Music

 

MUSIC (GCSE)

GCSE Music is perfect for students who play an instrument or sing and want to continue to develop their performing, composing and listening skills in Years 10 and 11.  Students will take their musicianship skills to a higher level through regular practice working towards two recordings of their chosen performance pieces.  Students will also study compositional techniques alongside developing their critical listening and musical analysis skills.

EXAMINATION BOARD - OCR 

SPECIFICATION CODE - J536

For details of our Music Development Plan, please click here.

 CURRICULUM CONTENT 

  • All students will prepare and record two performances on their chosen instrument/s. These performances should be largely equivalent to ABRSM/Trinity/RSL Grade 3/4.
  • Students will also compose and present two original compositions; one in Year 10 and a second in Year 11.  Performance and composition course work tasks make up 60% of their total grade.
  • Students will also learn about a range of musical styles and traditions within the four areas of study: The Concerto Through Time, Rhythms of the World, Film Music and Conventions of Pop. These areas of study will be assessed in a listening exam at the end of Year 11 (worth 40% of total grade).

 ASSESSMENT

Non-Exam Assessment (course work 60%)  

  • Solo Performance (15%)
  • Ensemble Performance (15%)
  • Composition 1 (15%)
  • Composition 2 (15%)

 Listening Exam (40%) 

  • AOS 1 – Concerto Through Time (10%)
  • AOS 2 – Film Music (10%)
  • AOS 3 – Rhythms of the World (10%)
  • AOS 4 – Conventions of Pop (10%)

 EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES 

Students have the opportunity to join/form a group and rehearse using college music equipment, continue to work one-to-one with their music teacher, as well as access the music department at lunch times and after school.  There are a minimum of two music concerts each year plus the Battle of the Bands event. 

PROGRESSION 

GCSE Music is perfect for preparing students for AS/A2 Music, BTEC Level 3 Music and Music Technology courses as well as other vocational and further education courses around performing arts.