From the Students
The people this affects most
I was one of the 11 who chose Music in the first round. When they said it might not run, I went and found more people. We now have 15 who would commit. That’s more than most years. How can they say there isn’t enough demand?
Year 9 Student
One of 15 students committed to GCSE Music
I had another option removed, so I looked at what was left. Music is what I want to do. It’s not a second choice — it’s the right choice. But they’re taking that away from us too.
Year 9 Student
Choosing Music after another option was withdrawn
First Drama went. Then Dance. Now Music. There won’t be a single performing art left. For some of us, these are the subjects that make school worth coming to.
Year 9 Student
Anthony Gell School
From Parents & Families
Why families are speaking up
We chose this school partly because of its musical tradition. My child has been working towards this GCSE for years. To pull it now, when the numbers are there, feels like the school is letting these children down.
Parent
Parent of a Year 9 music student
The school’s own figures show this subject has run with as few as 6 students. There are 15 ready to sign up. What more evidence do they need?
Parent
Reviewing the school’s own enrolment data
From the Community
A creative town responds
Wirksworth is a town built on creativity. Music is everywhere here — in the festival, in the pubs, in people’s homes. The idea that our local school wouldn’t offer a single performing arts GCSE is hard to believe.
Local Musician
Wirksworth
The Academy Trust says it supports the arts. This is their chance to prove it. Reinstating GCSE Music with 15 willing students should not be a difficult decision.
Community Member
Wirksworth
The more students and families who speak up, the better our chances.