Practical music making emphasised in music section of DfE recovery guidance

As part of its push for education ‘recovery’, the Department for Education (DfE) has published a 36-page document of non-statutory guidance for school leaders and staff who are responsible for the curriculum. 

Within ‘Teaching a broad and balanced curriculum for education recovery’, the section on music (pp.27-28) states that the ‘key priority’ is a curriculum which allows students from Reception to Year 9 to return to singing and playing instruments, alongside using music technology.

It is pointed out that practical music making should be done in line with the DfE’s current COVID-19 guidance, as well as with the guidance issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). 

The document provides several bullet points for both KS1 and KS2-3, as well as guidance for developing students’ aural skills and reintroducing opportunities for in-person ensemble activity. Fostering ‘re-engagement with a wide range of music’ is also encouraged. 

At the end of the music section, readers are directed to the Music Education Hub landing page for further support, and are provided with a case study written by subject leads at Inspiration Trust. 

In alphabetical order, the document covers art & design, citizenship, computing, design & technology, English, geography, history, languages, mathematics, music, physical education, relationships, sex and health education, religious education, and science. 

Read ‘Teaching a broad and balanced curriculum for education recovery’ here.