Published Wednesday, 09 July, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
National performing arts advocacy campaign launched in Queensland
Education, Training and Arts Minister Rod Welford today helped launch a national advocacy campaign to promote the benefits of performing arts in education.
Mr Welford said the Australian Major Performing Arts Group selected Queensland as the location for the launch of the We All Play a Part education module due to the state’s proven track record in arts education.
“I am a strong supporter of arts in education because of the positive benefits it offers students in other areas of learning,” Mr Welford said.
“Research shows that involvement in the performing arts can improve academic outcomes and help students to develop confidence and creative thinking skills.
“In the Queensland school system we have a significant emphasis on arts education.
“Educators and music industry professionals regard Queensland’s world-renowned instrumental music program as the finest and most extensive in the country.
“The program was introduced in our schools over three decades ago and now boasts more than 400 instrumental music instructors teaching in excess of 50,000 students in almost 800 state schools across Queensland.”
Mr Welford said the Queensland Studies Authority’s curriculum for Queensland schools included Essential Learnings and Standards for all Key Learning Areas, including five arts strands—music, media, dance, drama and visual arts.
“These five strands are mandatory in Years 1 to 7 and at least one strand must be continued through to Year 10,” he said.
“There’s a music syllabus for Years 11 and 12 and a Year 12 music extension syllabus with other courses linking to industry and the VET sector.”
Mr Welford said the Queensland students also showcase their talents through various programs and events including the MOST Gala Concert, the Fanfare Festival for Bands and Orchestras and Creative Generation – State Schools on Stage.
“With the concentration on art in education, it’s no wonder Queensland has developed an enviable reputation both nationally and internationally for our innovative and dynamic arts scene and its outstanding talent,” he said.
“I encourage all students to express their creativity by getting involved in the arts.”
We All Play a Part is a joint initiative of the Australian Major Performing Arts Group (AMPAG), Live Performance Australia (LPA) and the Media and Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA). Also partnering with the campaign is the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association and the Australian Network for Art and Technology. This is first time such a broad coalition of arts representative bodies have joined forces for an advocacy campaign.
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
Mr Welford said the Australian Major Performing Arts Group selected Queensland as the location for the launch of the We All Play a Part education module due to the state’s proven track record in arts education.
“I am a strong supporter of arts in education because of the positive benefits it offers students in other areas of learning,” Mr Welford said.
“Research shows that involvement in the performing arts can improve academic outcomes and help students to develop confidence and creative thinking skills.
“In the Queensland school system we have a significant emphasis on arts education.
“Educators and music industry professionals regard Queensland’s world-renowned instrumental music program as the finest and most extensive in the country.
“The program was introduced in our schools over three decades ago and now boasts more than 400 instrumental music instructors teaching in excess of 50,000 students in almost 800 state schools across Queensland.”
Mr Welford said the Queensland Studies Authority’s curriculum for Queensland schools included Essential Learnings and Standards for all Key Learning Areas, including five arts strands—music, media, dance, drama and visual arts.
“These five strands are mandatory in Years 1 to 7 and at least one strand must be continued through to Year 10,” he said.
“There’s a music syllabus for Years 11 and 12 and a Year 12 music extension syllabus with other courses linking to industry and the VET sector.”
Mr Welford said the Queensland students also showcase their talents through various programs and events including the MOST Gala Concert, the Fanfare Festival for Bands and Orchestras and Creative Generation – State Schools on Stage.
“With the concentration on art in education, it’s no wonder Queensland has developed an enviable reputation both nationally and internationally for our innovative and dynamic arts scene and its outstanding talent,” he said.
“I encourage all students to express their creativity by getting involved in the arts.”
We All Play a Part is a joint initiative of the Australian Major Performing Arts Group (AMPAG), Live Performance Australia (LPA) and the Media and Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA). Also partnering with the campaign is the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association and the Australian Network for Art and Technology. This is first time such a broad coalition of arts representative bodies have joined forces for an advocacy campaign.
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000