VOTE: Teachers round on culture plan
8:53am Thursday 14th February 2008 in News By Staff Reporter
SCHOOLS have condemned the Government's plans to give all children five hours of art, music and drama every week.
Teachers' unions said there were "not enough hours in the day" to spend so much time visiting galleries and theatres or giving children musical instrument lessons.
But ministers insisted that creativity should be a central part of the work of schools and announced a £135 million drive to boost the arts in education.
Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, backed the Government's aims, but said: "None of this is going to happen in an already overcrowded timetable where the emphasis is on test results and school league tables"
Michael Spinney, chairman of the Independent Association of Prep Schools, said: "To aim for five hours a week of high culture in the primary and secondary curriculum is laudable but bonkers."
Ministers are concerned that children from poorer families miss out on top art exhibitions, concerts or theatre productions because their parents cannot afford tickets.
Pilot projects costing £25 million to develop the artistic talents of youngsters in 10 areas of England have been announced by the Government. And £110 million will go to future funding of the Creative Partnerships scheme, in which artists and actors spend time working with children in schools.
Culture Secretary Andy Burnham, MP for Leigh, launched the "Find Your Talent" plan at the Young Vic Theatre in south London.
He said: "This is where all my energy and all my passion is going to be directed.
"Even if young people don't develop a talent they go on with, it gives them life skills, communication skills and presentation skills that will stand them in great stead."
