Encouraging signs for music and arts education from Curriculum Review’s Expert Panel

The recently published report featuring the initial findings and recommendations of the Curriculum Review has been welcomed by the Federation of Music Services (FMS) who represent Music Services, Music Education Hubs and 12000 music teachers.

 

The retention of music at Key Stages 1-3 and the highlighting of sound reasons why music and the arts should be part of Key Stage 4 is an exciting and thoughtful step forward if adopted.

 

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education said in his written ministerial statement accompanying the review:

“The Expert Panel argues that England narrows its curriculum for the majority of pupils too early.”

 

The report goes on to recognize:

 

·        the importance of pupils acquiring knowledge of their cultural heritage

 

·        that a good arts and music education benefits individuals, their communities and the nation as a whole

 

·        arts subjects in the curriculum have the potential to meet aims and purposes in all four curriculum domains – economic, cultural, social and personal.

 

Virginia Haworth-Galt, FMS Chief Executive said:

 

“We urge the Government to accept these recommendations and charge the arts education sector to join up the thinking between the Curriculum Review, the National Plan for Music Education and Darren Henley’s forthcoming review of cultural education. This conjunction will make music and the arts a driver for the wider achievement of children and young people.”

 

 

ENDS

 

Notes to Editors

 

1.    The FMS is a registered charity that was formed in the 1990s to help the regional music services organisations to be more effective and represent them in dealing with central and local government.

 

2.    There are 165 Music Services organisations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who are members of the FMS (99% of all Music Services).  Their role is to provide primary and secondary schools with all that they need to teach music: they set standards, provide teaching aids, equipment and training for heads of music/music teachers. They employ about 12,000 music teachers, music tutors and assistants nationwide and teach over 2 million pupils every year. FMS members are the backbone of music education in this country.

 

 

For further information and interviews contact:

virginia.haworth-galt@federationmusic.org.uk

Ms Virginia Haworth-Galt 01722 412829

douglas@watershed-consulting.com

Douglas Adamson 01423 755009 or 07860 420763

The Expert Panel’s full report and recommendations are available on the Department for Education’s website: https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationDetail/Page1/DFE-00135-2011

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 at 12:55 pm and is filed under News.

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