Head of Department: - Mr S Noakes
Examining Board: OCR

What Will I Study?

The course is split into three areas:

• Performing
• Composing
• Listening

Students will study key performing and composing skills across the duration of the course.
The listening exam will assess knowledge of the following areas of study:

• Area of Study 2 – The Concerto Through Time
• Area of Study 3 – World Music
• Area of Study 4 – Film and Game Music
• Area of Study 5 – The Conventions of Pop

What Skills Will I Develop?

The course will nurture and improve students creativity and also greatly improve their group working and musicianship skills. The first year of the course will be mainly focussing on building composing and performing skills, to gain a good coursework base.  The second year will be focused on refining work, with a greater emphasis on listening skills, building key words and terminology in preparation for the listening exam.
The music department is very well resourced with ICT equipment (Apple iMacs) and classroom instruments which are used for the composition and recording tasks. 
This course is the perfect option for students who are creative and have a strong interest in both performing (or music technology) and listening to music. Students who take GCSE music will ideally have prior experience of performing music, although there is the possibility to replace the solo performance with a sequenced piece using computer music software.  Students will build group work skills and be encouraged to participate in our extra-curricular activities and those who take GCSE Music are strongly encouraged to have one-to-one instrumental lessons.

How Will I Be Assessed?

30% of marks are gained through computer sequencing (non-confident performers) or two recorded instrumental performances, one solo performance on any instrument (including Voice) and one group performance on any instrument. 
Another 30% is awarded for two original music compositions.  These will be produced in lesson time using real instruments or the Apple Mac computers and supported through teacher guidance. The performance and composition coursework will be teacher marked and moderated.

The final 40% of marks are obtained through a listening examination taken in the second year summer term.  Students will study a wide range of music styles and features and be tested on their knowledge.  Students will be prepared for the examination in lesson time and given full support through listening CDs and revision guides. This exam will be externally marked.

 For more information please see Music Learning Journey and Curriculum Overview.