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OPEN EVENINGS | Y9 ENTRY – 21 September 2023 | SIXTH FORM - 23 November 2023
 

KS4

 

Music Faculty

Mr K Hayman

For more details on our Music curriculum, please contact [email protected] or 01202 578886

KS4 Curriculum

There are two separate pathways at Key Stage 4 for students that have an interest or affinity with Music.

The first of these is the Edexcel GCSE:

The GCSE has three core learning outcomes, with a strong weighting on practical and creative work.

Performance: (30%)

  • Must perform at least two pieces.
  • Solo performance: this must be of at least one minute in duration, and may comprise one or more pieces
  • Ensemble performance: this must be of at least one minute in duration, and may comprise one or more pieces
  • Performances must be completed in the academic year the student completes the qualification.
  • Minimum total performing time (both performances combined) is 4 minutes.

Composition: (30%)

  • Must compose at least two pieces.
  • One piece must respond to an awarding body set brief.
  • One piece must be free composition.
  • Minimum total composition time (both pieces combined) is 3 minutes.

Appraisal: (40%)

  • Defined list of musical elements, musical contexts and musical language that must be included.
  • Students are required to study a minimum of four areas of study
  • At least one area of study must be drawn from music composed in the Western Classical Tradition with all or the majority being composed between 1650 and 1910.
  • At least one other area of study must not be drawn from the Western Classical Tradition.

Edexcel GCSE Music Specification

The second option available at Key Stage 4 is the NCFE Music Technology qualification.

This is a vocational qualification that teaches and explores the latest in techniques in the world of digital music creation and recording.

Students will work through four internally and externally assessed modules covering the following areas:

  • Set up and use a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
  • Create a musical project to a specified brief, using audio and MIDI editing tools.
  • Understand and experiment with musical elements in a chosen style.
  • Plan and undertake a studio recording session.
  • Use mixing techniques to make a multi-track recording.
  • Explore sound creation