Vol. 577 No. 5
92 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the supports in place to assist primary schools fulfil the composition aspect of the music curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31808/03]
93 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the in-service support available nationally, and specifically for County Donegal, to assist primary teachers familiarise themselves with the new music curriculum requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31809/03]
94 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of the current school music programme for primary schools; when it was last reviewed; the supports given to schools to roll out the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31810/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 to 94, inclusive, together.
A grant totalling £6.1 million was issued to all schools in December 2000 in order to support schools in the implementation of the arts education section of the curriculum. The aim of the grant was to facilitate the purchase of necessary teaching and learning materials e.g. musical instruments. It was also envisaged that this grant would encourage schools to engage in activities which would promote aspects of the music curriculum, such as inviting a composer to the school. The grant amounted to £13 per pupil, subject to a minimum of £780 for schools of 60 pupils or less.
The Primary Curriculum, launched in 1999 for implementation on a phased basis, includes a revised programme in music, which has composition as one of the strands. The curriculum document in music is accompanied by detailed guidelines for teachers. These guidelines contain suggestions on approaches to implementing all aspects of the music curriculum, including composition.
The Primary Curriculum Support Programme was established in 1999 to provide professional development support to teachers to assist them in implementing the curriculum. The PSCP is engaged in a wide range of support activities, including organising seminars for teachers, visiting schools and providing tailored support for individual schools and clusters of schools. At this stage, English, Gaeilge, Mathematics, Visual Arts, Science and Social, Personal and Health Education have been implemented and Music is one of the next subjects to be introduced.
This year, following a request from teachers' representatives, I announced a year of consolidation and review of areas of the curriculum that have already been introduced. It is planned that the in-career development programme for music will take place for all primary teachers in the school year 2004-2005, and that teachers will begin to implement the programme during the following school year.
A team of trainers for music and an assistant national co-ordinator have been recruited to support this development. The trainers are currently planning their inservice programme and using the new methodologies in their own classrooms and sharing their experiences and expertise with the colleagues on the staff. The trainers also work closely with the Education Centre Network in the provision of evening and summer courses. Composition is an integral component of these courses.
A six week evening course was completed for primary teachers by the Donegal Education Centre this month, covering all three strands of the Music Curriculum, with the support of trainers from the Primary Curriculum Support Programme.
Our schools have a long and proud tradition in teaching music and our national profile in the music industry greatly exceeds expectations for a country of this size. I am committed to ensuring that schools are fully supported in continuing their excellent work.
