I can almost see the finish line .....these past weeks have been a whirlwind of meeting deadlines while trying to beat loadshedding! Loadshedding has become a term that I loathe...it complicates all my plans. This semester has proven to be one of the most challenging yet. I have been tempted to quit on so many days but I am glad that I pushed through and will be able to look back soon and say that it wasn't easy but it was worth it

What could the possible reasons be that assessment is neglected in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase? 

A very crucial reason why assessments in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase is neglected is because teachers don’t understand how it could transform their schools. Most schools give academics like literacy and numeracy priority and tend to neglect Performing arts and music. They don’t consider the impact it could have on students and how it can improve listening skills, focusing, learning and  team work.

Assessments in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase continue to be poorly understood and imperfectly tracked as Schools, teachers and music leaders are often unclear on how to consider retention and progression; with a range of flawed measures, inappropriate assessment strategies and unhelpful targets being deployed. Challenges in assessment are connected to questions of pedagogy, teacher experience, and understanding of pupils’ wider music lives as well to the structure of the National Curriculum. There is often a lack of effective connection between music within the classroom and music beyond the classroom. This means that young peoples’ engagement and progression are not always fully recognised, nor well-supported.

Please explain how you would advocate for and heighten awareness about the importance of assessment when speaking with your HOD about your concerns in this regard.

I would stress on the importance of assessments to the HoD by proving to him that Assessment is a crucial part of learning because it helps students learn. When students are able to see how they are doing in a class, they are able to determine whether or not they understand the work that they are being taught. Assessment can also help motivate students. If students know they are doing poorly, they may begin to work harder. By partaking in assessments, the students are also able to focus on their strengths and weaknesses in order to perform better in the particular subject. Assessments need to be conducted frequently with feedback to the students. Assessment is also  an effective way for communication between the teacher and the learner. It is a way for the student to communicate their learning to their teacher and for the teacher to communicate back to the student a commentary on their learning.  it provides students with structure and motivation to better themselves, while ensuring resilience in competition and disappointment. It is crucial  so students can be taught an appropriate level.