GCSE Music
OVERVIEW
This course develops performing, composing, listening and appraising skills.
Examination board: OCR
Course title: GCSE Music
Students are assessed through coursework (60%) and one listening examination (40%)
Paper is untiered
THE DETAILS
Students will gradually develop their music skills by focusing on:
appreciating music from different contexts;
listening and describing;
performing and composing;
using music technology;
developing leadership skills;
improving their notation and literacy skills;
working in individual and group-based (ensemble) practical settings.
The course is centred on 5 ‘Areas of Study’:
'My Music’ (a focused study on a chosen instrument including voice)
‘The Concerto through Time’ (orchestral music from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras)
‘Rhythms of the World’ (Indian, Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern, African and Central & South American)
‘Film and Video Game Music’ (including a range of film and video game music genres such as horror, and sci-fi and the role of music in depicting visual images/scenes/emotions)
‘Conventions of Pop’ (popular music from the 1950s to the present day)
ASSESSMENT
COURSEWORK (60% of total grade)
All of the practical coursework will be internally assessed and standardised by the music staff. It will then be moderated by OCR.
Assessment will be undertaken as follows:
Integrated portfolio (performance on learner’s chosen instrument and free composition) – 30%
Practical Component (ensemble (group) performance and composition for a set brief) – 30%
NB students should ideally practise every day to prepare for this and are encouraged to attend regular instrumental lessons and/or extra-curricular music clubs at the school.
EXAMINATION (up to 1 hr and 30 minutes, 40% of total grade)
Students will sit a written examination where they are tested on their music appreciation skills.
WHERE CAN IT TAKE ME?
Musical skills and knowledge would be an advantage in careers in retailing, leisure, tourism, media, presenting, journalism, sound engineering, entertainment and the performing arts.
GCSE Music is a good path towards BTEC Nationals in Music, A Level Music, Music Technology and Performing Arts courses.
Lead Professional for Music - m.lowndes-ford@lordswoodboys.co.uk
Lordswood Boys' School • Hagley Road • Harborne • Birmingham • B17 8BJ
Tel:0121 464 2837
Email: enquiry@lordswoodboys.co.uk
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