No mountain high enough: Using music to raise academic achievement

This chapter discusses the role that music can play in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in primary schools. It unlocks connections between research and practice through presenting an illustrative example of innovative practice from one school set within a broader frame of theoretical, evidence-informed knowledge which strengthens the school’s curriculum design thinking. There is also evidence which suggests that learning an instrument can impact positively on academic outcomes. Music is still a subject that must be studied as part of the National Curriculum in Key Stages 1 to 3 and whilst academies and free schools are not required to follow the National Curriculum, the government has stated that music should form part of a ‘broad and balanced’ curriculum. As a music specialist academy, the senior team felt it was important to make it clear why the specialism of music had been chosen.