Vol. 479 No. 2
165 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education if she will encourage the promotion of the arts for school-going children; the measures, if any, she has considered in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12579/97]
The White Paper Charting Our Education Future states that the Government affirms the centrality of the arts within education policy and provision, particularly during compulsory schooling. A substantial part of the existing curriculum for primary schools is devoted to the arts. This curriculum is being reviewed at present by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in the light of the policy statement on the arts contained in the White Paper. The revised curriculum will have elements on all aspects of the arts including music, the visual arts, dance, drama and literature. These will be an essential part of the curriculum for primary schools and a programme of in-career development will be provided to support implementation in schools.
At second level, the White Paper states that each school will be expected to provide students with experience in arts education. The new junior cycle curriculum affirms that the creating and performing arts are distinctive and intrinsically valuable educational disciplines and have an important role as part of the whole school curriculum. In addition to the recently revised syllabi in music and art, craft and design, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is devising full courses in drama and dance for the junior certificate curriculum. The promotion of the arts is also encouraged through participation by students in various competitions and activities involving school choirs and orchestras organised by the Department of Education.
