Flanders plans to strengthen cultural education in schools
The Flemish government is launching a new approach to strengthen cooperation between the education and cultural sectors, aiming to ensure that all pupils come into contact with art and culture during their school years.
The initiative includes the introduction of new roles and a quality framework for cultural education, the Flemish minister of Culture, Caroline Gennez, and Education, Zuhal Demir announced on Monday.
The planned quality framework will expand and deepen existing learning objectives related to art and culture in both primary and secondary education. It will be developed by a group of experts in consultation with stakeholders from both sectors.
New roles
As part of the initiative, two new profiles will be introduced in the coming years: cultural educators and cultural specialists. Drawing on their expertise, they will support schools and cultural organisations and help develop concrete learning pathways for children and young people.
For the first time, dedicated funding will also be made available for the development of educational materials linked to performances and exhibitions. The aim is to enable schools and cultural organisations to work within a shared framework, using common concepts and language.
"Every student will have the opportunity to come into contact with art and culture"
The existing Cultuurkuur platform will be further developed into a digital hub for cultural education. Teachers will be able to access inspiration, teaching materials and the educational offerings of cultural organisations in one place.
The expert group is set to begin work this year, with the new approach to be introduced from the next school year and rolled out in stages. An additional 4.8 million euros will be invested by 2029.
“Once rolled out, every student will have the opportunity to come into contact with art and culture," the ministers said. "It will become a natural part of their time at school. The quality of lessons on culture will improve. And the cultural sector will be a full-fledged partner in the development of teaching materials and activities."
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO ANDREAS STROH / ZUMA PRESS WIRE
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