Why Shouldn't Singing in School Be Year-Round?

As Christmas approaches, many children engage in singing at school, particularly during nativity plays and carol concerts. However, recent data indicates that singing becomes significantly less common throughout the academic year, especially after primary school. In response to this decline, music educators advocate for every school to establish a choir, fostering a culture of music that has diminished due to decreasing popularity in music GCSEs. The UK government has announced investment in high-quality music education and plans to renew the curriculum to encourage more students to study music.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Recent findings from a survey by Teacher Tapp highlight a worrying trend in music participation across UK schools. The data reveals that over half of secondary school teachers (57%) in state institutions reported that pupils never sing together during assemblies. This contrasts sharply with primary schools, where only 4% of teachers indicated the same. The lack of school choirs further compounds this issue, with 36% of state secondary teachers stating their schools do not have a choir, compared to just 8% in private schools. These findings have ignited discussions among educators about the importance of integrating music back into the school experience.

Key takeaways

57% of state secondary teachers report no singing in assemblies.
Only 36% of state secondary schools have a choir, compared to 92% of private schools.
There has been a 25% decline in GCSE music enrolments over the past 15 years.
The UK government plans changes to the curriculum to support arts education, including music.
Music teachers advocate for choirs to enhance student engagement with music.

Timeline: how we got here

The current landscape of music education has evolved significantly over the past few years. Key dates include:

2010: Introduction of the English Baccalaureate, influencing school performance results and leading to a shift away from arts subjects.
2017: A report indicated a 25% decline in pupils studying GCSE music over the last decade.
2023: The government announces a renewed curriculum aimed at increasing accessibility to arts education, including music.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent surveys conducted among teachers have unveiled stark statistics about singing habits in schools, prompting calls for increased music programme offerings. The government’s commitment to invest in music teaching and resources marks a significant shift in policy towards arts education.

What was already established

Historically, music has faced challenges in schools, particularly with the introduction of performance metrics that prioritise core academic subjects. The declining number of students enrolling in music GCSEs has been a well-documented issue, with educators noting a cultural shift away from music participation in secondary schools.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The lack of music education impacts not only students but also families who value musical involvement. With primary schools offering more music-related activities, parents may find it disheartening that secondary education lacks similar opportunities, potentially limiting their children’s creative development.

Businesses and jobs

The decline in music education could have long-term ramifications for the arts industry in the UK. With fewer students pursuing music, there may be a shortage of skilled professionals in music-related fields, affecting everything from performance arts to music education. A robust music programme in schools could help nurture the next generation of artists, educators, and music industry professionals.

Policy and regulation

The UK government’s renewed commitment to revamping the school curriculum aims to encourage more schools to offer arts subjects like music. This includes financial investment in musical instruments and teaching resources. The effectiveness of these changes will depend on how schools implement new policies and integrate music into their educational frameworks.

Numbers that matter

57% of state secondary teachers report no singing in assemblies.
36% of state secondary schools lack a choir.
25% drop in GCSE music enrolments over the last 15 years.
77% of private secondary schools have more than one choir.
35% shortfall in the government’s target for trainee music teachers this year.

Definitions and jargon buster

GCSE: General Certificate of Secondary Education, a qualification taken by students in England typically at age 16.
English Baccalaureate: A performance measure in schools based on students taking core academic subjects.
Music Hubs: Initiatives aimed at enhancing music education and access to musical opportunities in schools.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Schools are expected to begin implementing changes to their music programmes in line with the government’s curriculum updates. Educators will likely focus on establishing or revitalising choirs and music activities to enhance student engagement.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As schools adjust to new policies, the impact on student participation in music classes and activities should be monitored. Increased recruitment efforts for music teachers may also influence the availability of music education in schools.

Signals to watch

Monitor changes in enrolment numbers for GCSE music in the upcoming academic year.
Keep an eye on announcements from schools regarding new music initiatives or choir formations.
Watch for government updates on funding and resources allocated to music education.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage schools to promote singing and music participation among students.
Support local music initiatives and programmes that engage children in music education.
Advocate for the establishment of choirs in schools, highlighting their benefits to student wellbeing.

Don’t

Don’t dismiss the importance of music education as merely an extracurricular activity.
Don’t overlook the need for resources and funding to support music programmes.
Don’t assume all students will naturally engage with music without encouragement.

Checklist

Assess whether your child's school has a music programme or choir.
Find out about local music initiatives available for children.
Engage in conversations about the importance of music education with school administrators.
Monitor enrolment trends in music GCSEs and advocate for change if necessary.
Support your child’s musical interests by providing access to lessons or instruments.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the government’s plans to enhance music education are promising, the actual implementation and effectiveness of these changes remain uncertain. There may be challenges in recruiting qualified music teachers, and funding constraints could hinder the establishment of robust music programmes in all schools. Furthermore, cultural perceptions of music education in secondary schools could take time to shift, affecting student participation rates.

Bottom line

The current state of music education in UK schools highlights a need for revitalisation, particularly in secondary schools where participation has waned. With government support and advocacy from music educators, there is potential for significant improvements in how music is integrated into the school environment, fostering a new generation of musically engaged students.

FAQs

Why is singing less common in secondary schools?

Many secondary school pupils report feeling embarrassed about singing, leading to a decline in group singing activities like assemblies.

What impact does music education have on students?

Music education is linked to improved mental health, social skills, and academic performance, making it vital for holistic student development.

How can schools encourage more music participation?

Establishing choirs, offering music hubs, and integrating music into the curriculum can help increase student engagement with music.