07/05/2008
Primary music could be set for a boost if the National Union of Teachers gets its way.
The NUT has submitted a proposal to government advisor Sir Jim Rose that suggests scrapping the distinction between core and foundation subjects in primary education, meaning that arts subjects such as music would be given the same status as maths and English.
The replacement system would be a framework curriculum of statutory entitlements - including creative arts - which could be adapted by teachers and schools to meet the needs of pupils.
The NUT's proposal also expresses concern that if the current system continues, arts subjects are in danger of being marginalised as 'additional extras' to be tagged on to the end of the school day.
Music Manifesto Development Director Marc Jaffrey added his voice to the debate, saying: "Music has time and time again shown itself to be more than a nice 'added extra'. It should be seen as an essential literacy and one that can hot-wire a wider range of capabilities and capacities that our children need in their lives.
"What's incredibly healthy about the response of the NUT is that it's asking us to think about the child's development first rather than some artificial notion of hierarchy among subjects."
Education consultant Sir Jim Rose, best known as a champion of the phonics system for teaching reading, has been charged with drawing up a new primary curriculum for 2011. Interested parties were invited to submit their responses by last week.
Sir Jim's report is due in October and his final recommendations in March 2009.
Read the NUT's full proposal
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