MUSIC - What You Will Learn

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students can opt to study for a General Certificate of Secondary Edcuation (GCSE) in Music.

The qualification and course studied is offered by OCR Examining Board.

This exciting course will develop candidate's interest and understanding of how music is created through a practical approach. The focus for learning in the course is provided by four Areas of Study:

• Area of Study 1: Exploiting the Resource
• Area of Study 2: Techniques of Melodic Composition
• Area of Study 3: Dance Music
• Area of Study 4: Traditions and Innovation

The Areas of Study define a wide background of knowledge and understanding of music and its context in different traditions, and require close, in-depth study of relevant repertoire.

Skills in composing, performing and listening/appraising are assessed in three parts:

• Coursework (split into Further Coursework and Integrated Coursework, comprising in total Composition 1 and 2, Performance 1, 2 and 3 and some appraising) accounts for 60%.
• the Terminal Task: Respond and Communicate, (set by OCR and administered during a set period in the Spring term of the final year of the course) worth 15%.
• and the Listening Paper which is weighted at 25%.

In Further Coursework, candidates are expected to demonstrate performing ability in two free choice performances (weighted at 10% each) and their composing skills in one commissioned composition (weighted at 10%). This composition must be based on either Area of Study 3: Dance Music: Pavan and Galliard, Viennese Waltz, or Disco Music of the 1970's and 1980's or Area of Study 4: Traditions and Innovation: Salsa, Minimalism or Bhangra.

One further performance and composition, and a candidate appraisal of each, are required for the Integrated Coursework component (worth 30% in total). This is based on Area of Study 1: Exploiting the Resource where candidates are required to show an understanding of their own instrument.

The Listening Paper will draw from Area of Study 2, Area of Study 3 and Area of Study 4: and lasts for up to 75 minutes, while the Terminal Task (Respond and Communicate) gives candidates the opportunity to develop a given stimulus melodically during 25 minutes preparation time.

Although GCSE music provides a solid grounding for study of the subject at a higher level, it is also a stimulating course in its own right. Assessment is to a standard which can be achieved by candidates who have received tuition only in the classroom situation. All instruments are accepted and performance can be in any style of music chosen by the candidate.

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