Music Education in School

Music is a compulsory subject from nursery to middle school. Music is not taught at high schools due to pressure on curriculum time to prepare learners for university entry examinations. Whilst music is compulsory, the availability of music teachers or the teacher’s knowledge and confidence to teach music is a factor in the success, or not, of delivery.

In nursery schools the class teacher is fully responsible for teaching music, which is part of aesthetic education including music, art and drama. In the vast majority of primary schools music is taught by music specialists. In all secondary schools, learners are taught music only by music specialists.

In primary schools, music is taught two lessons per week for 45 minutes. In secondary schools, music is taught one lesson per week for 45 minutes.