Music
Overview
At West Lakes Academy we want as many students as possible to learn an instrument, and develop a passion for music, both in class and in their own time. As such, we introduce a range of instruments within key stage 3 lessons to help pupils choose a specialism: keyboard, ukulele, guitar and percussion.
Key Stage 3
Students explore music in the areas of performing, composing and listening through activities which are as practical as possible.
Performing: Ukulele, guitar, percussion and keyboard are all taught and students perform in lessons and consolidate learning at home using their iPads and instruments wherever possible. Students who already learn another instrument are encouraged to use it in class wherever possible.
Composing: students will compose on their own and in groups through a variety of projects and instruments. They learn to write music for more than one instrument/ part and to fit genres: including Latin fusion, the blues and minimalism. They use music technology to input ideas as well as doing live recordings.
Listening: listening is an integral part of all musical activities but will be targeted specifically in listening activities linked to theory which will be reinforced through the practical activities.
Music technology
From year 7, students begin to use their iPads in music to record themselves and to take follow up lessons on line. They can also access additional teaching materials and tutorials through google classroom system and recommended websites.
They can record and upload their performances to the academy’s google classroom facility, and track their progress. Students also use music software such as Garage Band, Mixcraft and Sibelius in school, to help them layer and remember ideas.
Key Stage 4
The EDUQAS GCSE Music syllabus is followed in years 9, 10 and 11. This involves the study of Performing (30%), Composing (30%) and Listening (40%). Students perform solo and in groups on their chosen instrument (or voice). They also compose two pieces for submission. For the Listening and Appraising exam students study 2 set works: Since you’ve been gone by Rainbow and the 2nd movement of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik.
Performing and Composing are assessed through coursework and the Listening and Appraising exam is a 1 hour 15 minutes written paper at the end of the course.
Post 16
In the academy’s sixth form we offer the option to study:
AQA AS and A Level Music.
