Activity Resource LG 2: How the programme relates to other national developments

The KS3 music programme has not been the only recent national music initiative. Alongside the development of the requirements for music within the National Curriculum (2008), the Music Manifesto has initiated three major pieces of work. These have led to developments in singing (resulting in the ‘Sing up’ campaign), collaboration between different workforce sectors involved in music education, and training for the wider music workforce. The DCSF initiative on instrumental and vocal teaching at Key Stage 2 has moved beyond the pilot phase and is now being implemented in LAs across the country. Musical Futures has been an extensive music education action research project which has been devising new and imaginative ways of engaging young people in music activities. Music technology continues to be a focus of development for many, and a wide range of projects to enable young people access to music making opportunities continues to flourish.

The KS3 music programme incorporates findings from many of these initiatives. The Subject leader section contains a section of useful links to more detailed information about four of these initiatives, and there are direct links to relevant web sites from within the text of the units themselves. Teachers who wish to develop their expertise in particular areas should therefore be able to find relevant materials to support their interests.