§ 3. Mr. Mossasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education what courses leading to certificates have been introduced into secondary modern schools, and what courses which have a precise objective.
§ Sir E. BoyleI regret that I have not the information, except that which I have just given the hon. Member, to enable me to answer this Question. But last year more than 28,000 pupils stayed on at secondary modern schools beyond the age of 15 to take extended courses in a wide variety of subjects.
§ Mr. MossIs the Minister aware that the G.C.E. is only one aspect of making a secondary modern school effective, and that it is my experience that if a precise objective can be given to the secondary modern schools more and more of their pupils will take an increasing interest in education in them?
§ Sir E. BoyleI know the hon. Member's interest in this matter. My noble Friend is at present considering the whole question of secondary school examinations in the light of the comments he has received on Circular No. 289 issued by his predecessor in 1955.