Quintin Kynaston School, a specialist technology school

Key Stage 4

This course enables students to develop the skills to compose, perform, and critically analyse different musical styles.

  • By composing, students learn how to develop their ideas, using computers or instruments to produce their compositions.
  • By performing, students learn to develop their playing skills. They also develop their ensemble skills by playing with a group of musicians in a band, ensemble or choral group.
  • By listening to a wide range of music from different genres, students learn how to identify and compare musical characteristics from a variety of styles.

This course follows the AQA Music specification and is divided into three parts:

A. Coursework Composing (40%)

Students are required to create two compositions. The compositions can be in any musical genre or style. The second composition is required to have a link to a strand of music prescribed by the exam board. Students also have to complete a written appraisal of the successes and difficulties that they encountered whilst working on their second composition.

B. Coursework Performing (40%)

Students receive 25 minute individual music lessons on an instrument, once a week. These lessons are provided by visiting instrumental teachers. Students choose the instrument that they wish to learn.

Students are required to sing or play two performances:

  1. Solo performance recording: Students are required to record a solo piece on their instrument. The piece may be from any musical style.
  2. Group Performance recording: Students are required to record a piece of music in a band or small ensemble. The chosen piece may be in any musical style.

C. Listening to and Appraising Music (20%)

This takes the form of a written examination at the end of Year 11 (1 hour). Students are required to listen to musical extracts from a variety of musical styles and answer questions about what they hear.

Emphasis throughout the course is on extending individual students’ creative ability and to provide the learner with opportunities to show commitment and skill in an instrument of their choice.