There are five areas of study:
- Area of study 1: My music
- Area of study 2: The concerto through time
- Area of study 3: Rhythms of the world
- Area of study 4: Film music
- Area of study 5: Conventions of pop
Component 01/02: Integrated portfolio
Students develop their understanding of performance and composition through exploration of their own instrument within styles and genres of their choosing.
They demonstrate their playing skills and abilities by practising and performing a piece musically, accurately and with appropriate interpretation. In the composition element of this component, they demonstrate knowledge of composition techniques, use of musical elements and resources, including specific instrumental and technology techniques.
Component 03/04: Practical component
Students develop their skills and understanding of performance and composition. The focus of the performance aspect of this component is on the demands of performing with an ensemble. Students are also required to compose a piece of music appropriate for one of the areas of study in response to a set brief.
Component 05: Listening and appraising
This component focuses on areas of study 2, 3, 4, and 5. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language.
Year 10
Autumn Term
During Y10 the students study musical elements and the areas of study in parallel; fusing new listening content with the continuation of their KS3 practical skills – linking to OCR exam material explicit for each activity.
Students will complete topics on the five Areas of Study examined in the Appraisal and Listening examination. These are: My Music, The Concerto Through Time, Rhythms of the World, Film Music, and Conventions of Pop. Throughout Year 10 students are encouraged to build their personal style and build a portfolio of performances and compositions. They will work in different combinations and in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
Spring Term
During Y10 the students study musical elements and the areas of study in parallel; fusing new listening content with the continuation of their KS3 practical skills – linking to OCR exam material explicit for each activity.
Students will complete topics on the five Areas of Study examined in the Appraisal and Listening examination. These are: My Music, The Concerto Through Time, Rhythms of the World, Film Music, and Conventions of Pop. Throughout Year 10 students are encouraged to build their personal style and build a portfolio of performances and compositions. They will work in different combinations and in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
Summer Term
During Y10 the students study musical elements and the areas of study in parallel; fusing new listening content with the continuation of their KS3 practical skills – linking to OCR exam material explicit for each activity.
Students will complete topics on the five Areas of Study examined in the Appraisal and Listening examination. These are: My Music, The Concerto Through Time, Rhythms of the World, Film Music, and Conventions of Pop. Throughout Year 10 students are encouraged to build their personal style and build a portfolio of performances and compositions. They will work in different combinations and in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
Year 11
Autumn Term
Composition OCR Brief Material from OCR in September and Stimulus, Individual choice. NEA work officially starts and future work admissible to board.
Two compositions (one by the end of the Autumn term and one by the end of the Spring term) and two performances to be completed and submitted according to the specification above.
Spring Term
Composition OCR Brief Material from OCR in September and Stimulus, Individual choice. NEA work officially starts and future work admissible to board.
Two compositions (one by the end of the Autumn term and one by the end of the Spring term) and two performances to be completed and submitted according to the specification above.
Summer Term
Revision and consolidation of the five Areas of Study for Appraisal and Listening examination.
Approaches to the exam paper and how it is written. Practise questions, quick quizzes and model answers will be explored to develop written answers..
Assessment at Key stage 4
Regular listening Low Stakes testing, continuous monitoring of developing coursework, OCR Mocks and extracts and peer assessment using OCR materials.
How can parents help support their child’s learning?
BBC Bitesize, OCR Revision Guide, A useful summary
GCSE students can use Garageband to complete their composition work.
Enrichment opportunities
Instrumental lessons are offered for guitar, brass, woodwind, strings, drums, voice and piano. Individual and performing ensembles are offered by Services for Education and independent teachers. Rehearsal and performance clubs run at lunchtimes and Thursday after school to prepare students to participate in the Christmas concert and whole school musical that takes place in July. KS4 reserved department access times and intervention Wednesday lunch. Opportunities to develop their technical and sound engineering skills and experience for events.
GCSE course/s (exam board and code)
GCSE Music OCR J536
