UK performing arts education body places manifesto into public debate

Proposals include drawing together in- and out-of-school activities and a review of qualifications

Credit: Brian Slater

The Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre, a UK industry body offering quality assurance and support to institutions delivering training, education and assessment in the performing arts, has launched a Manifesto for Performing Arts Education.

Key among the recommendations proposed is a greater bringing together of in- and out-of-school performing arts provision, such as through extending the music hubs model to include dance and drama, and by capturing and drawing together the achievements of young people’s artistic activities both within and outside school through digital learner logs.

The manifesto also calls for a review of school qualifications in performing arts, to address the 44% decline in people taking GCSEs in related subjects, and a 48% decline for A-Levels, since 2010. Areas it proposes looking at include the way that such subjects cover contemporary genres, modern practices, digital engagement and entrepreneurship.