Arts Education in Schools

Ms Janice Koh asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry will consider (i) making arts education an essential module at the National Institute of Education; and (ii) extending programmes that relate to pedagogy to arts practitioners so as to better equip both teachers and artists to work in greater partnership in schools.

Mr Heng Swee Keat: The Ministry of Education is increasing the number of arts teachers by 600, to 1,900 by 2020. Having more teachers who have both the content knowledge and pedagogical skills will enhance the quality of arts education in schools. For pre-service training, we do not require all teachers to undertake an arts education module owing to a tight curriculum. However, non-art teachers wishing to pick up art studies could take enrichment modules provided by the Singapore Teachers' Academy for the aRts (STAR) as part of their in-service training.

With regard to equipping arts practitioners with pedagogical skills, the National Institute of Education and the National Arts Council have jointly mounted a Specialist Diploma in Arts Education Programme in 2012 for arts instructors who are interested in working with school children.

Ms Koh may be pleased to know that MOE has been working with arts practitioners in the teaching of art and music in the primary school, under the Art & Music Instructors Scheme (AMIS). Participating Arts practitioners attend workshops conducted by MOE to increase their awareness of the curriculum and appropriate pedagogy for young children.

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