§ Mr. BatisteTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy on increasing the teaching of musical instrument playing in primary and secondary schools.
§ Mr. EggarMy right hon. Friend is currently considering the report of the National Curriculum Council244W on music in the national curriculum for pupils aged five to 14. He intends to publish shortly, for consultation, a draft order for music, together with a draft associated document containing attainment targets and programmes of study. These will set out what pupils should achieve in music and the matters, skills and processes they should be taught so that they can reach their objectives.
§ Mr. BatisteTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy for increasing the number of teachers in primary and secondary schools who are trained to teach the playing of musical instruments.
§ Mr. FallonThe Government are taking steps both to increase the supply of music teachers and to improve the skills of existing teachers of music. Measures include substantial support for in-service training and the funding of a video designed to interest more young people in a career in music teaching. Since 1990, the Government criteria for the approval of teacher training courses have stipulated that all students on primary phase courses are trained to teach music to the level required by the National Curriculum. Recruitment to secondary phase courses in music has been increasing since 1989, including an 18 per cent. rise in 1991.