sMAG Winter ENews

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’.

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-program-to-bring-creativity-to-the-classroom-and-beyond/ .