Schools: Music and Drama Access

Baroness Barran Excerpts

Tuesday 17th December 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

The terms of reference of the curriculum and assessment review currently being undertaken have been published on the government website. There is an onus to encourage how we look to make sure that students have the right skills sets and tools in the round, including music, art and drama.

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

My Lords, the Minister talked about the Government delivering a cutting-edge curriculum, which slightly puts gloom in the hearts of those of us who have watched the cutting-edge curriculum in Scotland implode and children there suffer as a result. Maybe she could spell out to the House why the same will not happen here.

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I am very disappointed in the tone of the question. We have requested and engaged Professor Becky Francis to come forward and look at this in the round. We are using evidence gathered by the last two reviews on education and culture, which the noble Baroness was involved with. We look forward to working with key partners as soon as we have the outcome of the review. What is delivered next will be of key importance.