§ Mr. Baldryasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when Her Majesty's Inspectorate's discussion document on the teaching of music in schools is to be published; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Keith JosephHer Majesty's Inspectorate's "Music from 5 to 16" is published today, in the "Curriculum Matters" series. It sets out for comment aims and objectives for music teaching and discusses the content and method of music education and the assessment of pupils' progress.
"Music from 5 to 16" bases its analysis on the proposition, which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I endorse, that all pupils in our schools can derive fulfilment and enjoyment from the study and practice of music: while fostering the development of those pupils who display particular musical talent, music education should also provide first-hand musical experiences which will challenge and absorb pupils across the whole range of musical ability, and will give them all the opportunity to show what they know, understand and can do.
My right hon. Friend and I welcome the publication of Her Majesty's Inspectorate's paper and commend it for consideration by all of those concerned with music education. We believe that they will find it of value both in improving standards within the wide range of musical activities which already exists in our schools and in extending that range still further.