REVISED GCSE QUALIFICATIONS Student Guidance Controlled Assessment Music (For first teaching from September 2009)
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Contents Page 1 Introduction 3 2 Task Setting 4 3 Performing Task Setting 5 4 Composing Task Marking 6 5 Performing Task Marking 7 6 How can I find out more? 8
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1 Introduction What is controlled assessment? Controlled Assessment has replaced coursework at GCSE. What is being assessed under controlled assessment and what does it involve? GCSE Music controlled assessment will assess the following skills: Composing (creating your own music); Performing (performing your own music); and Appraising (making a judgement on what you have done). There are three important steps in controlled assessment: Task Setting (what you have to do); Task Taking (how you are to do it); and Task Marking (where you will gain marks). In the pages that follow, you will find more detailed information about each of the skills and the steps involved in controlled assessment. At the end of this document, you will also find out where you can get more information about controlled assessment or any aspect of GCSE Music. 3
2 Task Setting The tasks you have to complete to gain a GCSE Music Qualification are set out by CCEA. They are contained in a document called a Specification, which your teachers will have. Composing Task Setting To complete CCEA GCSE Music composing task, you will: Compose TWO contrasting pieces of music (maximum total length of the compositions together is 3 6 minutes) At least ONE composition must be related to the Core (Repeated Patterns in Music) or an Optional Area of Study (Musical Traditions in Ireland or Incidental Music or Vocal Music). Compositions must be sent by your school to CCEA, in the form of recorded performances (live or sequenced) and/or scores. Each composition must be accompanied by a Composition Log which shows how your composition started, took shape and developed. Both you and your teacher must sign this log to indicate that the work is your own. For all compositions which are related to an Area of Study (Core or Optional), you must show on the Composition Log, how your composition is linked with the Area of Study. You will have up to a total of 25 hours to complete your two compositions and the composition logs. Time you spend researching or recording your compositions is not included in the 25 hours. It will be difficult to gain higher marks if your compositions aren t long enough. 4
3 Performing Task Setting To complete CCEA GCSE Music performing task, you will: Perform as an accompanied or unaccompanied soloist (maximum length 5 minutes or if performing Turntablism or Solo DJing, a maximum of 10 minutes); and Perform an independent part as a member of an ensemble (maximum length 5 minutes or if performing Turntablism or Ensemble DJing), a maximum of 10 minutes); and Respond to questions from a visiting assessor on points arising from either your solo or ensemble performance and its relationship with the selected area of study. The discussion lasts up to 5 minutes. At least ONE performance (solo or ensemble) must be related to the Core (Repeated Patterns in Music) or an Optional Area of Study (Musical Traditions in Ireland or Incidental Music or Vocal Music). 5 out of 50 marks for each performance are available for the level of demand in the music you present for assessment. You should discuss this with your teacher when you are selecting music for your performance. You will have up to a total of 25 hours to prepare your two performances and you may use music you have prepared for other performances or examinations. It will be difficult to gain higher marks if your performances aren t long enough. Questions from the visiting assessor relating to your performance will focus on: how you have prepared to perform your pieces; what specific skills did you have to develop; aspects of the performance, including any health and safety issues (for example posture and breathing); and the relationship of one of your performance pieces to an area of study. 5
4 Composing Task Marking Compositions will be marked by your teacher and CCEA will moderate these marks. Compositions where technology is not an essential part, will be marked out of 60 in the following areas: Creation and/or organisation and development of musical ideas. Understanding, control and use of resources and textural and/or timbral contrast or interest. Structural interest and/or sense of completion in the brief. Harmonic content/accompaniment style appropriate to the style of the writing/mood intended in the brief. Compositions where technology is an essential part, will be marked out of 60 in the following areas: Creation and/or organisation and development of musical ideas. Understanding, control and use of resources and textural and/or timbral contrast or interest. Quality of individual tracks and any techniques employed in the recording of these. Expressive impact of the final mixed stereo recording. 6
5 Performing Task Marking Performances will be marked by a Visiting Assessor. Solo performances will be marked out of 50 in the following areas: Technical control of the instrument or voice. (18 marks) Expressive interpretation of the music in relation to: tempo and dynamics; (9 marks) phrasing and quality of tone. (9 marks) Sense of style and communication. Level of demand. (9 marks) (5 marks) Ensemble performances will be marked out of 50 in the following areas: Control of the technical demands of the piece. (20 marks) Sense of ensemble in relation to: balance between parts; (10 marks) pitch/intonation and phrasing. (10 marks) Response to other members of the ensemble. (10 marks) Your discussion with the assessor about your solo or ensemble performance which is related to an area of study, will last up to 5 minutes and be marked out of 20. 7
6 How can I find out more? There are a number of ways you can find out more about Controlled assessment or GCSE Music. These include: CCEA Music Micro-site www.ccea.org.uk/music; Teachers at your school or college; and Students who have already studied the subject. 8