Music

OCR - J536

Content

Music is everywhere. It’s an integral part of modern life. We are exposed daily to a huge range of musical styles and cultures all of which have the power to affect us deeply as humans. OCR GCSE Music is an exciting and diverse qualification that offers students the ability to analyse what they hear, create developed compositions, as well as developing their performing capabilities on their chosen instrument or in music production. This is achieved through focus on 5 areas of study:

1. My Music (study of own instrument or music production)

2. The Concerto Through Time

3. Rhythms of the World

4. Film and Video Game Music

5. Conventions of Pop

Assessment

Integrated Portfolio (30%): Coursework - Solo performance or production (15%) and a free composition in a style chosen by the candidate (15%)

Practical Component (30%): Coursework - an ensemble performance or production (15%) and a composition of a piece of music in response to a set brief in relation to one of the areas of study (15%)

Listening and Appraising (40%): Examination 30 minutes. Questions are based on students’ learning throughout the course on areas of study 2-5. Pupils respond to unprepared listening extracts, identifying their musical elements and contexts, through a set of short and medium-form questions. There are no essays to complete at GCSE.

Teaching Methodology

The GCSE Music classroom is a vibrant, dynamic and fun environment. Lessons usually feature a balance of all three of the main aspects of the course. Practical work forms a significant component and students are expected to practise regularly on their instrument. Noteflight, Soundtrap and Logic Pro software are available to students for their compositions.

Any student that can demonstrate a commitment to their chosen performance discipline and composition can excel at GCSE Music. It is recommended that students are currently having, or beginning, private lessons in their instrument. Pupils performing at the equivalent of grade 3 standard in Year 11 are able to access the highest marks as part of their performance coursework. Producers that have enjoyed the ‘Arranging a Hit’ Year 9 module can also develop these skills as part of the course, through specialising in the production pathway. Students will have access to our exciting facilities, including a new recording studio, Mac suite and three multi-purpose classrooms, including a recital room.

Co-curricular and Enrichment

There is a wealth of opportunities for students to perform both formally and informally throughout the course and to present their creative work to a wider audience. GCSE students should play an active role in the life of the Music Department, attending groups or workshops regularly as part of the Forder programme. Termly trips are arranged to concerts, gigs and performance workshops in London to hear and perform music, related to the areas of study.

Progression after GCSE

Pupils will develop and enhance their creativity, critical listening, performance skills, confidence, resilience, interpretation of multifaceted data, team-work and technological capabilities through the course. These far-ranging skills are essential to any A Level or career, as well as preparing them for possible careers in the creative arts industries.