What's Happening?
An association of music teachers in England is advocating for every school to have a choir, emphasizing the importance of music education beyond the Christmas season. Recent data indicates that singing
is less common in schools outside of the holiday period, particularly after students leave primary school. A survey by Teacher Tapp revealed that over half of state secondary school teachers reported their students never sang together in assembly, compared to a much lower percentage in private schools. The decline in music education is attributed to changes in the school curriculum, such as the introduction of the English Baccalaureate in 2010, which prioritized core subjects over arts. Despite a recent uptick in music studies, there has been a 25% drop in pupils studying GCSE music over the last fifteen years. The government is investing in high-quality music teaching and revising the curriculum to encourage more students to study music.
Why It's Important?
The push for more school choirs and music education is significant as it addresses the broader issue of declining arts education in schools. Music education is linked to various benefits, including improved mental health, academic achievement, and personal development. By promoting music education, schools can provide students with a well-rounded education that includes creative and cultural learning. The government's investment in music teaching and curriculum changes could help reverse the decline in music education, making it more accessible to all students, not just those in private schools. This initiative could lead to a more equitable education system where arts are valued alongside traditional academic subjects.
What's Next?
The government's commitment to revising the school curriculum to include more arts subjects like music is a positive step forward. However, the success of this initiative will depend on adequate funding and resources, as well as the recruitment and retention of qualified music teachers. Schools will need to implement these changes effectively to ensure that music education is prioritized. The Music Teachers Association and other advocacy groups will likely continue to push for more support and resources to sustain and grow music programs in schools. The impact of these changes will be monitored over the coming years to assess their effectiveness in increasing student participation in music education.
