Westfield Experiences - Kate Nash

Kate Nash was working with the students over a period of two years, as part of her ‘Rock and Roll After-School Club for Girls’. Westfield was one of only a few schools chosen as part of this national campaign which aimed to encourage girls to get involved in the music industry. She visited the school several times to run songwriting workshops and this culminated in an ‘End of Year Gala’ at the Southbank Centre, where the students performed their own original songs.

twenty Westfield students – ranging from Year 8 to Year 11 - went to London where they spent the afternoon watching Kate’s soundcheck and spent time making their own preparations for the gig. 

The girls performed their own songs (eight in all) for almost an hour, in front of a live audience. Some of the girls performed in groups, whilst others sang solo and Kate Nash’s band provided the backing for some of the acts. The highlight of an amazing day for the students came when they got the opportunity to join Kate on stage for the finale – a performance of her new song ‘You’re So Cool, I’m So Freaky.’

Students and their music teacher, Kath Woodall, were interviewed for the forthcoming Kate Nash documentary. An interviewer from Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour also did a feature on the event.

Kath Woodall, Head of Music at Westfield Academy, said “This was such an amazing opportunity for the students and their performances were fantastic. We’re so proud of them. Kate and her band were brilliant with the girls too. They were so encouraging and inspiring. It really was a once in a lifetime experience for everyone!”

Kate Nash continued her work with the students at Westfield Academy in school, running songwriting workshops.

Budding young songwriters from Westfield Academy performed with the Brit Award winner, Kate Nash, at the Southbank Centre, London.