Disadvantaged Pupils: Music Attainment Gap
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Baroness Garden of Frognal
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I suspect that, if we look across all 43 of the music hubs, some will be brilliant at doing exactly what the noble Baroness says. We need to make sure that there is consistency and an expectation that all young people will be able to benefit from their provision. It is obviously a key point, and I take it on board.
Baroness Garden of Frognal (LD)
My Lords, partnerships between independent and state schools are making a tangible difference in closing the music attainment gap. Programmes such as MusicShare in the West Midlands have reached over 30,000 pupils across 500 schools, and community initiatives such as Wells Cathedral School’s free Saturday orchestra have opened opportunities to children who might otherwise miss out. Will the Government recognise and support the expansion of these proven school partnerships to reach more disadvantaged pupils?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
The experience of partnerships is very positive, as the noble Baroness suggests. The difficulty is that, if we are not careful, it leaves great holes among many young people who do not have access to that provision. Not all private schools open their doors to people in the local community. We want to make sure that we have an inclusive approach through every school so that every young person can get the quality education that they deserve.
Plan 2 Student Loans: Repayment Terms
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Baroness Garden of Frognal
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
My Lords, a month of us being in power roughly equates to almost a year of the Opposition being in power. As I said at the beginning, we are moving forward in addressing affordability and cost-of-living measures, as well as looking at this very complicated area of student loans.
Baroness Garden of Frognal (LD)
My Lords, the presence of EU students in our universities has always been a net benefit to our students, enhancing their breadth of vision and making them understand how other people live. Is it not time we looked again at introducing better ways for EU students to attend our universities?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
Any young person who has the opportunity to mix with other young people from around the world will talk of the benefit that brings. This area is of enormous importance. It is not only about students coming here, but where our young people want to go to achieve their future success.