Petitioning for change
- L
- Nov 1, 2024
- 1 min read
Applying a pluralist approach to the new NSW Music syllabus is nigh on impossible.
The previous Music 1 syllabus had 14 topics/areas of study. The new syllabus has but three. One is western art music (WAM), another is contemporary popular styles and finally music of global cultures and traditions.
Perhaps in an attempt to eschew the previous WAM focus, there is more of an equal footing for contemporary music.
All Music 1 students must perform some music and take written exams. Compositions are gone, creativity is no longer required/allowed. Gone is the Viva Voce option, limiting students' means of expressing their understanding. Is the idea of assessing creativity too subjective a task to be fair, even with a variety of markers?
Also what on earth is 'an adapted piece of global tradition'?
Intercultural approaches in arts and education are well researched and evidenced, the syllabus could employ some of these. The language is somewhat confusing and makes me worry about appropriation.
I'm also curious about the purpose of lengthening the written exam in Music. It now appears to be the same length as other subject areas' exams, but why?
NESA's lack of transparency about why they have changed the syllabus baffles me.
Looking for tips to avoid bias in your assessments? Check out this infographic I made with the fantastic Yuxiang Zhai.
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