The Power of Music

The last decade has seen an increase in the profile of STEM subjects in the curriculum as a direct consequence of systematic Government promotion. This drive has been successful as the number of pupils taking A Levels in Mathematics and the sciences has grown consistently. Naturally, there have been consequences for other academic disciplines. The creative arts have suffered across the country, particularly in the maintained sector with the budgets of county music services slashed and pupils’ GCSE options reduced to meet the Government’s focus on the ‘EBacc’ subjects. At the Grammar School, we have bucked this trend to an extent, as we are able to provide appropriate resourcing in the way that squeezed primaries or academies might not be able to. However, there is still the risk that we consider Art, Drama or Music to be only leisure pursuits, and this ignores the reality that Britain is a world leader in the creative arts. They do not only contribute billions annually to our economy, but also develop skills and attitudes which are invaluable to our sons’ future success and happiness.