Music is so much a part of the background of everyday life that we tend to take it for granted. For many people, however, it is a powerful focus for creative energy, and one which both stimulates and guides the imagination. Music education aims to develop aesthetic sensitivity and creative ability in all pupils.

During the eighties, nineties and into this century, music education has developed from listening and singing lessons to a predominantly practical subject which conforms to the National Curriculum and GCSE criteria of performing, composing, listening and appraising. The examination system has evolved from ‘O’ level and GCE through to GCSE (and is still evolving) which has resulted in changes to the Key Stage 3 curriculum to cater for this. As a consequence, a great deal of our teaching now starts from a practical emphasis. With the development (and redevelopment) of National Curriculum Guide-lines, the schemes of work and assessment procedures in years 7-9 are, of necessity, constantly under review and we should always be aware of the need for development, not only because of Government directives, but also because of the changing nature of music in society and the technological advances (particularly with instruments) which continue apace.