The Music Resource Centre (MRC) organises a significant number of enrichment programs to enhance and extend school music programs. These programs include excellence cluster programs for Instrumental Music (IM) students, Singfest, Fanfare regional festivals, the Choral Honours program, Instrumental Music Online (IM Online) program, double reed, double bass and french horn extension programs and student workshops. These are managed by the Head of Curriculum for enrichment programs.
Instrumental Music program
The IM program is organised in clusters with secondary schools linking with their feeder primary schools. Primary and secondary schools work together so that there is continuity for students as they move from primary to secondary school. All schools in Metropolitan region have access to the
IM program either through teachers at the school, through cluster programs or through our e-learning program
IMO program.
In the Metropolitan region, 186 teachers work with 20,000 students in the IM program. Students learn band and orchestral instruments in small groups and participate in larger ensembles, such as concert bands, orchestras, string orchestras and stage bands. Students have 2 lessons per week, 1 in a small group and 1 in an ensemble.
IM teaching time is allocated to schools according to the IM policy and the staffing model within the regional allocation. Teachers are allocated to teach groups averaging 5.6 students. Circuits are negotiated at cluster meetings of principals in November.
IM teachers are employed by the Department of Education and work in clusters of primary and secondary schools.
Activities and programs