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GCSE MUSIC
Start Date: September to July
Course Duration: 2 Years
Delivery Method: Live Online Classes taught by an experienced and qualified teacher
Course Description
Our OCR Music GCSE course is constructed to be a combination of inspiring, enjoyable, productive, talent-enhancing lessons with the purpose of cultivating new generations of musicians and instrumentalists. This GCSE course is comprehensive, covering a wide range of musical styles and techniques. It develops students’ confidence, skills, and understanding of music to a level where they can seamlessly progress to study A Level Music. Note that this is a GCSE course and not an IGCSE Music Online course, which means it’s suited for students based in the UK or those willing to sit exams in the UK.
Course Outline
The course will follow the current OCR J536 GCSE specification.
The course will be based on the OCR GCSE Music Study Guide by Guinane, David, Hanh Doan, and Steven Berryman. Rhinegold Education, 2016 textbook recommended for the OCR GCSE to purchase before attending your first class.
This specification is well-regarded among colleges and universities firmly reflecting on aspects of Music practice and appreciation, and in turn providing a solid foundation from which to confidently progress into A-level and beyond.
GCSE Music is split into three components:
Integrated Portfolio (30% of the mark) including:
1 Performance on the learner’s chosen instrument.
2 Composition to a brief set by the learner.
Practical Component (30% of the mark) including:
3 Ensemble performance.
4 Composition to a board-set brief.
Listening Exam (40% of the mark) testing:
5 Listening and appraisal skills related to four areas of study.
6 Notation skills.
Homework, Assessment and Reporting
In this GCSE Music course, attendees are expected to complete at least one piece of homework every fortnight in Level 3 and weekly in Level 4. The key to success particularly in this music course, is revising notes regularly and retrieval practice to consolidate learning. Students are encouraged to create revision cards and notes for each topic as they navigate through the syllabus, ensuring they are well-prepared for their final exams at the end of the two-year GCSE journey.
Internal assessments for this GCSE Music course are conducted in June for Level 3 and in November and March for Level 4. Comprehensive reports are released at the end of the Autumn and Summer terms for Level 3, and following the mock assessments in the Autumn and Spring terms for Level 4. These reports include grades for both attainment and effort in each subject, along with insightful comments.
We urge parents to utilise their means of communication once registered maintaining regular dialogue with teachers regarding their child’s progress in this GCSE Music course. This approach affords the unique advantage of more in-depth tracking than what is possible through an annual parent consultation evening.