The Education and Training Committee is a Joint Investigatory Committee of the Parliament of Victoria.

The Committee was established under the Parliamentary Committees Act 2003 and its members have been drawn from both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. In the 57th Parliament of Victoria, its members were appointed in the sitting week commencing Tuesday 8 February 2011.

For further details, contact the Committee Secretariat.

 

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Media Release - Music Education Inquiry

The Committee has issued a Media Release in relation to its Music Education Inquiry Mildura hearings 258.11 Kb

Committee to consider whether school music education is hitting the right note in Mildura

29 April 2013

The Victorian Parliament’s Education and Training Committee is visiting Mildura as part of its Inquiry into music education in Victorian schools. The Committee will speak with local schools, students, music teachers and community groups to learn more about the state of music education in the region.

“The Committee is aware that there are some excellent music programs operating in schools in the Mildura region. However, we have also heard that many schools in rural and regional Victoria struggle to provide strong music programs,” said the Committee’s Chair and member for Caulfield, Mr David Southwick MP.

The Committee has heard that a range of factors can impact on the ability of rural and regional schools to offer a quality music education. These factors include access to specialist music teachers, the level of musical skill and confidence of classroom teachers and the available time in the curriculum.

“The Committee believes that all Victorian students should have access to music education as part of their education,” said Mr Southwick. “Not only do they gain enjoyment and reward from making and listening to music, but research also shows that learning music can lead to improved academic and social outcomes for children and young people.”

The Committee hopes to learn more about what music education approaches work well in rural and regional communities, and seek views on what can be done to improve the delivery of music education.

The Committee invites all interested members of the public to attend the public hearings at MADEC, 126-130 Deakin Avenue, Mildura. The hearings will take place at:

· 10.45 am to 4.15 pm on Wednesday 1 May 2013

· 9.15 am to 12.45 pm on Thursday 2 May 2013.

The Committee will also visit Red Cliffs Secondary College to see the school’s music program in action and speak with staff, students and parents.

To view the public hearing timetable and the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry visit www.parliament.vic.gov.au.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Media comment: Committee Chair, Mr David Southwick MP, (03) 9527 3866
Background: Committee Executive Officer, Ms Kerryn Riseley, (03) 8682 2823

Government Response received

The Government has responded to recommendations in the Committee's Report on the Inquiry into the Education of Gifted and Talented Students.

Media Release - Music Education Inquiry

The Committee has issued a  Media Release in relation to its Music Education Inquiry (PDF, 94.75 Kb).

Committee to consider whether school music education is hitting the right note

3 December 2012

The Victorian Parliament’s Education and Training is orchestrating an inquiry into music education in Victorian schools. The Committee has called for submissions to the inquiry which will consider the extent, benefits and potential of music education.
“We all recognise that music plays a crucial role in the development of children and young people,” said the Committee’s Chair, Mr David Southwick MP. “Not only do they gain enjoyment and reward from making and listening to music, but research also shows that learning music can lead to improved academic and social outcomes for children and young people.”
The Committee is interested to hear about how well music education is being delivered at the primary and high school level in Victoria.
“Music education operates on a school-by-school basis and we want to hear about what school music education programs are hitting the right note and also what gaps exist in the current provision,” Mr Southwick stated.
The Committee will also consider the current funding and governance arrangement in place for music education in Victorian government schools.
“The Committee will examine whether we have the right balance between government funding and parent contributions for music education,” said Mr Southwick.
“We know that many of the world’s top performing academic countries have strong music programs,” stated Mr Southwick. “The Committee wants to ensure that Victoria doesn’t lag behind these countries in realising the benefits and potential of music education for our children and young people.”
Mr Southwick urged all interested individuals and organisations to make some noise and lodge a submission to the Inquiry.
The closing date for submissions is 15 February 2013.
The Inquiry’s terms of reference and information about how to make a submission to the Committee are available on the Committee’s website at www.parliament.vic.gov.au/etc.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Media comment: Committee Chair, Mr David Southwick MP (03) 9527 3866/0408 375 442
Background: Committee Executive Officer, Ms Kerryn Riseley (03) 8682 2823

Latest Inquiries
Inquiry into the Extent, Benefits and Potential of Music Education in Victorian Schools