Depriving children of arts and sport lessens their prospects

Francesca Fraser, Senior Researcher at Onward, writes for Times Red Box about the value of taking children away from their desks for short periods during the school day. She writes:

“When I was at school, my favourite subject was maths, but I recognise I was in the minority. Many children endure maths, English and science in anticipation of more creative lessons like music, drama and sport.

So when Ian Bauckham, the chairman of Ofqual, says that schools should suspend music lessons so teachers can focus on the core curriculum, he looks to deprive many children of the very reason they enjoy school. Not only that, but he is undermining his own intentions, because evidence shows that enrichment contributes to wider learning and academic progress.

The point Bauckham misses is there is value in taking children away from their desks for a short period of the school day.”

You can read the full article here.