The music curriculum at Westfield Academy 

Music is a subject that allows students to learn the habits of practice, perseverance and teamwork. We strive to enhance students’ skills in performing and creating music, and also the knowledge of evaluation of music from different genres. Students use a range of literacy and numeracy strategies to analyse, evaluate and perform given pieces and gain knowledge of musical works to which they would not normally be exposed. Students are encouraged to play and perform in a range of solo and ensemble contexts. They are taught to listen with increasing discrimination to a wide range of music and then to develop a deep understanding of the music which they listen to and perform.

Music offers an inclusive and creative space that allows students to work collaboratively with others to shape their work. Music allows students to build practical skills while simultaneously developing their social skills. Students gain the transferable skills of confidence, teamwork, communication skills, time management and self-discipline studies which will benefit them in further studies or careers.

At key stage 3, all students study music. They will study:

• Performance - singing, keyboard, ukulele, Samba and African drumming

• Composition - Pop riffs, jingles, film and dance music, songwriting

At key stage 4, music becomes an option subject. Students will use the Edexcel specification and will study:

• Performing - solo and ensemble

• Composing - set and free

• Appraising

GCSE Music enables students to explore the practical, historical, theoretical and technological approaches to music and music-making. They will develop a range of creative skills and apply them to create performances. Students will work on instrumental technique, music performance and the culture of music performance, the use of technology in music and the composition of music for different purposes and on different platforms. Listening and analysis skills are another major focus, studying set works from the classical world and beyond. These are all desirable skills for further study and the workplace in the future.