The I-GCSE is a very exciting music course that we have chosen because it matches very closely the skills and interests of the musicians at The Abbey. It is a very prestigious and well respected qualification, but also allows us to deliver a course that is wide-ranging, stimulating and fun. Practical skills are developed through the performing and composing papers. Fluent music reading skills and a good theoretical knowledge are required for the listening paper, in particular for the study of the set works.
The course is an excellent preparation for A Level and IB, but will also suit committed musicians who do not envisage studying music beyond Upper V (Year 11). The full exam board spec. can be found here.
| Component 1: Unprepared Listening |
24% |
Exam: 1 hour |
- Baroque, Classical, Romantic periods & C20th Music: Extracts from 2 vocal or instrumental works.
- Latin America, Africa, China, India & Far Eastern Music: Extracts from 3 contrasting pieces.
- Skeleton Score: one musical extract (questions to include simple dictation and identifying period & composer).
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| Component 2: Prepared Listening |
16% |
Exam: 40 minutes |
- Music around the world: Either African & Middle Eastern music or Japanese music.
- Set work: Either Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No.2 or Beethoven 6, movements iii, iv & v.
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| Component 3: Performing |
30% |
School-based assessment (4-10 minutes) |
- Singing or playing individually: one or two pieces on one or two instruments
- Singing or playing in an ensemble: one or two pieces on one or two instruments.
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| Component 4: Composing |
30% |
School-based assessment (notated and recorded) |
- 2 compositions contrasting either in character or resources, at least using traditional harmony and counterpoint.
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