I'm in 2 minds about the National Curriculum

For many schools I have seen the introduction of this as having a positive influence on subjects such a music, without there being a NC these subjects simply would not have happened in many institutions. However, the NC is largely becoming irrelevant anyway as the clear plan is for schools to be able to choose their own path, which will only make things worse for many students.

In my experience working in schools the NC was a bit of a pain for some really inspired and great teachers BUT for others it forced them to address subjects which they would otherwise have ignored which is more or less what we are going to get now So its a sad time for those students I meet who are passionate and talented in music but happen to go to schools where it's no longer on the agenda and don't have supportive parents.