum 1 piece – minimum 1 minute  
Ensemble – minimum 1 piece – minimum 1 minute  
Together total minimum of 4 minutes across the solo and ensemble pieces 
30% 
2 
Composing 
2 compositions  
1 to set brief – minimum 1 minute  
1 free composition – minimum 1 minute  
Together total minimum of 3 minutes 
30% 
3 
Appraising 
Exam: 1 hour 45minutes  
40% 

Extra-curricular Activities: As a department we offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities which include several choirs, ensembles, bands, two orchestras, various chamber ensembles, jazz band and more.  We also offer many instrumental and vocal lessons to further develop their overall musicianship, confidence and sense of being.

Entry Requirements: You are usually expected to be able to play an instrument or sing to at least a grade 2 standard to take GCSE music (you do not have to have taken an exam). Anything below this standard will not usually allow you to get the highest possible mark in the performance element of the GCSE qualification. You also must commit to joining at least one of the extra-curricular music clubs to help develop your skills beyond a classroom curriculum and support with the ensemble practice side of the course. If you have any questions about your current standard or the commitment involved, please do speak to your music teacher.

GCSE-Programme-of-Courses-Booklet.pdf

GCSE-Resources-Booklet.pdf

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