WJEC Eduqas GCSE Music specification (C660)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE Music exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC Eduqas GCSE Music specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official WJEC Eduqas GCSE Music (C660) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official WJEC Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Music offers a broad, practical and integrated approach to musical learning. It is designed to engage learners creatively and critically across the disciplines of performing, composing, and appraising, using a diverse range of musical styles, forms and traditions.
This qualification enables learners to: • perform with technical control, fluency, and expression • compose music for a variety of audiences, purposes, and contexts • appraise music using aural analysis and musical terminology • explore music from the Western Classical Tradition, Film Music, Popular Music and Ensemble Music • understand the relationships between composer, performer and audience
The course is structured around four Areas of Study, with learners applying musical understanding through both practical and written assessments, developing musical independence and cultural appreciation:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Area of Study 1: Musical Forms and Devices
- Focus: Western Classical Tradition 1650–1910
- Forms: binary, ternary, minuet and trio, rondo, variation, strophic
- Devices: imitation, sequence, ostinato, syncopation, canon, pedal, cadences
- Set work: Badinerie by J.S. Bach (Orchestral Suite No. 2, BWV 1067)
Area of Study 2: Music for Ensemble
- Textures: monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic, melody & accompaniment
- Groupings: chamber music, jazz/blues, musical theatre, vocal ensembles
- Features: canon, countermelody, unison, chordal and layered textures
Area of Study 3: Film Music
- Features: leitmotif, thematic transformation, sound design, technology use
- Techniques: mood creation, dynamic contrasts, minimalism, timbre
- Skills: respond to stimuli (e.g. film stills, words), interpret visuals musically
Area of Study 4: Popular Music
- Genres: pop, rock, soul, hip-hop, bhangra, fusion
- Forms: verse-chorus, 12-bar blues, 32-bar AABA, strophic
- Features: riffs, hooks, loops, samples, improvisation, digital effects
Component 1: Performing
- Two pieces: one solo, one ensemble (min. 4 min total, max. 6 min)
- One piece must link to an Area of Study
- Assessments consider accuracy, control, expression, and interpretation
Component 2: Composing
- Two compositions: one free, one to a WJEC-set brief (min. 3 min total)
- Briefs linked to each Area of Study
- Assessed on creativity, development, coherence, use of musical elements
Component 3: Appraising
- Four Areas of Study assessed through eight listening questions
- Includes analysis of set works: Badinerie (Bach) and Africa (Toto)
- Musical elements assessed: melody, harmony, tonality, rhythm, etc.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Performing
- NEA, 30% of GCSE
- Duration: 4–6 mins (min. 1 min ensemble required)
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Marked out of 72
- One piece must be linked to an Area of Study
- Adjusted scoring applied if under 4 mins
Component 2: Composing
- NEA, 30% of GCSE
- Duration: 3–6 mins across two compositions
- One to a WJEC brief, one free
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Marked out of 72
- Assessed on creativity, control, and coherence
Component 3: Appraising
- Written exam: ~1h 15m
- 40% of GCSE
- Eight questions (two per Area of Study)
- Includes dictation, short answers and one extended response
- Includes two set work extracts: Badinerie and Africa (Toto)
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Perform with control and expression – 30%
- AO2: Compose with technical control – 30%
- AO3: Apply musical knowledge – 20%
- AO4: Appraise and evaluate music – 20%
Grading and Resits
- GCSE awarded on 9–1 scale
- All components taken in same exam series
- NEA scores can be carried forward if resitting:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE Music isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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