Vol. 441 No. 5
77 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education her views on whether there is a need to review the situation regarding teaching of music at post primary level; if she will establish a working party to undertake such a review; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The content of all subjects at post-primary level is constantly being updated by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. In the case of music, a new programme is already in place for junior cycle. An important objective of this is that it will encourage involvement by pupils and enhance their ability to partake in an enjoyable form of music making.
The new transition year arrangements which will be operative from September 1994 will allow pupils to engage in a range of cultural pursuits, including music, without the stress of an external examination. I hope that some additional pupils will be encouraged through these experiences to choose music as a subject in senior cycle.
With regard to senior cycle, the new leaving certificate course in music is now at an advanced stage of preparation by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. It will follow on naturally from the new junior certificate programme, which has been enthusiastically received. However, it will be some time yet before this new course will be examined. I recognise a need for some interim arrangements which, while allowing for the changes at junior cycle, will involve no reduction in standards. I am giving this urgent attention at the moment. On several occasions since my appointment as Minister for Education, I have indicated my full support for the further development of music at all stages of our educational system.
