With
a semester of learning behind us, sMAG extends good wishes to everyone, and the
hope of a well-earned winter break.
As
mentioned in our Autumn ENews, sMAG Vic has focused all attention towards the
Secondary Instrumental Music Program (SIMP).
Work has been quite intensive and time consuming, so we are pleased to
report some progress. Following a VIT
review of the Permission To Teach (PTT) policy in early 2015, recommendations
were finalized, and consultation with stakeholders proceeded. A draft for a new PTT was put to the minister
in 2015. After further consultation with stakeholders, The Education Minister,
the Hon. Mr. Merlino, approved the VIT PTT policy in June this year.
Regional
Instrumental Coordinators have been, and will continue to be consulted with
regard to the implementation of the new policy in due course. IM Coordinators indicate that they are
largely pleased with the new policy, and are happy to work through
implementation discussions. The VIT will publicly publish the PTT policy
according to their regulations and guidelines.
We expect the policy to come into effect in October 2017.
The
AEU will hold meetings with the Hon. Mr. Merlino, and DET regarding to the new
PTT policy and implications around workplace employment conditions. Should anyone have concerns with any SIMP
position employment conditions, we advise you bring the conversation to the
attention of Sarah Parr at the AEU: Sarah.Parr@aeuvic.asn.au.
What you can do
All Music teachers, and particularly IMTs, are acutely aware of
how intrinsic classroom, Instrumental lessons and ensemble pedagogy all
intertwine and are essential to delivering the Victorian Curriculum, VCE or IB
outcomes. As a community we need to be
able to articulate this clearly in every local school setting.
A few key phrases to embed in professional lives and
documentation may be;
· Instrumental
lessons and ensemble delivery are intrinsic in delivering outcomes against the
school’s approved curriculum (VicCurr, IB, VCE etc).
· Instrumental
teachers and ensemble directors report against the standards stated in the
approved curriculum, keeping accurate records of evidence and data.
· Instrumental
teachers and ensemble directors document curriculum across The ARTs domain as
required by the approved curriculum.
· Instrumental
teachers and ensemble directors meet with their Head of Music or upline
managers to provide evidence of their documentation and student progress.
· IMTs and
ensemble directors set aside time for professional meetings with their faculty
to ensure curriculum delivery is meeting the requirements of the approved
curriculum.
MEERG
Consultation around the sMAG
discussion paper for strategic leadership architecture over the SIMP program
has been ongoing. With adequate
structures around the SIMP, accountability and support processes can be implemented
across the state, to see the program thrive.
The Music community highly values the SIMP, and understands the
intrinsic value in developing high achieving music professionals, able to enter
tertiary courses and perform on the global stage. Prof. Gary McPherson is particularly
advocating for the growth of the SIMP to ensure high quality delivery into the
future.
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT
Grants
for schools to partner with professional artists are available through the
‘Creative Learning Partnerships’.
