Schools ready to spin Kiwi rock

1.00pm


Kiwi music will be rocking into intermediate and secondary schools as part of a package of new arts resources for teachers.

In the next few weeks, schools will receive an educational version of the Give It a Whirl television documentary on New Zealand music, and Sweet! II, which includes a CD, CD-Rom and textbook about New Zealand music.

The package, produced by the Music Commission, features 50 musicians, including Bic Runga, The Muttonbirds, The Clean, Goldenhorse, Anika Moa and The D4.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard said the teaching resources would contribute to the cultural life of schools and their communities.

"We know that quality teaching is the key to better student outcomes, so the more we invest in teacher professional development, the better the results for students."

Education Ministry project director Arthur Baysting said interest in music was sometimes the main reason students stayed at school.

"[They] love it. A lot of our feedback is from rural schools. If you are in Auckland, you can go and see music every weekend. But once you get out of the main centres it's a different story.

"We know this is changing the culture of a lot of schools."

- NZPA