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School Choirs Vanish: Music Education Crisis Unfolds
22 Dec
Summary
- Over half of secondary school teachers report no whole-school singing.
- GCSE music study dropped by 25% over the last fifteen years.
- Music teachers are 35% short of the government's trainee target.
Singing in schools, once a common occurrence, has diminished significantly, particularly in secondary education. Data indicates that over half of state secondary school teachers observe no whole-school singing during assemblies, a stark contrast to primary schools. This decline mirrors a broader trend where GCSE music participation has dropped by 25% over the last fifteen years, although recent statistics show a slight upturn.
Music educators are advocating for every school to reinstate choirs to combat this decline and foster a love for music. While the government is investing in music education and curriculum changes to promote creative subjects, a substantial gap remains in staffing. The current number of trainee music teachers falls 35% short of the government's target, posing a challenge to sustaining quality music instruction.
Initiatives are underway to re-engage students, with some schools introducing music hubs and gospel choirs to make music 'cool' again. These efforts aim to highlight music's intrinsic value and its positive impact on student development, mental health, and academic achievement. The government reaffirms its commitment to arts education, promising increased investment in instruments and teaching to ensure music is accessible to all.
