From the responses for the first month (July):

• Those replying come from over 30 Local Authorities, from Devon to Northumberland.
• About 60% of those replying are members of NAME.
• The usual time allocation for music in KS3 seems to be about one hour a week, but ranges from 50 minutes to 2 hours.
• Some schools (about 17%) run two-year KS3 music courses, usually in Yrs 7 and 8.
• In most schools the allocated time has not changed since the introduction of the new KS3 curriculum, although for about 17% it is less, while nearly 10% report more.
• Most schools (nearly 70%) still timetable music as a discrete subject, although several report it part of a performing arts umbrella (just under 18%) or with other subjects.
• About 30% of teachers consider the new KS 3 curriculum has improved pupils’ learning (although several were already working in this way), making comments such as ’Greater flexibility to teach in a way we feel appropriate’, ‘The learning aims are now more explicit’ and ‘Greater creative freedom has been effective’. However, more than 10% disagree, for reasons sometimes as much to do with implementation as with content/approach, while most consider it is too early to tell.
• While GSCE is still the most widely available option in the 14-19 range (available in 36% of schools), followed by A level (18%) and A level technology (13%), BTEC (both music and performing arts) is gaining ground (17%). There is mention of a wide range of other options, including Rockschool/Access to Music (usually Performing Musician or Creative Music Producer) and Arts Awards.
• 50% of teachers report music provision (14-19) has changed in their schools during the past couple of years. Several talk about changes they envisage in the next couple of years.