HC Deb 27 June 1968 vol 767 cc795-6
16. Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what analysis he has made of the value of the third year in colleges of education; and what reforms he proposes to introduce.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Initial teacher training is under continuous review in the colleges, the area training organisations, my Department and Her Majesty's Inspectorate, and the students themselves are playing an increasing part.

I believe the value of the third year is generally appreciated.

Mr. Silvester

I appreciate that the Ministry will keep a close watch on this year by year. Is not there a case for examining it over the years since it started, to see what success it has had and whether it is satisfactory or whether those resources could be diverted elsewhere to better educational effect?

Mrs. Williams

The hon. Gentleman must recognise that the third year has added considerably to the quality of teacher training which many of us regard as a very high educational priority. If the hon. Gentleman wants a general inquiry into teacher training, there is a Question on the Order Paper which puts that specific point and which will be answered by my right hon. Friend. If he is concerned about a review of the third year as part of the existing course, I would refer him back to my original Answer. There is a continuous review of the course.

Mr. Montgomery

Is the Minister satisfied that sufficient time is being spent in colleges of education on teaching practice, which is of enormous value to their students?

Mrs. Williams

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is aware of some of the problems of fitting more teaching practice into schools already absorbing almost as much as they can manage. We would favour more block practice and more experiment with longer periods of practice rather than practice broken up into very short periods.