GCSE Music
The WJEC Eduqas specification 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.
Component 1: Performing (30% of qualification)
Total duration of performances: 4-6 minutes
Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally
moderated
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.
Component 2: Composing (30% of qualification)
Total duration of compositions: 3-6 minutes
Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally
moderated
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.
Component 3: Appraising (40% of qualification)
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately)
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.
Music Technology
The Tech Award course is a new course and is ideal for students who enjoy music technology & want to learn more about the ‘real life’ music industry. Students choosing Tech Award should ideally be achieving level 3 or above in technology skills.
The Tech Award can be broken down into 3 units, that will be completed throughout Y10 & 11. Tech Award students are not required to sit any written exams and will instead create music using technology. The Tech Award is seen as an equivalent qualification to the GCSE.
- Unit 1 is a music technology performance unit & is worth 30% of the final grade. Students can choose any piece of music to sequence in their own style using GarageBand. Students have the option of performing a live track on any instrument or voice during this unit. Students will eventually present their work to a small audience.
- Unit 2 is a creating unit & is again worth 30% of the final grade. Students will be asked to use GarageBand, to create a piece of music in any style. Students will eventually present their work to a small audience.
- Unit 3 is called ‘Performing Arts in Practice’ and is worth 40% of the final grade. Students will need to create a portfolio of evidence in response to a ‘real world’ brief. So students could come up with original ideas for a performing arts event, like a festival. The portfolio would include; a detailed plan for the event, an advertising strategy and example compositions, created using GarageBand, that might be heard at the event.
