Tuesday 06 June 2023
A recent set of positive exam results has highlighted the importance of music education in Guernsey.
In March, 80 students from across all Guernsey schools sat Trinity College London (TCL) and Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) music examinations in Guernsey.
A positive set of results saw a pass rate of 99% with a large proportion of these results being of Grade 6 standard or above, which will lead to those students being awarded UCAS points for entry into higher education and also contributing to the Attainment 8 scores of their respective schools.
For the first time a Music Service student has also obtained an LTCL Performance Diploma, which is an equivalent in standard to the final year recital of an undergraduate degree.
The results follow recently published research that has involved hundreds of local children. The results of the recent research study were published in the British Journal of Music Education and studied the academic results of hundreds of students in Guernsey over a period of five years. It compared the change in national English and maths exam results at ages 11 and 16 of instrumentalists and non-instrumentalists.
Data from 701 pupils showed statistical differences in outcomes between the two groups, which was also related to the duration of learning and the instrument played.
A copy of the research can be accessed by following this link.
Tim Wright, Head of Guernsey Music Service, said:
'Our recent exam results and the results of the study undertaken by Professor Susan Hallam and Kevin Rogers are testament to the continued support of music education within Guernsey and the hard work of so many people involved with this since the Music Service was started over 40 years ago. Music plays a huge part in the development of learners in Guernsey. As well as its known benefits, such as developing confidence, teamwork and resilience, this study also highlights the academic benefits of a well delivered music education. Guernsey should be rightfully proud of this and should continue to celebrate its achievements in music and the arts.'
Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said:
'I am thrilled to hear about the outstanding exam results achieved by musicians at the Music Service and on behalf of my Committee offer our congratulations to the students. It was also very interesting to see that local music education has formed part of national research which evidences the positive impacts of learning a musical instrument. The Music Service is an important part of our education provision in Guernsey and directly supports the Committee's Education Strategy by adding breadth and depth to the overall richness of the curriculum, with a strong focus on promoting inclusivity and supporting health and well-being for all.'
