Assessment
HSC examinations
The external HSC examination measures student achievement in a range of syllabus outcomes.
The external examination and its marking relate to the syllabus by:
- providing clear links to syllabus outcomes
- enabling students to demonstrate the levels of achievement outlined in the Performance Band Descriptions
- applying marking guidelines based on criteria that relate to the quality of the response
- aligning performance in the examination each year to the standards established for the course.
Examination questions may require students to integrate knowledge, understanding and skills developed through studying the course.
The Year 11 course is assumed knowledge for the Year 12 course.
Some students with disability may be eligible for HSC exam provisions when completing the HSC examination.
Music 1 HSC examination specifications
The HSC examination will consist of a written paper worth 40 marks, a Performance examination worth 20 marks, a Submitted composition worth 20 marks and an Elective (performance, composition or musicology) worth 20 marks.
Written paper – Aural skills (40 marks)
Time allowed: Approximately 1 hour plus 10 minutes reading time.
There will be four questions.
Questions may contain parts.
Questions will include stimulus and/or unseen material.
Questions relating to Music context and Music language will be integrated throughout the examination.
Core: Performance examination (20 marks)
Students will perform one piece of music. The piece may be a solo or an ensemble piece and must be performed using:
- an instrument of choice
- the student’s voice
- a combination of both an instrument and the student’s voice.
The performance piece must be drawn from one of the focus areas: Music across cultures, traditions and time OR Music for screen, stage and story. The focus area chosen for the Core: performance examination must be different to that chosen for the Elective.
The maximum performance time will be 5 minutes.
Core: Submitted composition (20 marks)
Students will compose and submit one original composition.
The composition must be drawn from the focus area: Music of the last 25 years (Australian focus).
The maximum composition length will be 3 minutes.
Elective (20 marks)
Students will choose one of the following electives:
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The elective must be drawn from one of the focus areas: Music across cultures, traditions and time OR Music for screen, stage and story. The focus area chosen for the Elective must be different to that chosen for the Core: Performance examination.
Elective – Performance examination
Students will perform one piece of music. The piece may be a solo or an ensemble piece and must be performed using:
- an instrument of choice
- the student’s voice
- a combination of both an instrument and the student’s voice.
The performance must be in contrast to the piece performed for the Core: Performance examination. Pieces may contrast in period, genre, mood or style.
The maximum performance time will be 5 minutes.
OR
Elective – Submitted composition
Students will compose and submit one original composition.
The composition must be in contrast to the piece submitted for the Core: Submitted composition. Pieces may contrast in period, genre, mood or style.
The maximum composition length will be 3 minutes.
OR
Elective – Musicology viva voce
Students will prepare and present one viva voce.
The viva voce length will be 10 minutes.
Further information
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- Adjustments to assessment for students with disability
- Life Skills
- Assessment Certification Examination (ACE)