Cláir do Scoileanna
In our new Comhaltas Prospectus 2030, we’re introducing three traditional Irish arts packages tailored for schools. They will focus on Early Learning, Primary, and Post Primary programmes. These programmes will seamlessly integrate with Comhaltas Branch Classes, fostering musical growth through performances, practical examinations, teacher training, and competitions.
Pre-School Programme 2030
This Comhaltas initiative currently being developed, is an innovative programme for toddlers. It will cover weekly activities, introducing children to performing, listening and responding. These strands are the foundation of primary school curriculum. Toddlers have a great base of music education before they enter in primary education. These early musical concepts, are fun and child-centred.
Trad is Fab
Based on a learning pack that includes a DVD, classroom posters, a teacher’s workbook and class worksheets, ‘Trad is Fab’ introduces children to Irish traditional music in a fun and accessible way.
‘Trad is Fab’ has been delivered in primary schools all across Ireland, seeing many participants take up playing an instrument and continuing their education right through to the SCT syllabus.
The Trad is Fab project was focused on the listening and responding strand of the primary school curriculum. This programme currently being developed also provides activities with regards to Performing and Composing. It gradually builds on the experience of our Pre-School Programme by providing the child with opportunities to listen and perform a range of familiar and unfamiliar musical pieces. Also by focusing on a widening range of sound sources and by challenging the child to respond imaginatively draws on their ability to compose.
Primary School Programme 2030
Comhaltas is developing a programme that provides primary schools with the necessary resources to introduce and teach traditional music, song and dance in the classroom. This programme is designed to be used by both teachers with knowledge of the traditions and teachers with no previous experience.
The music curriculum within primary schools in Ireland comprises of three strands:
- Listening and responding
- Performing
- Composing
In Britain, Comhaltas has developed two programmes for Primary level schools, one of which has been delivered by Music Education Hubs in England and the other in Scotland across various local authority areas.
Post-Primary School Programme 2030
Comhaltas is developing a programme that provides post-primary schools with the necessary resources to incorporate the teaching of traditional Irish music, song and dance in the classroom. This programme is designed to be used by both teachers with knowledge of the traditions and teachers with limited experience.
The music curriculum within post-primary schools in Ireland comprises of various strands:
- Junior Cycle Music (including the L1LP and L2LP programmes)
- Transition Music
- Leaving Certificate Applied Music programme
- Leaving Certificate Music
The project will provide teachers with resources and support to incorporate Irish traditional music, song and dancing into their teaching of the learning outcomes.