Key Stage 4

This course is divided into three areas that have already been studied at KS3: Performance, Composition and Appraising.

Performance (30%)

Throughout ks4 Pupils will attend 30 minute instrumental lesson (paid for by the school) and will develop performance skills in preparation for the year 11 performances. Pupils will perform a solo piece on the instrument of their choice and an ensemble piece during term two in year 11.

Composition (30%)

Pupils will compose several pieces during the course but music submit two contrasting compositions to be formally assessed by the teacher.

Composition 1: Free Composition.

Composition 2: Composing to a brief.

Listening exam (40%)

Pupils will sit a one hour and 15 minutes listening exam. This examination will assess knowledge and understanding of music through the following areas of study.

Musical forms and devices

Music for ensemble

Film music

Popular music

Set works

There are two areas of study that include a prepared extract which learners must study in depth:

Movement 3 from Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik and Since You’ve Been Gone by the band Rainbows.