Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 6

Written Answers. - Music Syllabus.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

101 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education whether the views of those who took part in the inservice music course in 1995 were taken into account when the leaving certificate music aural examination for 1996 was prepared. [12102/96]

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

102 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education her views on the difficulties (details supplied) experienced by the post-primary music teachers' association in relation to the 1996 music aural examination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12103/96]

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

103 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education her views on the negative image experienced by music teachers in post-primary schools in relation to the subject. [12104/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 102 and 103 together.

In 1994 some concerns were expressed by music teachers about achievable attainment levels in the leaving certificate music examination. In response I established a working party with representation from all sectors of music education to recommend some interim changes for the leaving certificate music examination in 1995, 1996 and 1997 pending the revision of the music syllabus.

The interim changes were adopted, well received and implemented in full from 1996. These included solo singing acceptable for practical in lieu of playing an instrument; wider choice in the area of practicals-projects; reallocation of marks among the various parts of the examination; and written, practical and aural.

I have approved a new music syllabus which will be introduced in 1997 and will involve an intensive period of incareer development beginning from September next. Four teachers have been seconded on a full time basis for two years for this purpose. A training of trainers programme was also held in January 1996 to provide a cadre of experienced in-career development teachers. The new junior certificate music syllabus, which was examined for the first time in 1994, has been very well received in schools.

With regard to specific queries relating to the 1996 examination it is the practice of the examiners to take into consideration any representations made relating to aspects of the examination, in the context of the overall answering.