Education Ministry mulls employing specialist Music and Physical Education teachers in Primary Schools

The Ministry of Education (MoE) is exploring the possibility of employing specialist teachers to teach Music and Physical Education in Primary Schools.

During the weekly Education Sector Committee (ESC) meeting today, Administrator (ag) of the Unit of Allied Arts Ms Lorraine Barker-king presented a position paper on the issue.

According to Ms Barker- King the implementation of an expressive Arts programme in schools will contribute to the integration of the curriculum and a balanced education for schools across the country.

Added to that such an approach will provide the opportunity for learners to develop respect for authority, colleagues and skills in critical thinking decision making and conflict resolution, Barker-King quipped.

Further she explained that it is hoped that this approach will reduce the ratio of male to female teachers in Primary Schools which currently stands at 1 to 7. The Administrator noted that specialised teaching has become necessary due to a large amounts of general content that primary school teachers are currently delivering in the classrooms.

Ms barker-King is of the view that the expressive arts are essential to the rounded development of pupils and it is imperative for these (Music and Physical Education) to be taught at a high level throughout the Primary Schools.