Key Stage 4 Curriculum

The KS4 Curriculum follow GCSE music OCR syllabus.

The OCR GCSE (9–1) in Music (J536) provides a creative, flexible, and contemporary education, integrating performing, composing, and appraising. It is assessed through two non-exam assessments (60% total) and one listening exam (40%), focusing on personal instrument choice, diverse genres, and musical elements. 

Key Components

• Integrated Portfolio (30% - Coursework): Learners submit one solo performance and one composition to a brief of their choice.
• Practical Component (30% - Coursework): Learners submit one ensemble performance and one composition to an OCR-set brief.
• Listening and Appraising (40% - Exam): A 1.5-hour exam testing knowledge of music elements (pitch, tempo, rhythm, etc.) and specific Areas of Study. 

Areas of Study

The course covers five main areas, blending traditional and modern styles: 

1. My Music: Focuses on the learner's own instrument and technical skills.
2. The Concerto through Time: Studies the concerto from 1650 to 1910, including Bach, Mozart, and Grieg.
3. Rhythms of the World: Explores traditional music from India, Punjab, Africa, Central/South America, and the Caribbean.
4. Film Music: Examines soundtracks from the 1950s to the present, including western, Sci-Fi, and animation.
5. Conventions of Pop: Covers Rock 'n' Roll (1950s/60s), Rock Anthems (1970s/80s), Pop Ballads, and Solo Artists (1990s-present). 

Year 10

Autumn term 1 - 

Aos1 - Developing an awareness of your own instruments capabilities through performing, research, composing and listening.

Spring term 2 - 

AoS 5: Conventions of Pop -Exploration of the different styles through class/group performances, composition tasks and listening exercises.

Summer term 3 - 

AoS 2: The Concerto through Time. Exploration of the concerto through class/group performances, composition tasks and listening exercises.

Year 11

Autumn term 1

Composition - Release of brief composition.

AoS 4: Film Music Exploration of how music can create a mood/emotion, significant characters or actions through class/group performances, composition tasks and listening exercises.

Spring term 2 -

AoS 3: Rhythms of the World. Exploration of the different styles through workshops  class/group performances, composition tasks and listening exercises.