Ed Sheeran Cheers New School Rules Making Music Cool for More Kids

Ed Sheeran, the famous singer-songwriter, has praised new changes to the national curriculum in England that will allow more students to study creative subjects like music and art. Sheeran believes these changes will help young people discover their talents and give them more opportunities in school. The government has decided to update what is taught in schools, removing old systems that made it difficult for students to choose creative subjects. This is the first major review of the curriculum in England in over ten years, and it aims to make learning more modern and relevant for students today.

The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, says the government wants to 'revitalise' the curriculum while keeping important subjects like English, maths, and reading as the foundation. School leaders agree that the new recommendations make sense, but they warn that schools will need enough funding and teachers to make these changes work. The review was started last year to help close the gap between students from different backgrounds and make sure everyone has a fair chance to succeed. One of the biggest changes is the removal of the English Baccalaureate, or EBacc, which was a way to measure how many students took certain academic subjects. The Department for Education says the EBacc was limiting students' choices, and by removing it, students will be encouraged to study a wider range of subjects, including the arts.

Ed Sheeran has been a strong supporter of music education. Earlier this year, he wrote an open letter to the government asking for more investment in music and for the EBacc to be removed. He was joined by other famous artists like Harry Styles, Annie Lennox, and Sir Elton John. Sheeran says that learning music in school helped him become a musician and gave him confidence. He also believes that music is important for mental health. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, thanked Sheeran for his efforts and promised that the government would make sure every child has the chance to experience music and creativity in school. Arts Council England also praised the changes, saying it is a great day for the next generation of creative talent.

The curriculum review has led to other important changes as well. Financial literacy will be taught in citizenship classes and included in other subjects, helping students understand how money works. There will be more focus on teaching students how to spot fake news and misinformation, and there may be a new qualification in data science and artificial intelligence for older students. The time students spend on GCSE exams will be reduced, and all children will be able to take three science GCSEs. Lessons will include more content on climate change and better representation of diversity.

The review also recommends giving speaking and listening skills the same importance as reading and writing. This will help students develop valuable communication skills. The Education Secretary says that lessons will not be removed, but the curriculum will be better organised so students do not repeat what they have already learned.

Not everyone agrees with the changes. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott says some of the changes are 'fundamentally wrong' and could lower standards, especially for disadvantaged students. She believes the government is not being honest about what will be taken out of the curriculum. Professor Becky Francis, who led the review, says that students often fall behind when they move from primary to secondary school, especially those from less advantaged backgrounds. She says the changes are meant to improve the curriculum, not completely change it.

Some people worry that removing the EBacc will mean fewer students study languages, and that private schools will become the main place for language learning. Others welcome the broader curriculum but say schools need more money and a better plan for teachers. Pepe Di'Iasio, head of the Association of School and College Leaders, says the reforms are sensible but schools need enough resources to make them work. He also says the government should invest more in schools to help them meet the new expectations.

Overall, the changes to the curriculum are meant to give students more choices and help them develop a wide range of skills. Ed Sheeran and other supporters believe that music and the arts are important for every child, and the government says it wants to make creativity a right for all students, not just a privilege.