Music (GCSE)

Exam Board: OCR

Course Overview:

You will learn to compose and perform while studying your own particular instrument or voice.  Whilst much of this study is completed in the classroom, you will also have your own individual instrumental teacher or vocal coach.  You will also develop your own listening and appraising skills by preparing to take a written exam paper, which involves listening to music and answering the given questions covering several different styles.

Course Content:

•     Performance on the learner’s chosen instrument 

•     Composition to a brief set by the learner 

•     Ensemble performance

•     Composition to an OCR set brief 

•     Listening and appraising 

•     A written paper, with CD

•     Aural recognition and context unheard/unfamiliar music from within the areas of study 2,3,4 and 5

Assessment Structure:

• An integrated performance and composition component with learner choice of instrument 

(non-examined assessment completed during the course)

• A practical portfolio that includes the board set composition task and an ensemble performance 

(non - examined assessment completed during the course)

• The performance and composition components are internally assessed and externally moderated by OCR 

• An examined listening and appraisal component

• The performance and composition components will enable learners to pursue their individual preference with a broad range of Areas of Study 

• Integrated portfolio (01 or 02), 60 marks, non-exam assessment (30% of total GCSE)

• Integrated portfolio (01 or 02), 60 marks, non-exam assessment  (30% of total GCSE)

• Practical component (03 or 04), 60 marks, non-exam assessment (30% of total GCSE)

• Listening and appraisal (05), 80 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes written exam (40% of total GCSE)

Extra Curricular Opportunities:

We require all pupils taking music to join an ensemble or extra curricular group.  We have a range of different musical groups to choose from: Advanced choir, House band, String ensemble, Jazz band, Percussion group and Composition group.  We also have many trips and performances that students can be involved in.

Career Prospects and Transferable Skills being developed:

• Agent

• Film Composer

• Manager

• Music journalist

• Music teacher

• Musician

• Producer

• Session musician

• Singer

• Songwriter/Arranger

• Sound technician

Further Information: Sarah French (Head of Music) - email: sarah.french@scwa.org.uk