This volume examines issues of social mobility and cohesion, curriculum, the balance between academic and vocational education, the place of exams in the educational system and the influence of independent schools. The author asks whether a more decentralised system of self-governing schools improve the education service.

Learning to Teach Music in the Secondary Schoolis intended to support student-teachers, newly qualified teachers and more experienced music teachers in their professional development. Topics covered include: the place of music in the curriculum the nature of musical learning planning, managing and assessing musical learning school examinations and music music outside of the curriculum. One of the main premises of the book is that music needs to be taught 'musically', with specific reference to both the nature of music itself and its metaphorical significance. It is important that music itself guides what goes on in the music classroom if we are to motivate our pupils and help them to fulfil their potential as musicians. This book will help student-teachers to develop their subject knowledge, teaching skills, understanding of the wider issues and their ability to reflect on classroom practice.

Packed full with tasks, activities and reflections to help student-teachers to integrate the theory and practice of music education, this book aims to develop open and reflective practitioners who will critically examine their own and others’ ideas about music education and the way in which children learn music.