This year there have been some modifications to the quantity of coursework required to fulfil the course:

• 1 Composition (own choice)
• 1 Performance (solo or ensemble)
• 1 Listening Paper

The coursework component remains worth 60% of the overall result, the exam will be worth 40% (no change to the weighting).

J536/05 Listening and appraising: Advance Information (UPDATE 7th Feb)

Length of pieces and compositions

There has been a reduction in the minimum length required.  This is highly unlikely to affect EC students, as the standard of performance and style of composition work currently being submitted already meets (and exceeds) the minimum time requirements.

From the OCR website:

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/music-j536-from-2016/changes-for-2022/

Ofqual have confirmed that students taking GCSE Music in summer 2022 will have a reduction in NEA requirements for performing and composing.

• The practical component is being removed.
• The integrated portfolio will remain.
• Only one performance piece and one composition are now required as part of the integrated portfolio.
• There will no longer be a requirement for an ensemble performance piece, although they may still be submitted.
• The minimum durations will be reduced for both performance and composition.

OCR GCSE MUSIC

You can find the full specification here:

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/music-j536-from-2016/specification-at-a-glance