To provide a safe and inclusive environment which nurtures students’ passion, understanding and appreciation of music from a range of cultures, whilst ensuring progress is made in the three main musical skills performing, composing, listening & appraising.
The Music curriculum at OCA aims to ensure that all pupils:
Pupils receive one lesson of music a week in Year 7 and Year 8. In Year 9, Music is taught as part of the Performing Arts rotation, which includes one lesson a week for 8 weeks. The music curriculum has been created in order to develop the three main musical skills, performing, composing and listening & appraising, by exploring music from a range of different styles and contexts. Skills required for GCSE Music and NCFE Music Technology underpin the curriculum, ensuring students are effectively prepared for the subject when they reach year 10.
Students in year 7 explore the elements of music through several different musical mediums. They use their voices, develop their instrumental skills by learning to play the keyboard, ukulele and djembe as well as using technology including Garageband to compose and create music. Listening skills are developed by identifying features of music from different styles and eras.
The course content for Year 8 reinforces the foundation of knowledge, experience, understanding and skills developed in Year 7. Students develop instrumental skills on the keyboard as well as learning to play the guitar and samba percussion. Composition skills continued to be developed by using Logic Pro X to create original music and listening activities focus on identifying specific features of the melody and harmony.
In year 9, students study music as part of the performing arts rotation. Students continue to develop instrumental skills on the keyboard through composing original ideas that match a moving image. Composition skills are a key focus with the emphasis being on developing ideas throughout a period of time.
The Music curriculum at OCA aims to ensure that all pupils:
What will I study?
During the course you will develop your performing, listening and composition skills.
Component 1: Understanding Music (40%)
At the end of the course, you will sit a listening exam that lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will answer a variety of questions about music from the 1600s to present day and will learn about each area of study. To support this area of the course you will watch orchestras such as The Hallé Orchestra perform the set works and visit local music performances.
Component 2: Performing Music (30%)
You will produce two performances – a solo performance and an ensemble performance. You will form ensembles such as rock bands and have the opportunity to perform in assemblies and concerts. GCSE music students are given free individual instrumental lessons and will have access to our state of the art recording studios.
Component 3: Composing Music (30%)
You will compose two pieces of music. One is based on a composition brief and the second composition is a free choice. Compositions are completed using professional music software such as Sibelius and Logic Pro X.
What will I study?
During this course, you will study general musicianship skills, as well as developing an understanding of technology used in the music and recording industry. You will study four units:
Unit 1: Using a Digital Audio Workstation
This unit allows learners to develop skills in operating a DAW creatively using audio, MIDI, hardware and editing tools. You will create a project in response to a brief, reflecting industry skills.
Unit 2: Creating Music
Learners will develop skills to analyse stylistic elements of music and develop a piece of music based on a specific style.
Unit 3: Studio Recording
Learners will plan and undertake a recording session for a given scenario. Learners will create a mixdown of their recording and review the final product.
Unit 4: Sound Creation
Learners will explore sound creation and apply their knowledge to a given brief. You will create and review your own original sound creation project.
50% Internal Assessment – a portfolio of your work produced in class.
15% Listening Test – a listening exam that asks a variety of questions relating to all four units covered in the course.
35% Practical Test – a practical exam relating to the operation of software
What will I study?During this course, you will grow as a musician by developing your performing, listening and composition skills.
Component 1: Understanding Music (40%)At the end of the course, you will sit a listening exam that lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will answer a variety of questions about music from the 1600s to present day and will learn about each area of study by taking part in practical, interactive activities. To support this area of the course, you will visit The Beatles Story in Liverpool and watch orchestras such as The Hallé Orchestra perform the set works.
Component 2: Performing Music (30%)You will produce two performances – a solo performance and an ensemble performance. Throughout the course, at least one hour a week will be dedicated to developing your performance skills. You will form ensembles such as rock bands and have the opportunity to perform in assemblies and concerts. GCSE music students are given free individual instrumental lessons and will have access to our state of the art recording studios.
Component 3: Composing Music (30%)You will compose two pieces of music. One is based on a composition brief and the second composition can be about anything you like! Compositions are completed using professional music software such as Sibelius and Logic Pro.
What will I study?
During this course, you will study general musicianship skills, as well as developing an understanding of technology used in the music and recording industry. You will study four units:
Unit 1: Using a Digital Audio Workstation
This unit allows learners to develop skills in operating a DAW creatively using audio, MIDI, hardware and editing tools. Learns will create a project in response to a brief, reflecting industry skills.
Unit 2: Creating Music
Learners will develop skills to analyse stylistic elements of music and develop a piece of music based on a specific style.
Unit 3: Studio Recording
Learners will plan and undertake a recording session for a given scenario. Learners will create a mixdown of their recording and review the final product.
Unit 4: Sound Creation
Learners will explore sound creation and apply their knowledge to a given brief. They will create and review their own original sound creation project.
The music department offers a range of enrichment activities including free of charge peripatetic lessons, clubs, school ran shows and external trips.
Peripatetic lessons - Students have the opportunity to receive a twenty minute instrumental lesson on voice, drums, guitar, brass, woodwind and piano.
Choir – Non-auditioned choir for all year groups 7-11. The choir prepare performances for school shows throughout the year as well as events in the local community
Ukulele club – Weekly club that gives students the opportunity to learn how to perform on a ukulele. Students prepare performances for school shows and assemblies.
Music practice club – A weekly rehearsal club, giving students the opportunity to use instruments within the practice rooms.
Christmas show – The annual Christmas show takes place in December and students are encouraged to create performances to showcase in the event.
Recital evening – GCSE music show which showcases individual performances from the students
Halle orchestra trip – visit to Bridgewater Hall in Manchester to see the Halle Orchestra perform a range of classical music from different musical eras.
Theatre trips – students go to watch a variety of theatre productions including musicals in local venues.
Intervention – students in year 10 and 11 can participate in intervention sessions to work on composition coursework and complete revision in preparation for their exams.