Music lessons not being properly utilised
Wednesday, 4 February 2009 12:01 AM
By politics.co.uk staff
Music lessons in schools are not being exploited to their full potential in terms of the improvements they can provide to pupils' development, a study claims.
The report published by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsetd) today described music lessons as a "powerful tool" in helping develop school children personally as well as musically, but warns they aren't being properly utilised.
Music provision was found to be "good" or "outstanding" in around half the schools Ofsted visited and had a positive impact on three quarters of the pupils.
And in today's report, Ofsted claims that while government funding of the subject is a benefit, it needs to be better targeted if it is to have a greater impact.
A lack of understanding by teachers regarding what constitutes musical progress,
inconsistent opportunities within and across schools and weak assessment were all highlighted as problems with the current teaching system.
Ofsted inspectors also found that many music teachers were professionally isolated and lacked professional development, opportunities to discuss music, and support to develop their teaching.
Commenting on the findings, Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, said: "Schools need to review their provision regularly to make the most of music. It is vital that subject leaders in primary schools and music staff in secondary schools enjoy good support and professional development, and that they have sufficient time not only to monitor teaching and learning but also to work with other teachers.
"Music can have a big impact on pupils' personal development, and students enjoy taking part.
"However more thought needs to be given to how very welcome national initiatives link to the music curriculum as a whole, how to ensure longer-term impact, and how to ensure that initiatives reach those most in need of help."
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