HL Deb 17 February 1998 vol 586 cc28-9WA
Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their policy on the teaching of music in state schools in England and Wales. [HL542]

The Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment (Baroness Blackstone)

Music remains a foundation subject in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the English National Curriculum, which all state schools are required to teach. From September 1998 primary schools in England will have greater flexibility in how to teach music as part of a broad and balanced curriculum. In Wales, the position of music in the National Curriculum is being considered as part of a wider review. The Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales (ACCAC) is consulting teachers and others so as to identify options for reducing overload within the curriculum which reflect the distinctive nature of the National Curriculum in Wales.