The modern school curriculum is designed to offer both breadth and depth to all pupils, even at a relatively young age. However, over time there has been an increase in the significance of exams, especially in core subjects, which has put pressure on some aspects of the curriculum. It is unfortunate that music and drama have been marginalised in some schools because they are deemed to be less important than literacy, numeracy and science.

Perhaps some of those who have positions of influence in education need to be reminded that music has been regarded as a cornerstone since the very beginning of formal education. The philosopher Plato set out a curriculum over two thousand years ago which gave prominence to music as a vital element in developing the whole child. The Greeks were keen on drama too and it is no surprise that major productions of works by their gifted writers such as Sophocles and Euripides remain popular today.

We all know that very young children from nursery age onwards enjoy learning songs and playing with percussion instruments. It is vital that teachers can harness this energy and enthusiasm so that children will be able to progress with their musical education by engaging in more challenging and complex activities.

At Cranmore School, we ensure that our youngest pupils aged two and a half are able to enjoy music. Like most children, they love putting on a performance for their parents and, in common with most schools and nurseries, we have a Christmas production. In our experience, the care and attention given to music in the formative years pays great dividends later. As pupils progress through Cranmore they are able to have individual instruction in a wide range of instruments – we have almost 20 specialist music staff who cover everything from the flute and cello to drums and bass. Pupils are able to play together in small ensembles and in our full orchestra.

Good schools cater for pupils of all abilities and at Cranmore we recognise that for some children music might well become a recreational activity in adult life. For others who obtain a Grade 8 Distinction in an instrument, we know they have the potential to forge a career in music.

Regardless of learning a musical instrument, all children can continue their musical education through singing. Most schools do devote some time to singing, even if it is only the regular hymn in assembly. The children at Cranmore are fortunate because the school runs several choirs which allow pupils to develop their singing talent to a high standard. In addition, Cranmore hosts many concerts in its wonderful auditorium and in November there will be a performance given by the highly prestigious Tenebrae Choir.

So how can we develop children’s interest in drama? There was a time when pupils had to slavishly read through a Shakespeare play in class, not the best way to inspire a life-long interest. Thankfully, good schools now seek different opportunities for pupils to gain confidence in public-speaking and performing in drama productions too. Teachers know that some children who are reticent in class can really take on a different persona on stage and act with true flair and panache. If you are lucky, you may spot future potential at a young age. I can recall watching a young Orlando Bloom in a school show many years ago – whatever happened to him?

The creative opportunities which music and drama provide are essential in any curriculum. As well as the enjoyment and skills which children develop from these activities, one must not forget the teamwork involved in most cases which further enhances pupils’ communication and social skills. There appears to be a bias in this country where we are quick to applaud talented individuals in sport, but we should give full and equal credit to those children who achieve great things in music and drama through their own hard work and commitment.

In conclusion, all schools are bound by the exam system and the pressures which inevitably arise from it. However, now is the time for us to stop and think about what we are losing if we allow music and drama to be gently marginalised in the curriculum.

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Cranmore School has recently announced a programme of change to transform it into a fully co-educational school for pupils aged two and a half to thirteen years. It is committed to providing a balanced curriculum which can develop each child’s potential. This includes a Forest School so that the youngest pupils from the nursery onwards can experience real ‘outdoors education’.
Telephone: 01483 280340
Website: www.cranmoreprep.co.uk