Music KS5

The department offers AS Music in Year 12 and A2 Music in Year 13 as part of the Cynon Valley Consortium. Vocal and instrumental support is available from the team of peripatetic staff and pupils are encouraged to commit to extra-curricular activities such as the School Choir. 

Pupils follow the WJEC specification as outlined below: 

AS Music 

MU1  Performing  15%  External Assessment 

A solo/ensemble performance of between 8 and 10 minutes which is assessed by a visiting examiner. 

MU2  Composing  15%  Internal Assessment 

Pupils to compose two contrasting pieces lasting between 4 and 8 minutes. These are teacher assessed and externally modified. 

MU3  Appraising  20%  External Assessment 

A 2 hour listening examination in two parts. Part 1 is an appraising test on set works taken from a choice of Areas of Study. Part 2 is an aural perception test on unprepared musical extracts. 

A2 Music 

MU4(A)  Performing  15%  External Assessment 

A solo/ensemble performance of between 10 and 12 minutes assessed by a visiting examiner. 

MU5(A)  Composing  15%  Internal Assessment 

Pupils to compose two contrasting compositions lasting between 6 and 10 minutes. These are teacher assessed and externally modified. 

MU6(A)  Appraising  15%  External Assessment 

A 2 1/4 hour listening examination in two parts. Part 1 is a listening test based on extracts of unfamiliar 20th/21st century music. Part 2 is a listening/written test on a set work studied throughout the year. 

The additional 20% at A2 level is pupil choice according to their own particular strengths and interests. They may choose to study any of the 3 units at a higher level-namely MU4(B), MU5(B) or MU6(B). 

For further details of the AS and A2 Music courses please refer to: 

WJEC