Music for all in schools
EVERY youngster will have the chance to learn an instrument, sing in a choir or play in a band, the schools minister has pledged.
The new National Plan for Music Education is intended to “level up” opportunities amid concern about the poor educational performance of white working-class boys.
Music industry and education experts will be invited to shape the future of music teaching.
School standards minister Nick Gibb said: “All children, regardless of their background, should get the opportunity to play musical instruments, learn to sing and learn how to read and write music in the classroom. I want to continue to level up opportunities so all young
I HAVE seen first-hand the benefits of music to children. It improves academic, physical and social skills, refines discipline and patience, and boosts self-esteem and self-expression.
Learning to play an instrument improves functions such as memory and abstract reasoning skills – essential for maths and science. I am thrilled that the Department for Education is
people can get the best out of their music education.”
The new plan will be published in the autumn and comes on the heels of £85million in funding for music and arts programmes.
Darren Henley, boss of the Arts Council, said the policy could offer calling for evidence to refresh the National Plan for Music Education, so that more children can learn about music.
I spent 10 years teaching seven to 18-year-olds and know we have incredible musical talent
“a life-changing experience”. He said: “It’s important that everyone who cares about music takes part in this consultation so that all young people get the chance to fulfil their musical potential.”
However, concern is high that white working-class boys are struggling. across this country – from violinists and pianists to singers and guitarists. I want us to unlock this talent we have on offer and harness the full potential of music in helping our children become well-rounded individuals.
And, more than anything, I want to make sure the opportunity to learn music is afforded to every single child in this country. No exceptions.
Ben Bradley, Tory MP for the former Labour stronghold of Mansfield, has got a parliamentary debate on the subject this week.
He warned that the drive to boost the prosperity of towns and regions would fail unless the problem was tackled. He said:
“The reality is shocking. By the time they are five, disadvantaged white boys are already well behind their peers.”
He said the poorer boys are 40 per cent less likely to go into higher education than their black peers.
The Sutton Trust said that white boys on free school meals achieve the lowest grades at GCSE. The education charity added that many schools in poor areas “often struggle to recruit suitable teachers”.
The Department for Education said since 2011 the attainment gap had narrowed but “there is more to do”. The spokeswoman added: “We have invested £2.4billion this year in pupil premium – in addition to the £15billion since 2011 – so that schools can provide extra support or disadvantaged pupils.”