Course Content
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Component 1: Performing Total duration of performances: 4-6 minutes Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated 30% of qualification. A minimum of two pieces, one of which must be an ensemble performance of at least one minute duration. The other piece(s) may be either solo and/or ensemble. One of the pieces performed must link to an area of study of the learner’s choice. Learners may perform at any time during the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. Learners do not have to perform all pieces on the same day. The performance must be recorded with the teacher present, so that the work can be authenticated. In all performances, learners will be expected to display: technical control, expression and appropriate interpretation ,accuracy of rhythm and pitch, appropriate pace and fluency, effective use of dynamics , stylistic awareness , empathy (in ensemble playing).
Component 2: Composing Total duration of compositions: 3-6 minutes Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated 30% of qualification Two compositions, one of which must be in response to a brief set by WJEC. Learners will choose one brief from a choice of four, each one linked to a different area of study. The briefs will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition is a free composition for which learners set their own brief. In both compositions, learners will be expected to display: creativity in response to the chosen brief, development of musical ideas, technical control of musical elements and resources, musical coherence and understanding
Component 3: Appraising Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes 40% of qualification This component is assessed via a listening examination. Eight questions in total, two on each of the 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 Two of the eight questions are based on extracts set by WJEC. This component encourages learners to develop skills in appraising music through the exploration of a wide variety of music linked to the four areas of study. Each area of study includes a list of terms focusing on particular musical knowledge and understanding.
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Potential Career paths
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Many who study music at GCSE go on to A level, thus helping students to further study music at university. This can then lead on to careers such as a performer, composing, teaching, music research, music business or working with in the music industry.
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Assessments (incl. field work / assessed practical)
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Component 1 :
Performing Total duration of performances: 4-6 minutes Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated 30% of qualification 72 marks
Each Assessment Objective is marked out of 24, Total available marks 96
Component 2
Composing Total duration of compositions: 3-6 minutes Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated 30% of qualification 72 marks
Appraising Written examination:
1 hour 15 minutes 40% of qualification 96 marks 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
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