Music is studied by all pupils at Orchard Mead Academy, with one hour lessons a week during Key Stage 3.
Music is an option for GCSE during Years 10 and 11.
In KS3 music students learn a variety of musical skills on many different instruments; ranging from guitar, ukulele, piano, to samba drumming. Practical skills are built and scaffolded to the needs of all students with challenge being appropriate and meaningful at every level.
All KS3 students learn about the ‘elements of music’ (DR T SMITH) which serves as a foundation for all musical knowledge. This directly feeds into required knowledge for GCSE Music should KS3 students choose this in Y10.
KS3 students receive one hour of music per week and access to after school clubs to support their learning and passion.
GCSE Music
Our OCR GCSE Music course gives students the opportunity to explore music through performance, composition, and listening. All students receive 3 hours of music lessons a week and an additional 20-minute lesson with a specialist instrument teacher. To support their learning all students must attend a 1 hour afterschool club.
The course is divided into two portfolios and one written exam, each contributing to the final grade:
Integrated Portfolio (30%)
- A solo performance on the student’s chosen instrument or voice.
- A composition created by the student, based on their own ideas.
Practical Component (30%)
- An ensemble performance (playing or singing as part of a group).
- A composition based on a brief set by OCR.
Listening and Appraising Exam (40%)
- A written exam where students listen to and analyse pieces of music.
- Covers different musical styles and historical contexts.
All students undertake a study of four key areas of music. These areas are covered in the listening and appraising exam, but also contribute to their understand of performances and compositions in the portfolios.
Areas of Study:
- Area of Study 1: My Music – Focus on your own instrument/voice.
- Area of Study 2: The Concerto Through Time – Study classical concertos from Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods.
- Area of Study 3: Rhythms of the World – Explore traditional music from Africa, India, and the Caribbean.
- Area of Study 4: Film Music – Learn how music is used to enhance emotions and storytelling in films.
- Area of Study 5: Conventions of Pop – Study the evolution of pop music, including rock, ballads, and contemporary styles.
Our Music Development Plan is:
OMA Music Development Plan 2024-2025
For information about enrichment clubs and revision clubs please visit our clubs page here.
Websites:
Subject Leader/s
Head of Performing Arts – Mrs Jo Brooks
