Schools: Music and Drama Access

Lord Kennedy of Southwark Excerpts

Tuesday 17th December 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Dobbs (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

My Lords, there is plenty of time, so we will hear from the noble Baroness on the Conservative Benches next.

[Baroness Hooper (Con)]

My Lords, does the Minister not agree that this choice should not be limited to music and drama, and that dance should be included?

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Dobbs (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

We will hear from the Lib Dem Benches next.

[Lord Storey (LD)]

My Lords, creative subjects in schools have been in decline, I am afraid to say. You just have to look at the figures for, for example, drama, the importance of which for oracy, emotional development and learning is so important. Of course, as a country, our creative industries are a great success story. When the curriculum review is completed, it will be about not just the subjects but the examination requirements. If you do not include creative subjects in the examination subjects then head teachers will think that they do not need to include that subject and can save money. Will the Minister look at the recommendations from the Select Committee on the 11-16 curriculum, which unanimously agreed that the EBacc should be cancelled?