HC Deb 13 July 1961 vol 644 cc555-6
7. Mr. Fitch

asked the Minister of Education why the Secondary School Examinations Council is not prepared to approve an examination in the General Certificate of Education in Engineering Workshop Theory and Practice at A level, for which there is a specific demand in technical high schools, whilst the Council has already approved an examination in advanced metalwork.

Sir D. Eccles

The Council lays down certain criteria about the scope and content of secondary school studies than can appropriately be examined in the G.C.E. examinations. The syllabuses so far submitted in engineering workshop theory and practice at Advanced level have not satisfied these criteria.

Mr. Fitch

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the present position is illogical? Will he direct the Secondary School Examinations Council to look at this whole matter again? Would he also ascertain the views of the headmasters of the higher technical schools?

Sir D. Eccles

I cannot see how the position can be described as illogical. It is clear that an examination which puts too much emphasis on craft skills and too little on the educational content will not do far.the A-level G.C.E.

Mr. Fitch

Surely it is illogical to include advanced metalwork and not to include engineering theory?

Sir D. Eccles

We should like an examination in this subject but the syllabus must match up to the require-menu of the A-level G.C.E.

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