National Plan for Music Education consultation

Music Education: Call for evidence

Music is not a nice-to-have part of the curriculum for the privileged few. It is a vital part of a broad and balanced curriculum for all pupils. It builds confidence, helps children live happier, more enriched lives, and discover the joy of expressing themselves. There is evidence that actively making music with others promotes wellbeing from infancy to old age, develops identity and builds self-esteem. And, importantly, it opens doors to our world-renowned music industry.

Our ambitions for music education are high – the opportunity to study and understand music isn't a privilege, it's a vital part of a broad and balanced curriculum. That is why it is compulsory in the National Curriculum up to Key Stage 3. It is in this context that we are now refreshing the National Plan for Music Education, to ensure we continue to deliver high-quality music education for all pupils

For all these reasons and more, we want to give all children the opportunity to develop a love of music: we want all children to have the opportunity to play an instrument, to sing and to perform in choirs and orchestras at their school and to learn to read and write musical notation. We have made great strides towards this, investing in a network of music hubs working with schools to nurture the budding seeds of musical passion that can unlock so much pleasure throughout life. In 2016/17 alone, hubs worked with 89% of state-funded schools on at least one core role and helped over 700,000 pupils begin to learn to play a musical instrument in whole class teaching.

With music compulsory in the National Curriculum to Key Stage 3, we want to see it taught in all schools. And our plans to introduce a £100million Arts Premium, funding creative opportunities in secondary schools, will mean the arts and music will become an increasingly important part of the secondary school curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities for young people20. Hubs are groups of organisations and partnerships which seek to work together to ensure the best use of resources. How well do you feel your hub engages with local stakeholders, communities and partners?

Please click on the link below to have your say in the new National Plan for Music Education

https://consult.education.gov.uk/curriculum-implementation-unit/music-education-call-for-evidence/consultation/subpage.2020-02-05.2902145721/