Vol. 439 No. 3
146 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself with the status of music as a subject in post primary schools; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some second level schools have ceased to offer music as a subject in the leaving certificate examination; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
A total of 1,187 candidates took music as a subject in the leaving certificate examinations in June 1993. This represents an increase of approximately 13 per cent on the previous year. A total of 8,941 candidates, which represents an increase of approximately 2 per cent took music as a subject in the junior certificate examination in 1993.
However, these numbers are not as high as I would wish them to be. In particular I am concerned at the low take-up of the subject by boys.
The new junior certificate syllabus in music will be examined for the first time in 1994. It is intended to encourage creative involvement and to enhance pupils' capacity to enjoy music in all its aspects. It is hoped that it will make the subject more appealing to both boys and girls.
At leaving certificate level the new course in music which is at an advanced stage of planning will provide progression for the new junior certificate syllabus. It will take into account recent developments and modern techniques and approaches in music education.
The course is designed to increase the participation rate in leaving certificate music. It will also stress provision of realistic attainment targets and assessment criteria.
