Striking The Right Note – Summary

This summary of the report has been commissioned by Music Mark and written by Independent Music Education consultant Gary Griffiths.  It is nicely detailed and broken down into clearly labelled sections including three pages devoted specifically to Music in primary schools.

Some interesting findings from the primary section of the report include –

Few other subjects are so dependent on flexible support from the school and its systems in order to flourish.

There was a significant disparity in the range and quality of extra-curricular opportunities however around half of schools visited had strong extra-curricular offers, which were valued and seen as promoting pupils’ wider musical development.

Many school leaders have reduced subsidies for instrumental lessons in recent years; others had stopped providing. Around half of the primary schools visited did not currently offer instrumental or vocal lessons.

Most leaders were realistic about their teachers’ subject expertise. Many however had no clear plans for addressing weaknesses, particularly where the school bought in a scheme of work. Some leaders were unsure where to find support.

The most effective teaching was characterised by a narrow range of instrument choices and allowing pupils to develop fine motor skills. In weaker practice, pupils had shallow encounters with too many instruments or insufficient practice time.

A few schools (generally those whose staff had significant musical expertise or worked closely with their Music Education Hub) had a clear understanding of what pupils should be able to do as a result of following the curriculum.

Remember that for support with your Music curriculum please contact Leeds Music Education Partnership, the Music Hub for Leeds, led by ArtForms. Last year LMEP engaged with 96% of the schools in Leeds. One form that this can take is as a one to one curriculum reviews to primary schools to help improve the delivery of Music across the city.

It is also worth noting that schools who have been awarded LMEP Music Champion status are entitled to free Music Mark membership from where you can access all sorts of CPD and resources free of charge. These include the new School Music Development Plan templates. Email LMEP.ArtForms@leeds.gov.uk for more information.

Author: Sam Mercer, Music Curriculum Support Manager, ArtForms

ArtForms Arts Development work with primary schools to support them to develop their arts curriculum.  This can include:

• Arts – strategic visioning and action planning
• Art and D&T subject leader support and development
• Art and D&T curriculum development
• Whole staff training and teacher CPD (Knowledge and Skills

We will work alongside you to help you address your needs and priorities.  If you would like to discuss how we can help, please email jane.zanzottera@leeds.gov.uk or visit the Leeds for Learning website.

In November 2018, we held a Briefing Meeting for Headteachers and Senior Leaders.  The meeting included a Skype presentation from Susan Aykin, HMI and National Lead for Visual and Performing Arts. Susan spoke on the importance of a broad and balanced curriculum with particular reference to the Arts.

Following on from this, we have two events coming up for the Spring and Summer terms, which you may be interested in.  Places can be booked individually.  However, there is a discount available if schools book Sessions 2 and 3 together.

Session 2: A Creative Curriculum Design Workshop for Heads and Curriculum Leaders

Friday 1^st March 2019, 9am – 3pm, Leeds City Museum

Aimed at heads and curriculum leaders, this event will explore how to adapt and design a curriculum which embed arts, culture and heritage within your curriculum to meets the needs of your pupils.

Cost: £94.91 Tickets are available on Eventbrite – Session 2

Session 3: A Conference for Classroom Practitioners:‘An Arts, Culture and Heritage Curriculum in Leeds’

Friday 14^th June 2019, 9am – 3pm, Carriageworks

The day will include practical  workshops delivered by experienced arts, culture and heritage providers. Covering different art forms including art, music, dance and drama, this will be a great opportunity to up skill teachers and raise awareness of the local support available.

Cost: £58.23 Tickets are available on Eventbrite – Session 3

Session 2 and 3 combined cost £136.83: Tickets are available on Eventbrite Sessions 2&3

For information about the events, please contact yorkshireinclusivetsa@eastsilc.org

* The Leeds Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP) was established in September 2017 in response to Arts Council England’s Cultural Education Challenge. The partnership has a wide membership and brings together arts, cultural, educational and community organisations and the local authority to ensure a joined-up arts and cultural offer for children and young people.