Four in five parents say pandemic has changed the way they look at schooling

New research reveals that 78% of primary school parents have changed their way of looking at schooling and assessments for their children after the pandemic, with many parents (65%) now worried about the impact of exam pressure on their child’s mental health.

79% of parents think that the current school examination process could be updated to be more dynamic and innovative to suit each child’s individual way of learning while 91% say that studying Music from a young age can have a positive impact on a child’s confidence, happiness and overall well-being.

The new research commissioned by  independent music school Rocksteady shows that going forward 87% of parents would prefer to know about their child’s progress continually throughout the year, rather than just a one-off pass or fail exam.

Taking away the pressure of the traditional pass or fail exam, Rocksteady Music School is launching a brand new progressive style of music qualifications for primary age children of all backgrounds. The new Ofqual accreditation method involves observing skills as they are being performed in lessons and unlocking the qualification using technology once a threshold number of skills have been observed.
 
The new method has been created in partnership with examination board, Trinity College London who share many of the same values and vision around giving children, regardless of their backgrounds or starting point, the opportunity to experience the life enhancing benefits of playing music.  

Mark Robinson, Founder of Rocksteady comments: “The pass or fail exam mechanic is one of the key things Rocksteady is taking away to make gaining a music qualification more accessible and inclusive.  Children can focus on learning, having fun and engaging positively while the Rocksteady technology, systems and processes take away any stress or feeling of being measured and monitored.
 
“For some children the pressure surrounding traditional music teaching methods and assessment is a significant barrier to both learning and enjoyment. Our new and progressive method working with Trinity College allows more children to gain a qualification in music. It opens up music to a new generation of children who can enjoy learning and developing without the fear of failure.”

Rocksteady’s findings follow a warning from the UK’s Music Chief Executive that the 2021 A-level and GCSE results revealed an urgent need to “support and grow '' music education in schools. Although there is a decline in pupils taking exams, four in five (75%) parents would like their child to take Music at GCSE or A-Level.  In addition, 79% of parents would like their child to play a musical instrument.

Robinson adds: “The UK is known on a global stage for its musical talent, and we understand from the research that 97% of parents believe it is important to develop musical talent from a young age, so it’s vital that we make music education work for every child.”