OVER the next four or five years the Government intends to replace existing GCSEs with a new English Baccalaurate (EBaccc).

All parents, and indeed the wider public, will be rightly concerned as to the details of the new curriculum; and in that context may I draw attention to the article in this month’s BBC Music Magazine by Richard Morrison, the chief music critic of the Times newspaper, under the heading ‘The EBacc proves that the Government doesn’t care about music education’ Bournemouth with its world famous Symphony Orchestra, albeit now based in Poole, has a long tradition of support for music in all its shapes and forms, but as Mr Morrison points out, the new examination will provide little scope for a teenager to have a wider education which might include music, art, design, sport or dance. That will not only be bad for the arts in this country, including music, but also for a wider cultural education.

Fortunately details of the new examination are still being worked out; music provision is regarded as important in private fee-paying schools and the development of musical talent and education will perhaps inevitably depend upon parental support, but for music to thrive in this country not only are talented musicians needed but also appreciative audiences; and like Mr Morrison I hope that all those who care for musical life in this country will look carefully at the details of the new examination and seek assurances that the creative arts are fully and properly catered for.

GORDON CANN, Craigmoor Avenue, Bournemouth