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Music

All pupils study music in Years 7 and 8, after which it is an optional subject. In addition to academic lessons, all pupils have the opportunity to participate in a huge array of musical experiences, whether by learning an instrument or voice, or playing or singing in one of our many groups and choirs.

Year 7 & 8

Pupils develop essential skills in music such as composition skills, musical theory and have regular practical experience through the study of a wide range of musical topics including pop music, the blues, computer game music and bucket drumming.

Year 9

Pupils choose Music as an optional subject and continue to develop their compositional and theoretical understanding as they prepare for the study of music at exam level. Topics including modern minimalist music, film music and musical theatre, are designed to give pupils the necessary skills in appraising and analysing the effectiveness of a piece of music and the confidence to make critical judgements about a work based on sound musical knowledge.

GCSE

OCR GCSE Music (9-1) J536

The OCR GCSE Music course is an enriching and rewarding course that enables pupils to explore, create, and perform music. Over the two years, pupils will analyse and evaluate musical styles from broad historical and global perspectives, develop and create compositions, and showcase their performance abilities.

To pursue GCSE Music, pupils should:

  • Receive weekly instrumental lessons on an orchestral instrument, piano or voice, aiming to reach Grade 4 standard by year 11.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in reading music notation.
  • Be approximately Grade 3 standard in music theory (ABRSM).
  • Actively participate and commit in the school’s music activities.
  • Display a broad interest in various musical genres.

Course Content

Performing (30% of total marks)

  • One solo performance (minimum 1 minute).
  • One ensemble performance (minimum 1 minute).
  • Total performance time must be at least 4 minutes.
  • Each performance contributes 15% to the final grade.

Composing (30% of total marks)

  • One free composition (minimum 1 minute).
  • One composition to a brief set by the exam board (minimum 1 minute). 
  • Total duration of both compositions must be at least 3 minutes.
  • Each composition contributes 15% to the final grade.

Listening and Appraising (40% of total marks)

  • A 1 hour 30-minute listening/written exam.

All questions cover four areas of study with two questions per area:

  • The Concerto Through Time
    • Development of the concerto from 1650 to 1910.
  • Rhythms of the World
    • Music from India, Eastern Mediterranean/Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Caribbean/South America.
  • Film Music
    • Music composed for films, video games, and Western Classical music used in films.
  • Conventions of Pop
    • Focus on rock ‘n’ roll, rock anthems, pop ballads, and solo artists.

 

 

 

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