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 2 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 project (performance, composition or musicology) worth 20 marks.
Written paper – Aural skills (40 marks)
Time allowed: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes plus 10 minutes reading time.
There will be four questions.
Questions may contain parts.
One item will be worth 10 marks.
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.
The piece must be performed using one of the following:
- 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 the focus area: Music of the last 25 years (Australian focus).
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 2 minutes.
Elective project (20 marks)
Students will choose one of the following specialisations from the focus area: Elective project:
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Elective project – Performance examination
Students will perform one piece of music. The piece may be a solo or an ensemble piece.
The piece must be performed using one of the following:
- 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 6 minutes.
OR
Elective project – 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 project – Submitted musicology essay
Students will prepare and submit an essay of between 1000 and 1500 words based on an independent musicological investigation in their chosen area of study.
Further information
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- Adjustments to assessment for students with disability
- Life Skills
- Assessment Certification Examination (ACE)