PUPILS sitting an SQA qualification in music could see their performance assessments modified further as Covid-19 restrictions continue.

Candidates will have the option of performing on either two instruments or one instrument and voice, as required in previous years, or one instrument or one voice.

The composition part of the course which accounted for 15 per cent of the overall mark has been withdrawn this year.

Higher candidate Molly (not her real name) explained: "There was a consultation last month with suggestions on what might be amended in the course. They have also removed the composition section which puts even more pressure on our performance test.

"The understanding of music question will no longer be in an exam setting but will be assessed throughout the year.

"Performance will account for 60 per cent of our overall grade, where it was previously 45 per cent, and theory will go towards 40 per cent of the mark.

"By increasing the performance percentage puts even more pressure on us as we have to be more precise to get a good mark."

The modifications aim to support greater opportunities for learning and teaching, while maintaining the validity of these qualifications.

For session 2020-21, teachers and lecturers will be required to internally assess the Higher and Advanced Higher Music performances, in line with SQA marking instructions. This will be supported by external quality assurance from SQA.

Centres selected for verification will be asked to provide SQA with audio or video recordings of candidates' performances to enable them to quality assure the marking.

Molly added: "Invigilators will no longer come to the school to assess our performance we will have to record it on the day.

"Teachers will take on that role which could be a problem if they are not neutral in their marking and have never marked an SQA exam before. My teachers do work for the SQA and will know how to mark it but others will have to learn the structure."

Responses received from the consultation will help the SQA make decisions about further modifications to assessment in 2021.

An SQA spokesman said: "Modifications to the assessments for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher Music were published on December 11, following a consultation with teachers, lecturers, subject specialists and young people.

"These modifications have been developed with input from music teachers and young people and are intended to offer more flexibility and optionality for centres and candidates to prepare for assessment due to the current restrictions. These modifications also attempt to ensure performance continues to be assessed and remains a component of the Music courses.

"There will now be more time for candidates to prepare for their performance assessment. SQA is also developing further support materials around the understanding of standards to assist teachers with their assessment judgements."