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.