2. Understanding Standards: An overview of course assessment
National 5 Music
An overview of course assessment
RGB colours for text
Purple = R204 G153 B209 & Dark Blue =R0 G51 B102

3. What this presentation covers
 National 5 Music course:
component 1: question paper                       40 marks    
      (35% of the overall course award)
component 2: assignment (composing)      30 marks   
      (15% of the overall course award)
component 3: performance - instrument 1    30 marks 
component 4: performance - instrument 2    30 marks
      (Performances on Instruments 1 and 2 =  50% of the overall course award)

4. An overview of what is changed and/or what is unchanged
question paper unchanged
assignment - composing - new component
performance instrument 1 - unchanged
performance instrument 2 - unchanged

5. Question paper A wide variety of question types: multiple choice
musical literacy
one word answers
identification of prominent musical features using prose/bullet points

6. Question paper
Candidates are expected to have secure knowledge and understanding of the concepts at National 3 and 4 levels in addition to knowledge and understanding of level specific National 5 concepts.

7. Assignment
The assignment is in two parts and is worth 15% of the overall course award.
Composing one complete piece of music (20 marks)
any style/genre
between one minute and two and a half minutes’ duration

8. Assignment plan the assignment - (allow personalisation and choice)
Candidates are required to:
plan the assignment - (allow personalisation and choice)
explore and develop musical ideas using at least three of the musical elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre and structure

9. Assignment Possible approaches could be: single melody line
melody with accompaniment
composition for a small ensemble - rock band, instrumental duo, etc
solo piano or keyboard
singer songwriter

10. Assignment Points to note:
arrangements are not acceptable for this assignment at National 5 level
the composed piece may contain sections of improvisation
pre-recorded loops may be included however the candidate’s actual creative input must be clearly identifiable

11. Assignment Composing review (10 marks) Candidates will be required to:
provide a detailed account of the main decisions made when exploring and developing their musical ideas
identify strengths and/or areas which may be improved

12. Assignment The composing review: must be completed on the SQA template
can be in the form of prose or bullet points
should be in the region of words
Candidates should be encouraged to write the review
as they make their decisions and explore
and develop their musical ideas.

13. Assignment Evidence to be gathered
The assignment must include all of the following:
an audio recording
a score or performance plan
a composing review

14. Performance
Two selected instruments, or one selected instrument and voice:
solo and/or in a group setting
8 minutes duration (minimum of 2 minutes, maximum of 6 minutes on each instrument/voice)
minimum of two contrasting pieces of music on each
of the two selected instruments
an appropriate standard/level of difficulty (Grade 3 or above)

15. Performance Marks are awarded, as appropriate, for:
melodic accuracy/intonation
rhythmic accuracy
tempo and flow
mood and character
tone
dynamics
Refer to the SQA list of approved combinations of instruments.

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