1. GCSE Music from Sep 2016 All examining bodies have the same weighting for the three components of the course: ComponentWeighting (% of total marks) Assessment Performing music (ensemble is compulsory) 30% Internally assessed, externally moderated Composing music (one piece to a brief set by awarding body, one piece to a brief chosen by the candidate – free composition) 30% Internally assessed, externally moderated ‘Testing’ pupils’ knowledge and understanding of music and their ability to listen to of appraise music through a written examination 40% Externally marked

2. Edexcel Music GCSE Unit 1 – Performance 30%  One solo recording, one ensemble recording (can be multiple pieces)  4 minutes combined minimum duration  Final recording will take place in Autumn Term of Year 11 Marking Marks are awarded in three categories, worth 8 marks each (creating a total out of 24). Students that play a grade 3 piece can earn 24/24. This will result in a total score of 24/30 as no marks will be added for difficulty. Students that play a grade 4 piece will have their raw mark increased, using the “difficulty levels grid” (e.g. 22/24 would scale up to become 28/30), and students that play a grade 5+ piece will have their raw mark increased further (e.g. 20/24 would scale up to become 30/30) Summary: Less difficult = grade 3 (minimum starting point for SHS Music students) Standard = grade 4 More difficult = grade 5+

3. Edexcel Music GCSE Unit 2 – Composition 30%  One “free” composition (completed in Year 10)  One composition in response to a brief set by the board, linked to an Area of Study (briefs are released in September of Year 11) General themes for the briefs: Instrumental Music 1700-1820. Students will be given a melodic phrase to develop into a piece. Vocal Music. Students will be required to set words to music for voice & accompaniment. Music for Stage and Screen. Students will be required to compose a musical soundtrack in response to a given scenario. Fusions. Students will be required to compose a piece based on two set musical styles or traditions. Marking Marks are equally weighted across three areas: Developing musical ideas (10), demonstrating technical control (10), composing with musical coherence (10).

4. Edexcel Music GCSE Unit 3 – Appraisal Exam (40%)  1h 45  May/June of Year 11 Marking Section A: 68 marks – six questions on six of the eight set works. One question on musical dictation (6-10 marks). One question on unfamiliar listening (8 marks) Section B: 12 marks - one question, compare/evaluate one set work & one unheard listening. The question will focus on stylistic features.

5. Edexcel – Set Works Area of Study 1: Instrumental Music 1700-1820 J S Bach: 3 rd Movement from Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 in D major L van Beethoven: 1 st Movement from Piano Sonata no. 8 in C minor “Pathetique” Area of Study 2: Vocal Music H Purcell: Music for a While Queen: Killer Queen (from the album “Sheer Heart Attack” Area of Study 3: Music for Stage and Screen S Schwartz: Defying Gravity (from the album of the cast of the recording of Wicked) J Williams: Main title/rebel blockade runner (from the soundtrack to Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope) Area of Study 4: Fusions Afro Celt Sound System: Release (from the album “Volume 2: Release”) Esperanza Spalding: Samba Em Preludio (from the album “Esperanza”)