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 evaluating music from different genres. Students develop their understanding of the musical
elements to analyse, evaluate and perform given pieces and gain knowledge of musical works to which they would not normally be exposed.

Students learn to play and perform in a range of solo and ensemble contexts. This develops their understanding and confidence. 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. They gain the transferable skills of confidence, teamwork, communication, time
management and self-discipline, which will benefit them in further studies or careers.

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

 Performance - singing, keyboard, leitmotifs, Samba, Blues and African
   drumming amongst others
 Composition - Pop riffs, film music, rap, minimalism and song writing

At key stage 4, music becomes an option subject. Students will use the Eduqas specification and will study:
Ao1 – Forms and Devices
Ao2 – Music for Ensemble
Ao3 – Film Music
Ao4 – Popular Music

Students are required to complete four elements of coursework (NEA’s)
during the course these are as follows: 
 Solo and ensemble performances
 Set and free compositions                                                                                                                                 Appraising – Listening exam paper

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, 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 two set works from Ao1 and Ao4 (currently Badinerie by J.S Bach and Africa by Toto). These are all desirable skills for further study and the workplace in the future.