KS4 Overview
At KS4, students explore key terms and musical knowledge through a range of practical tasks, building upon the skills developed at KS3. The course content provides a deeper look into a wide range of musical eras, styles and genres, allowing students to be creatively influenced and well-equipped to write their own pieces for their Composing Music NEA. Listening and appraising plays a big part in contextualising this gained knowledge, and this is assessed in their exam component where students will answer questions in response to excerpts of music, as well as write short, prepared analysis of studied set works. Students will have chosen their instrument or voice to specialise in for their Performing Music NEA, where they will demonstrate their developing technique both as a soloist (accompanied, if required) and as part of an ensemble (two or more live performers).
Building on KS3 and preparing for KS5…
In-depth analysis of set works from some of the great composers and artists prepare students for KS5 by providing opportunities to refine score-reading skills and to develop understanding of fundamental music theory. Performing and composing music components. KS3 work provides access to performing, composing and listening tasks around a wide range of musical styles, underpinned by essential theoretical understanding to access learning at KS4.
KS4 Assessment
Responses to exam questions are analysed on an individual and a whole-class basis, highlighting common misconceptions that are addressed.
Performing checkpoints include mid-point ‘rough’ recordings for feedback.
Composing feedback whilst circulating in the classroom.
Do now activities used to recap previous learning, address misconceptions and to regularly embed low-stakes listening tasks to develop aural skills.
KS4 Content
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Y10 Content Autumn |
Exploration of the Elements of Music.
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Y10 Content Spring |
Composition 1, AOS Exploration – exam preparation, Ensemble Performance 1. |
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Y10 Content Summer |
AoS 1 Western Classical Tradition – Set Works, Composition 1 development. |
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Y11 Content Autumn |
Final Performance Submission, Exam Preparation, Composition 2 (to a brief). |
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Y11 Content Spring |
Final Composition Submission. |
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Y11 Content Summer |
Exam preparation including revisiting each AOS, Set works and listening practice. |
Exam Board and website link
AQA | GCSE | Music | Specification at a glance
Details of external assessment
Component 1: Understanding Music (exam) including responding to unfamiliar listening and analysing set works.
Component 2: Performing Music (NEA) 1 solo and 1 ensemble performance, totalling a minimum of 4 minutes. Audio recording marked internally and submitted to the exam board.
Component 3: Composing Music (NEA) 2 compositions, totalling a minimum of 3 minutes. Marked internally and submitted to the exam board.