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Satisfying Ofsted that you develop self-confidence via music

The music curriculum requires schools to use music to increase self-confidence, creativity and a sense of achievement. 

But how is this to be done?

It has perhaps not been the focal point of a lot of discussion so far, but the 2014 curriculum does require that schools see an increase in pupil self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement as a result of their musical experiences within school.

This is a particularly challenging issue in the National Curriculum, because there is so little agreement as to what creativity actually is, let alone how to develop it.

For the problem with creativity is that there is such little agreement as to what the term actually means. Most would agree it is not just about novelty, for few value novelty for the sake of novelty. But then, what makes us say x is creative, and y is not?

We might agree that endlessly banging a drum, irrespective of what is happening in the immediate environment is not “creative” while improvising in a novel way with feeling and understanding around an existing artistic framework, is “creative”.

But still this is difficult territory, and it is not fully clear how Ofsted is going to make its own judgements on how musical experiences in school are increasing pupil self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.

Which is why we have developed ABC Creative Music at this point: to help both music specialists, and classroom teachers who are not musically trained, to bring a genuine creative music-making culture into the classroom.

How is this done? Quite simply, through placing decision-making and performance at the heart of children’s musical experiences.

By providing innovative approaches to improvisation and composition ABC Creative Music helps children become experienced at creating and performing their own music, and listening to and assessing the music of others.

From reception onwards, children explore music through age-appropriate activities and notation that develops in sophistication as they grow.

Structured auditions, peer feedback, and rehearsal activities provide smart support for group creativity and rehearsal driving engagement and instrumental and vocal skill development.

The programme also gives lots of original songs and activities, exploring many musical styles from around the world.

In short ABC Creative Music answers the dilemmas posed by the new curriculum, allowing children to experience and experiment with all the elements of music in a truly creative way.

If you would like to see ABC Creative Music in action please click here for a free trial course.

For more information on how ABC Creative Music meets the aims of the new music curriculum please click here. 

And if you have any enquiries concerning ABC Creative Music and how it might be used in your school please do either:

Phil Bancroft