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Bristol School Pilots National Music Program for Primary Kids
17 Feb
Summary
- A new national music curriculum is being trialed in a Bristol primary school.
- The curriculum aims to reverse a significant drop in GCSE music entries.
- Resources are freely available to all primary schools nationwide.
A significant new music curriculum, developed in Bristol, is being trialed at St Werburgh's Primary School, marking a crucial step in revitalizing music education for young children. This initiative arrives amidst a concerning national decline, with GCSE music entries falling by 42% over the last decade and a loss of approximately 1,000 specialist music teachers.
The curriculum, a collaboration between Bristol Beacon, Amplify Education, and Oak National Academy, offers 36 units and 216 lessons freely accessible to primary schools across the UK. Resources include video support and are designed to be adaptable, even for non-specialist teachers, fostering creativity, communication, and confidence from an early age.
Feedback from educators has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 15,000 downloads by nearly 5,000 teachers since its launch. The program emphasizes singing and practical musical experiences, with children at St Werburgh's Primary already enjoying composing and performing. This foundational strengthening is deemed essential to encourage sustained interest in music throughout later academic years.
