Learning

Key Stage 4

What pupils will be studying?

From September 2024, pupils will be studying the Edquas Music GCSE.

The Eduqas music GCSE course encourages an integrated approach to the three distinct disciplines of performing, composing and appraising through four interrelated areas of study. The four areas of study are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of music through the study of a variety of genres and styles in a wider context. The Western Classical Tradition forms the basis of Musical Forms and Devices (area of study 1), and learners should take the opportunity to explore these forms and devices further in the other three areas of study. Music for Ensemble (area of study 2) allows learners to look more closely at texture and sonority. Film Music (area of study 3) and Popular Music (area of study 4) provide an opportunity to look at contrasting styles and genres of music.

How will they be assessed?

Component

Overview

Assessment

%

Component 1: Performance, 2 pieces.

Total duration of performances: 4-6 minutes.

Learners are encouraged to develop their knowledge and understanding of music through performing. All learners are required to perform a minimum of two pieces of which at least one must be as part of an ensemble performance lasting at least one minute. The other piece(s) may be performed either solo and/or as part of an ensemble. One piece must be linked to one of the four areas of study. The use of music technology and improvisation is accepted within both solo and ensemble performances.

Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated

30%

Component 2: Composing

Total duration of compositions: 3-6 minutes.   Learners are encouraged to develop their knowledge and understanding of music through composing. All learners are required to create and develop musical ideas in relation to given and chosen briefs. Learners must submit two compositions with a total playing time of between 3-6 minutes

Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated

30%

Component 3: Appraising

Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately).

This examination will assess knowledge and understanding of music through the following four areas of study: Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble Area of study

3: Film Music Area of study

4: Popular Music. Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical contexts and musical language.

Externally marked

40%

Year 11 2024-25

The BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice allows pupils to develop as performers, producers and composers of music.  They deepen their knowledge of a range of styles and musical theory and apply these when creating musical products or fulfilling commercial style music briefs.  Pupils reflect on and apply a range of professional skills used in the music industry and more widely in other careers.

How will they be assessed?

Component

Overview

Assessment

%

Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles

Task A: Create a blog to demonstrate understanding of different styles of music

Task B: Create three short musical products in response to a brief

Non-exam internal assessment carried out over at least 12 hours

30%

Component 2: Music Skills Development

Pupils analyse their progress as musicians and use this to set targets and create a development plan to improve their musical skills, whilst creating two musical products in response to a brief.  Pupils develop their skills in two areas out of:

  • Performance
  • Production
  • Composition

Non-exam internal assessment carried out over at least 15 hours

 

30%

Component 3: Responding to a music brief

Pupils respond to a brief by creating a cover version of a song from a given list in a given style of music.  They can do this as creators and performers or as creators and producers.

Non-exam external assessment including 4 hours preparation, 3 hours formal supervision and 16 hours informal supervision

40%

Homework

Weekly homework including research and listening tasks as well as individual rehearsal or music production development work.

Contacts

For more information, please contact gillian.dunphy@nuneatonacademy.org.uk