Hello, my fellow bloggers,

 Oh yes! the countdown has begun and I am super excited that amidst all the late nights, load-shedding, scorching weather and the tons of coursework that never seemed to want to end, I am sitting and typing my almost final blog yaaay... (smiles). 

Quote "The Human Spirit is Stronger than Anything That Can Happen to It"  alas that is so true in the midst of all the mayhem I felt that I was not able to cope but here I am counting down, overcome with Zhen, feeling like I'm unstoppable again! In that spirit here's my input on SU5:

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

The reason assessment is neglected in Performing Arts and Music in the foundation phase is based on the fact that the importance of these subjects is not recognised as any traditional subject.  Furthermore, these subjects are more effort-based and therefore the standardise structure that is usually the criteria used for assessing other subjects where outcomes are clear and concise does not necessarily support assessing Performing Arts and Music. Additionally, owing to the lack of focus placed on Performing Arts and Music as a holistic benefit, teachers may have a negative view of these subjects and thus may not find assessments necessary.

Moreover, performing arts and music subjects require equipment that can be costly, thus schools may not see the need to invest fully in these subjects. As a result, teachers may not have the support needed and may lack the experience and knowledge needed to fully facilitate and incorporate arts as a subject that needs to be developed due to its holistic benefits, consequently thus results in these subjects having sub-standard priority and neglected or non-existent assessments.

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

The best way to approach this concern would be to address HOD’s and other strategic stakeholders by facilitating a workshop.  The workshop would provide statistics that would substantiate how these subjects when integrated with other subjects are able to holistically benefit the learners. For this workshop, I will also create fun and engaging activities the HOD and stakeholders could participate in and experience and I will also take this opportunity to model to them how to integrate the Performing Arts and Music in other subjects.  Furthermore, I will introduce the need for assessments and how they could help teachers benefit by using these assessments to support other subjects.

That's me in a nutshell on assessments... 10,9,8,7,6,5, got to go... catch you in the final...