Music, drama, dance to be added to primary education: Bobby Hajjaj

The government has taken an initiative to include music, drama, dance, and fine arts and crafts in the primary school curriculum, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said today (10 June).

A textbook titled "Art and Culture" will be introduced for fourth-graders in 2027, Bobby said at a views-exchange meeting organised by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education today, attended by teachers from the music, dance, drama and fine arts departments of different universities, along with relevant experts.

The subjects will then be fully incorporated into primary education under the new curriculum in 2028, he added.

The state minister said, "In line with the government's education philosophy, students will be developed in a way that enables them to grow as global citizens while also acquiring the necessary skills for their future careers."

He said arts, culture and sports-based education will play an important role in the overall development of students.

Bobby further said the expansion of music, dance and sports-based education in primary schools will create a need for a large number of specialised teachers and trainers.

This will open up new employment opportunities for young people educated in music, dance, fine arts, drama and sports, he said.

He hoped that around 50,000 to 60,000 new jobs can be created in the sector over the next five years.

Seeking cooperation from universities, the state minister said the government is working to create opportunities for students of relevant departments to join primary schools as teachers.

Discussions are also underway on incorporating teaching-related preparation and training into university curricula, he added.

According to ministry sources, the textbook to be introduced in 2027 will include four chapters on fine arts and crafts, music, dance and drama.

The government plans to make these subjects a full-fledged part of primary education through the new curriculum in 2028.