Petition to include arts and music in new curriculum

I wonder how many Arts oriented schools there are in the country. Whether they really are few and far between. They do cater well for the kids interested in those sectors of the arts, but it can be hard to get a place.

"A study published in 2007 by Christopher Johnson, professor of music education and music therapy at the University of Kansas, revealed that students in elementary schools with superior music education programs scored around 22 percent higher in English and 20 percent higher in math scores on standardized tests, compared to schools with low-quality music programs, regardless of socioeconomic disparities among the schools or school districts. Johnson compares the concentration that music training requires to the focus needed to perform well on a standardized test."

" Better SATs scores: Students who have experience with music performance or appreciation score higher on the SATs. One report indicates 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on maths for students in music appreciation courses."

I find these results fascinating and quite remarkable and feel the D f E is missing a trick here. They could get better academic results plus measurable enhancement of co-operation, school attendance and confidence. What's not to like?

jalima I THINK Welsh (as a second language) is compulsory in Wales, yes; however the children I know doing WelshBac are in Welsh Medium schools so Welsh is treated as a first language. The subjects for WelshBac (Welsh Medium) are:
Welsh Language
Welsh Lit
English Language
Welsh Lit
Maths
Science (2 subjects, or even 3)
RE.
Then: three subjects of child's choosing.

Having written that out, I'm thinking that RE is there in case the child doesn't choose Geography, History etc. Apparently RE is good for critical thinking....

So sadly not much room for music, or drama, IT, or PE.

I would've thought that if anything should be compulsory, it would be IT!

My friend's musical daughter is taking Music as an additional subject. She already has G5.

I'm really worried about Music Services. The orchestras are run on pretty much a voluntary basis now. Private lessons are costing £30 an hour. Outside of the private system, there are few options for a musical child of a less well-off family.

It's shocking, it really is.

That sounds lovely, Anya. When our dear GS is here he's always stuck on his computer.

I've got him again today NotToo and he really could have gone back to school but for this 48 hour rule thing. He's on turbo-boost as only a bored 5-year old can be and I can't find his 'off' switch so just resorted to handing him my ipad

Signed. Thanks for posting the link Luckygirl.

My 10 year old grandson has decided that he is a jazz pianist, and his clever teacher has found a book for him to suit. He would have lost interest otherwise.

Btw, all pupils study music in the Nat Curriculum through KS3. So the "elemental schools side of it is taken care of.

I guess it depends what is meant by "study music" - in practice, most primary schools have no-one competent to even do singing with them, as outlined upthread; I have been in so many schools where there is a piano or keyboard gathering dust because no-one can play it, or even knows what the notes are called to make use of it to give a starting note.

I remember in primary school learning various different recorders and playing in little groups reading the music, playing harmonies; and the singing teacher there (lively old white haired lady) inspired the love of singing that has been a huge part of my life - I cannot imagine what it might have been without it. I do not want children to miss out on these opportunities that have shaped my life and those of many others.

Remember Singing Together? - I still have one of the books we used in class - I was enchanted with it all.

I am governor at a primary school and now the children ALL learn to read music and ALL play an instrument from day one: ocarinas for the tiny fingers, then recorders, then violins etc. It has been a battle, but how they love their achievements. It can be done - it just needs someone to wave the flag for it - a teacher, a TA, a governor. And for schools to be willing to use the Pupil Premium to help disadvantaged children have the same opportunities as those from affluent backgrounds. All schools should give these opportunities, but will not do so as long as they are judged on such a narrow curriculum. They are just desperate to get their data up to scratch and get a good OfSted.

RE is definitely good for critical thinking . Given the prejudice between various faith groups and the absence of faith is so many households I'd be happy for my grandchildren to study RE, well taught and without prejudice of course. It leads onto so many significant discussions.

I was told at age 11 that I was hopeless at art and simply gave up. I come from a family with a number of talented artists so just felt humiliated. This Christmas I was given a weekend on a Can't Draw, Won't Draw course. Off I went, with some trepidation only to discover that I can draw as well as the average individual. I loved it.

Similarly Drama - I wish all children were given the opportunity to study various Arts subjects in the same way they study English, Maths, Languages and the Sciences.

lucky I remember Singing Together! My favourite lesson. That big radio thing with the round speaker in the middle...

I must admit I've been impressed with what younger secondary kids are doing in music. At least they get hands on to instruments which is more than we ever did.

Thanks, gettingonabit
I see there is now a charge for music services and the orchestras in areas of Wales.