South Korea Middle School Arts Curriculum (Music/Art)

This information is based on the 2015 National Curriculum for the Primary and Secondary Schools, effective as of March 1, 2020 for 3rd Grade Middle School.

Curriculum Overview

The Middle School Arts curriculum encompasses both Music and Art. It is part of the common curriculum for students in grades 1 through 3.

Time Allocation:

The Arts (Music/Art) curriculum is allocated 272 instructional hours over the three years of middle school. One instructional hour is equivalent to 45 minutes. This time may be adjusted based on various factors such as weather, student development, and school circumstances. However, the total instructional hours allocated to Physical Education and the Arts cannot be reduced.

Curriculum Structure:

• Music: The curriculum includes singing, playing instruments, creating and appreciating music, understanding music theory and history.
• Art: The curriculum includes drawing, painting, sculpting, appreciating and criticizing art, understanding art theory and history. It may also incorporate other forms of visual art such as media art.

Implementation:

• Schools have autonomy in deciding the specific schedule and implementation of the curriculum within the allocated time.
• The number of instructional hours in each subject can be adjusted within a 20% range, but the total hours for Arts and Physical Education must not be decreased.
• Schools must offer at least two elective subjects concurrently to ensure student choice.
• The Exam-Free semester encourages participatory learning experiences and self-directed learning, focusing on assessment of the learning process rather than traditional exams. This can include activities related to the Arts.
• Creative Experiential Activities, including School Sports Club Activities, can be linked to the Arts curriculum.