Music - Our Curriculum
GCSE Music
Music is a popular choice at GCSE. We currently follow the OCR specification which comprises of 3 components:
Integrated Portfolio (30%): In this portfolio candidates will perform as a soloist or a member of an ensemble on their chosen instrument. In addition, the candidate will create their own brief and compose to this.
Practical component (30%): In this component candidates will perform as a member of an ensemble on their chosen instrument. In addition, the candidate will compose in response to a brief which is released at the start of the examination year.
Listening and Appraising (40%): We study 4 areas of study;
- The concerto through time
- Rhythms of the world
- Film music
- Conventions of pop
Candidates will learn about the different styles, instruments, history and styles. In the summer of the examination year a 90-minute exam will be taken in which short extracts will be played and questions of between 1 and 10 marks will be answered.
A-level Music
The current specification is OCR and this is studied as a linear 2-year course.
Performance and composition is studied but candidates have the opportunity to weight their qualification dependent upon their strength
Year 1
Recital: Preparation will take place throughout the year and practice recitals will provide constant feedback to you and your peripatetic teacher. This unit provides the opportunity to perform as a soloist and/or as a member of an ensemble. Teachers and students can choose music in any style.
Submitting a realisation using music technology may be an option. Any instrument(s) and/or voice(s) are acceptable as part of an assessed performance.
Composing: This unit encourages students to develop their composition skills leading to the creation of two separate compositions. One of these is to a set brief, the other to a brief written by the candidate. Candidates choosing the composition pathway will also be required to compose three short technical exercises.
Listening and appraising: This unit focuses on listening to familiar music and understanding how it works, as well as recognising and appraising features of unfamiliar works. Set recommended works from the Board provide the focus for this unit. Students will be required to supplement this list self-directed listening and research. Critical listening, score analysis and understanding the historical and cultural contexts surrounding works form key knowledge.
Year 2
The second year of the course is designed to extend the skills which have already been introduced during the first year. In the second year of A Level all candidates will have to perform and compose choosing the most suitable pathway. The final recitals will take place during the examination window set by the exam board. Submission of the composition portfolios will take place as will the listening and appraising examination.
