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The marking of students' work is an important part of the assessment of their progress. As such, it is part of the professional duties in teachers’ and lecturers’ contracts and should be carried out frequently. The precise details of how marking should be organised is a matter for the schools to determine, but the general professional principle that should govern these details, is that students should receive such feedback on their work as to enable them to understand what they need to do next to improve.

The Department welcomes media interest in its work as a means of keeping the public informed about its activities and services. It encourages its schools and the University College Isle of Man (UCM) to develop positive relationships with the media and share their successes. For further information contact:

The Minister for Education, Sport and Culture has the power to make prerogative decisions (ministerial prerogative) in cases of unresolved disputes, for example appointments or school admissions.

As part of the core Manx National Curriculum, all children study a modern foreign language at Key Stage 3 in Island secondary schools. The majority of pupils continue to study a modern foreign language in Key Stage 4.

A regular programme of monitoring and evaluating the standards of teaching and learning across Island schools is carried out by the Education Improvement Service. A team of advisers, led by the Director of Education conducts a programme of quality assurance which consists of validated school-based selfreviews and a link advisory process. Where necessary, the DEC may also conduct full external inspections. Summaries of school self-reviews can be requested from schools. Please see the link to the work of the EIS

Peripatetic instrumental tuition is delivered to pupils in the Island's schools through the services of specialist teachers employed by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture's Music Service. Musical instruments can be hired by pupils receiving tuition. Admission to lessons is through recommendation by schools and subsequent assessment by members of the Music Service staff. Further details may be obtained from: