Write to uk mps; trad in schools

Subject: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: GUEST,tom bliss
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 03:17 AM

my mp agrees that its time to get a little English music and arts into the national cuuiculum, as a way of preventing them from being 'claimed' by the BNP.

It would have been a good idea anyway.

The proposal is now before the Minister for Schools, and I coild do with some back-up.

Please write to your MP or the Minister if you think this is a good plan.

(They know about the FaF websites)

Thanks

Tom

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: Peace
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 02:26 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: Anne Lister
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 04:21 AM

I'll have a go, Tom - trouble is of course my MP is representing a Welsh constituency and may not see the relevance of my concerns. Although he should ...

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 07:36 AM

Would you post an example of the letter you've sent Tom?

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: GUEST,tom bliss
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 08:32 AM

sorry, on tour without laptop.

just write of your concerns, maybe link to or quote the FaF websites.

they know the score, just need to spot the votes in it

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: theleveller
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 08:46 AM

Coincidentally, Tom, mrsleveller, who's an organiser for the Workers Educational Association, was talking only yesterday to someone in North Yorkshire who is looking to organise a scheme for taking traditional music into schools.

Even more coincidentally, yesterday I also received an email from Yorkshire Garland:

The Yorkshire Garland Group have organised a one-day, free-to-all seminar for teachers, music leaders and other interested parties, on taking folk music into schools.
Where--Murton Park Museum near York
When Monday 20th July 2009
The seminar consists of two parallel programmes each of five presentations. Presenters include Steve Gardham, Jo Glover, Bryony Griffith, Sam Lee, Ray Padgett, Sam Pirt and Doc Rowe.

Full details and registration procedure from http://www.myspace.com/yorkshiregarland

So, although it might not yet be part of the Nat. Cur., there are people who are thinking seriously about it.

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: Cats
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 09:05 AM

A way forward might be to get your MP to submit an early day motion [EDM] then other MP's can sign up and the higher it attracts signatures the more chance there is of getting it debated in the House.

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: theleveller
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 09:07 AM

Sent an email to my MP.

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 10:06 AM

Folk South West with Eddie Upton do great work in schools in the south weat, similarly the Molly dancing project in east midlands.

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: Cats
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 01:11 PM

WrenMusic based in Okehampton do incredible work in schools and with youth groups in Devon.

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 02:08 PM

sample letter?

well this is what I am going to send.

Dear.....

I am writing to you to express my concerns about the adoption of tradtional English folk music by the BNP. I feel a perfect way to counteract this hijacking of the English performing arts heritage is to introduce tradtional music and dance into school curriculum.

I think this could be concientiously done as part of a multicultural traditional folk music and dance unit. In this way all are introduced to, can celebrate the differences of and note the similarities between cultures.

Folk clubs, musicians and traditional dance group might be invited to schools to offer taster sessions during school assembly. New after school multicultural folk clubs and dance lessons might tick some boxes on the Extended Schools initiative.

It offers opportunities for people of varying backgrounds, living within a community to come together and learn about each other and may go a long way to combatting racism and in some ways bullying in schools and communities.

I apprecaite your time and attention to this matter.

Your sincerely

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: paula t
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 02:31 PM

A great idea.
In our area,many schools already incorporate traditional folk into their curriculum .For example,our school ( A village primary) celebrates May Day with Maypole dancing (the "modern" import with ribbons , but we have also made up and danced round a traditional garlanded pole without ribbons on a number of occasions), garland making and morris dancing . The parents come into school and take part in the garland making.We rehearse for weeks beforehand , and all the children dance.There is almost a fight for a ribbon (or a stick) every time we call for volunteers. The older children help to teach the younger ones - starting from reception age when they hold the hands of year 6 children and skip round the pole at the end. No-one is ever reluctant. A very happy time of year!
We also take part in the annual Hobby horse festival children's day in Banbury. Many schools take part in this.
I think that it would be fantastic if more young people took part in our traditions. Our children have grown up to think of these celebrations as "cool". They see being able to do the more complex "Year 6" ribbon patterns and the stick dancing as a rite of passage.One little boy rushed up very excitedly to me this year and said, "Guess what, Mrs. Tindall! I'm a year 2 so I can do the Spider's web this year!"

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: GUEST,tom bliss
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 02:28 AM

good letter VT!

yes, there are indeed lots of people doing great work in schools, but for this to work it has to be universal.

the content is, of course, important, but the real message lies in it being a national initiative sponsored by the elected government.

that's the best way we have right now of proving that it's everyone's.

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: GUEST,tb
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 03:23 AM

ps,

for max effect, copy to Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Schools and Learning.

Subject: RE: Write to uk mps; trad in schools
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 08:54 AM

I received this reply yesterday, from my MP, David Davis:

"Dear Mr Thompson

Thank you for your email of 19th June about the introduction of English music and arts onto the national curriculum. I have some sympathy with your view.

I have taken the matter up with the relevant Minister on your behalf and I will be back in touch when I have received a substantive reply."

Well, we'll wait and see.