Term
1 brought a need for the sMAG Vic committee to prioritize the needs of the
Secondary Instrument Music Teacher community.
A couple of forums were organized where Marino D’Ortenzio provided
advice to over 100 delegates, which was acted upon swiftly by all. A report is contained in this ENews.
We
have a new hard copy mailing address: P.O Box 4076, Box Hill South, Vic 3128
Please continue to
send soft copy to our email address: smag.schoolmusicactiongroup@gmail.com
As
we moved through Term 1, we saw the development and implementation of many
improvement points against the Victorian Inquiry into the Extent, Benefits and
Potential of Music Education 2013. We
see the commencement of a promotional plan come online at the DET intranet portal,
a range of PD on the Music Education Guide (AMUSE and VCAA), and the continued
development of the Music Education Quality Framework (University of Melbourne). Richard Gill’s National Music Teachers
Mentoring program continues in 2016. We
heard in 2015 of the $2M commitment to PD for Music Teachers and grants for
instruments. Details in this 2016
Andrews’ government media release: http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/helping-victorian-kids-to-embrace-music/
VICTORIA - The Education
State – Including Music
The Andrews government’s vision and financial
commitments, as led by the Hon. James Merlino MP, to The Education State within
the launch paper asserts transformational change is ahead. http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/educationstate/launch.pdf .
In consultation with DET we can be assured
that many initiatives
for improving music education provisions
as recommended by the Victorian Inquiry into the Extent, Benefits and
Potential of Music Education are being incorporated into the overarching Education
State delivery including:
- Accountability processes to ensure the new Education State measures are implemented (including Music)
- Formal analysis in an overarching, Statewide manner to measure success at strategic timely intervals (including reforms in Music).
The clear aspiration towards equity across
the State is to be highly commended. Of
particular importance to the music education community is the clear commitment
to The Arts and particularly Music, which is stated with such
intention on page
14 of The Education State Launch document. This is greatly welcomed!!!
Quote directly from the document:
“Over the next 10 years, more Victorian students will reach the highest levels
of achievement in the arts.”
Clearly
the commitment to developing excellence in education comes through the
document. Please take the time to read
‘The Education State – Launch’ paper, and become familiar with the vision and
aspirations.
Mr. Merlino visited Rivergum Primary School to launch the Music
In Schools Program and got onto the drum kit to jam with the band: http://www.rivergumps.vic.edu.au/music-in-schools-program-launched-by-education-minister-james-merlino/
The $2 million Music in Schools program comprises:
- $1.6 million for professional training for hundreds of Victorian teachers so that schools without strong, school-wide programs can establish quality music programs.
- $400,000 in grants over two stages for schools to buy instruments.
- $200,000 so trainee teachers at university studying to become primary teachers can complete musical education training.
VCAA: Specialist Mentors in Music
The VCAA have appointed two specialist
mentors to develop the abilities of teachers across the P – 12 landscape,
aligned with the vision and aspiration of The Education State. These two expert music teachers work 0.5 in
their mentoring role, and 0.5 in their schools.
The VCAA now seek to appoint a further two specialist mentor teachers in
Music. Closing date for applicants is
April 22. Details can be found here: http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/correspondence/notices/2016/28.aspx Enquiries about the Specialist Teacher role can be
directed to: Alan McLean Email: mclean.alan.w@edumail.vic.gov.au
We
look forward to hearing reports and stories as they meet with teachers and
invest in Music Education.
BASTOW
SEMINAR SERIES
In August 2015, Richard Gill OAM presented a music seminar at the Bastow Institute,
Melbourne. Put the kettle on, and prepare for an hour of compelling oration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8iF_IuC8yc
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAMS
Many key industry providers have entered
into an SPP with DET to deliver on Music Education. One example is the Musicessentails program
with Musica Viva.
Description: Musicassentials provides stage-specific music and cross-curricular exercises that contain up to a term’s work of music and extension activities for students. Modules are downloadable across multiple platforms including computers/tablets and are relevant to the flexible and accessible education models of the 21st Century, Victorian Curriculum requirements and the priorities of the National Curriculum. The program provides a flexible approach to student learning and can be used individually to encourage self-directed learning, in a formalised setting with teachers, or in a semi-facilitated capacity with parents. http://www.musicaviva.com.au/education/musicadventures/about-musicadventures
Description: Musicassentials provides stage-specific music and cross-curricular exercises that contain up to a term’s work of music and extension activities for students. Modules are downloadable across multiple platforms including computers/tablets and are relevant to the flexible and accessible education models of the 21st Century, Victorian Curriculum requirements and the priorities of the National Curriculum. The program provides a flexible approach to student learning and can be used individually to encourage self-directed learning, in a formalised setting with teachers, or in a semi-facilitated capacity with parents. http://www.musicaviva.com.au/education/musicadventures/about-musicadventures
All of the above are funded either fully or in partnership with
the Victorian government as clear strategy to improve music education delivery
in this State. We welcome and support
these measures, and look forward to further developments as we approach the May
budget.
VICTORIAN REVIEWS – sMAG Submissions
SECONDARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM
We
believe that the Bracks School Funding Review will cover the Secondary
Instrumental Music Program (SIMP). sMAG
submitted to this review in 2015. We see
that the review was publicly released on April 3, 2016. We look forward to reading the long document
and responding in due course. http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/department/Pages/fundingreview.aspx
VIT Permission To Teach Review
After
consultation with Marino D’Ortenzio from the AEU, many hundreds of IMTs wrote
to both the VIT and the Hon. James Merlino MP with their views on the VIT PTT
and the impact on workplace status and conditions. The VIT responded by meeting with key
stakeholders including Meredith Peace of the AEU, listening to the key concerns
from around the State. The Hon. Mr. James
Merlino also met with the AEU representatives.
sMAG received notification that the VIT will further review the PTT
policy, and then submit to the Education
Minister for his consideration. We
deeply appreciate all the letters and work involved by all those contributors
and we hope that a positive result will be forthcoming. However, we wait cautiously as the IMT
community will need to engage in further action and conversation if the
reviewed policy doesn’t support the profession. We would impress upon the VIT
to regulate the IMT profession and specifically define an IMT role as ‘teacher’
according to the Legislative Act of 2006.
THE VET FUNDING REVIEW
ww.education.vic.gov.au/about/department/Pages/vetfundingresponse.aspx
sMAG submitted to this review in
2015. There is a long and detailed list
of recommendations and then a government response at the website. We are yet to analyse and respond to the VET
funding review. Our time has been
invested in the VIT PTT discourse.
THE SPECIAL NEEDS REVIEW
sMAG welcomes the commitment the
Victorian government is providing the Special Needs education area. All the implementation plan points will
highly develop the area and increase student outcomes. Needless to say, sMAG made a submission to
this review in 2015, led by Dr. Helen Farrell, and we are thrilled with the
outcomes of the review.
The Education State – Early Childhood
Framework.
sMAG submitted a substantial paper to this consultation
process. I extend thanks to the sMAG
teacher training committee members, with specific expertise in the Birth to Age
7 area. A Framework for improvement in
the Early Years sector has been published: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/edcare/Pages/veyladf.aspx?Redirect=1
sMAG
welcomes the new Framework and commend the government and professionals
involved in delivering this key aspect of improvement in the sector.
PD AROUND THE STATE
Living Music &
Dance is aimed at reviving, inspiring, encouraging and challenging music
teachers of children aged 5-14 years.
Christoph Maubach, our featured presenter, has been known and loved around the world for his gentle approach, wonderful repertoire and beautiful musical outcomes. He’s travelling from New Zealand to lead us in sessions that use the Orff Approach to focus on the Voice and “Playful Classroom Music Arrangements for Movement and Dance”.
Christoph Maubach, our featured presenter, has been known and loved around the world for his gentle approach, wonderful repertoire and beautiful musical outcomes. He’s travelling from New Zealand to lead us in sessions that use the Orff Approach to focus on the Voice and “Playful Classroom Music Arrangements for Movement and Dance”.
KODALY
EVENT
http://pickevent.com/e/AutumnSeminar/home/#module
RICHARD
GILL’s FREE PD/FORUM: Email -kobyrne@musicaviva.com.au
MUSICAL
FUTURES CONFERENCE: http://www.musicalfuturesaustralia.org/2016-teachers-conference.html
AMUSE
A
range of PD events focusing on the new Victorian Curriculum and the Music
Education Guide amongst others.
In other news……
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
Publications
in media have reported the high uptake of Musical studies in later years. The University of Melbourne is showing an
increase in student numbers: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/victoria/music-hits-a-high-note-among-school-leavers-20160115-gm6xr2.html
AITSL stakeholder survey Insights from the profession
Please
take the time to look at the survey and submit your thoughts particularly
around specialist areas and Music:
sMAG IS ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/sMAGVic?fref=ts Yet another way to network, and share your
ideas and new finds in the music education area!
sMAG is a
non partisan committee, consisting of volunteers
from all sectors of the music community, and we welcome your input. Anyone is
welcome to email us at any point and make a contribution: smag.schoolmusicactiongroup@gmail.com.
Please share our news with your
friends, and post your ideas to our Facebook page – we love hearing from the
whole community.
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