Music Curriculum Intent 

At the root of our music curriculum is an understanding that every individual's talents are different and we should explore this. Giving our students the chance to explore their talents, interests and creativity within an environment which is inclusive and safe for personal expression. Throughout the exploration of a wide range of genres, skills and styles the students can open their understanding of the world and the musical cultures surrounding them. Our vision for music at Westleigh is more than just developing on the musical skills of each individual student. It's an opportunity to see students develop within themselves and their resilience and confidence within the wider school with opportunities such as school productions, band skills club, choir, trips and the opportunity to access individual music tuition.

Implementation

Year 7

We aim for students to have the foundations to play and perform on a variety of instruments such as keyboard, Samba percussion instruments and vocals. They also will also develop their music tech skills to navigate the basics of Garageband .They will do this whilst exploring different styles and genres of music and developing their theoretical understanding of music.

Year 8

Students further their development of performance, theory and music tech understanding whilst exploring further genres and styles of music. They explore instruments such as keyboards, African drums and vocals.

Year 9

Students finish their 3 years with 3 separate topics where they pull together all their prior learning and explore their musical understanding to an even higher level. The students explore this upon instruments such as Ukulele, Guitar, keyboard, vocals and drums. Again, they are developing all the skills from past years but there is a further focus on working together to advance within their ensemble playing.

Years 10 & 11

Students now start to work on their development in music by working towards the achievement of completing a person BTEC in music practice Level 1 / 2. Students complete 3 different assessments set out by Person to achieve this award and get to explore their musical abilities further within this. The students can and are expected to work more independently throughout this course and our curriculum throughout KS3 supports the skills expected throughout this.

Impact

KS3

During the students 3 years within music develop a wide range of skills instrumentally as well as using music technology. The students expand vastly on their music theory knowledge and can confidently comment on the features that are used to make up a piece of music. They encompass this within a wide range of musical styles and genres so they can understand the music industry, world and culture that is around them.

KS4

Throughout the completion of the Person music practice BTEC students further develop on these skills and zoom in on their individual talents as a musician. The BTEC allows us to develop on the individual skills on their chosen instrument whilst giving them the tools to independently rehearse as an individual and as an ensemble. We also explore the skill of composition and arrangement within an instrumental and technological sense. Whilst further developing our theoretical thinking and understanding of the music industry.

Learning Journey 

Music Curriculum Map 2025-2026

“Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them – a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.”  – Gerald Ford

Examination Board

The examination board for this subject is PEARSON.