Does your school use an overhead projector instead of hymn books during assembly? Does your school use recordings of television and radio programmes in the classroom? Is music played in dance or aerobic classes? Does your limited budget mean you cannot afford to buy enough books or music for your pupils and you tend to rely on photocopies instead? Do you ever hold discos on your school premises? Do you ever put on plays, musicals or concerts? These are just some of the normal school activities which depend on the use of literature, music and art in their many manifestations. Many of these works are protected by copyright (one type of intellectual property) and those who created them are dependent upon being paid for the use of their works for their livelihood. It is therefore essential that your school has the licences it needs to make this possible. You will be aware that each school is responsible for ensuring that all necessary copyright licences have been obtained to cover its activities. The purpose of this leaflet is to help you and your colleagues identify some of the main activities which need to be licensed and to direct you to the appropriate organisation for further advice and guidance. Creative works are central to the national curriculum as subjects in their own right. Literature, music and art (collectively called Intellectual Property, where copyright applies) lie at the heart of the UK’s creative industries. These industries make an important and ever-growing contribution to the economy of our country. 1 in 20 of the workforce currently earns their living from the creative industries and a framework supported by legislation (notably the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988) has enabled most of these industries to develop over the years. Their continuing health and the future livelihoods of many of your pupils/students depend upon the recognition of the value of copyright works by making proper payment for their use. © 2006