Challenges for Planning Progression
| Site: | ABRSM: Teacher Hub |
| Course: | Challenges in planning for progression |
| Book: | Challenges for Planning Progression |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Friday, 3 April 2026, 6:48 PM |
Description
As teachers, we put a lot of effort into planning for progression.
However, pupils will progress at different rates, experience different barriers and different challenges will be presented to teachers. Each class context and pupil context is entirely different. Planning for pupils with different needs is an everyday part of your teaching practice, but so should knowing how to plan for musical development.
This resource will give you an insight into planning considerations for pupils with different needs and who experience different barriers. Listen to three podcasts, giving you some ideas of barriers to musical development in relation to:
- Special educational needs and disabilities
- Socio-cultural factors
- Pressures on curriculum time
Listen to the podcasts and if you wish, please complete the reflection task at the end.
1. Barriers to progression: SEND
Matt Blackwell is a highly experienced music teacher, working across Tameside in Greater Manchester.
As part of his professional practice, Matt has worked extensively in Special Educational Needs settings and within this podcast he will discuss the need for different approaches for children with specific educational needs and disabilities, and the value of a pedagogy of ‘musical invitations’. When you're ready to move on, click 'next'.
2. Barriers to progression: Socio-cultural factors
Rachael Jones leads the RNCM Pathfinder programme which aims to support children facing particular barriers to their musical progression.
In this podcast she will highlight some of the socio-cultural factors that can profoundly impact upon pupils' musical development, and what teachers might need to consider in order to overcome these barriers. When you're ready to move on, click 'next'.
3. Barriers to progression: curricular time and school resources
In this final podcast on challenges for pupil development, Robbie Gardiner discusses the current socio-political challenges facing all schools.
This acknowledges the enormous pressure that faces many primary schools, whilst outlining how music has become increasingly important in educational policy. Finding a space for music in your schools is consequently a real challenge, but a necessary one.
Further Reading
4. Reflection
Drawing on those podcasts, reflect on the challenges you face in your own particular educational context.
Using the reflection template below, make a note of the general and/or specific needs or issues that you will need to consider and map these against your curriculum. Identifying these needs will help you to consider and prepare appropriate musical resources and activities, and where necessary seek additional support, resource or opportunities from your school leadership team, community, or local Music Education Hub.