The Avon Valley School & Performing Arts College
GCSE Music D
This WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Music specification fosters candidates ' musical sensitivity , creativity and aural perception through the acquisition of knowledge , skills and understanding and the exercise of the imagination . It promotes candidates ' cultural development , involvement in and enjoyment of music as performers , composers and appraisers through the study of a wide range of music .
When studying WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Music , candidates will consider music under 4 different areas of study : Musical Forms and Devices ; Music for Ensemble ; Film Music ; Popular Music .
The three key components of performing , composing and appraising have been retained :
Component 1 : Performing ( 30 % of qualification ) � Total duration of performances : 4 – 6 minutes � Non-exam assessment : internally assessed , externally moderated � A minimum of 2 pieces , 1 of which must be an ensemble performance of at least 1 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 � 2 compositions , 1 of which must be in response to a brief set by WJEC Eduqas . Learners will choose 1 brief from a choice of 4 , each one linked to an 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 � Total playing time of both compositions should be at least 3 minutes � Candidates must complete a composition log
Component 3 : Appraising � Written examination : 1 hour 15 minutes ( 40 % of qualification ) � There are 8 questions in total , 2 on each of the 4 areas of study . Two of the eight questions will be based on prepared extracts set by the WJEC Eduqas .
Careers for which this qualification is useful :
A GCSE in Music can act as a stepping-stone to ‘ A ’ levels , BTEC courses , BA , BSc & BMus Degrees . In recent years , students have left to study for degrees in music related courses and hope to go onto careers in sound engineering , composing , music production , performance and more general roles within broadcasting & music industries .
Contact Staff : Mr Collins
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