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Music is music? Striking the balance in music education in Wales
- Source: Journal of Popular Music Education, Volume 5, Issue Popular Music Education in Wales, Apr 2021, p. 39 - 54
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- 12 Aug 2020
- 13 Jan 2021
- 01 Apr 2021
Abstract
Through the examination of past and current practice, survey and interview, this article discusses how music from the widest parameters may be included in mainstream education in Wales. In 2014, the Welsh Government commissioned Professor Graham Donaldson to review the curriculum and assessment arrangements in schools in Wales. The outcome, Successful Futures: Independent Review of Curriculum and Assessment Arrangements in Wales (2015), was adopted by the Welsh Government for implementation by 2021. This new curriculum and its approach to learning and teaching offers the opportunity to re-examine the provision of music in schools, outlining a significant shift from ‘…“learning about” to “learning to” with a growing skills focus and an emphasis on application and development of higher-order skills, particularly creativity (entrepreneurship) and digital literacy’ (Donaldson 2015: 18). This vision requires exploration and engagement in a greater diversity of music.