We have been shocked by a new trend to stop or take a break from music lessons in order to concentrate on GCSE and A level exams. In our 28 year history we have never before seen pupils leave, take a term off or cut back on Saturday sessions in order to go to school for revision or to stay at home revising.  

We have in the past given over a classroom for some pupils to do some school work between lessons but mostly we’ve seen the day of music as much-needed relief from the pressure of the exam season; a mental shift to something different -  known to be helpful in stimulating different parts of the brain and relieving the tension and stress caused by the exam season. 

We’ve become a country addicted to exams; measuring success by exam results is fuelling stress and anxiety among pupils, teachers, and schools.  We are worried about what this id doing to children and young people.

 A number of respected voices are now standing up against this and begging for change - in curriculum, exam styles and inspection - let’s hope that we are heard soon. 

For further discussion see: 

1. Sally Wheale, The Guardian, 17th May 2019 : Stress and serious anxiety: how the new GCSE is affecting mental health
2. Gus O’Donnell/Sarah Marsh, The Guardian, 27th December 2018: Exam stress creating 'troubled generation', says ex-civil service chief


The DaCapo Music Foundation is registered in England and Wales under charity number 1136051 and company number 06698862 at Wren Academy, Hilton Avenue, London, N12 9HB. We use cookies to improve your experience using this website. For more information on how we use cookies please see our Privacy Policy.
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