KS4 Music

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

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.