§ 24. Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the Schools Council and Dainton proposals for the future of the sixth-form curriculum.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsI hope that much will come of a recommendation in the Report of the recent Dainton inquiry that more boys and girls should be encouraged to study for careers in science and technology. My right hon. Friend is now awaiting the views of a number of bodies including the Schools Council, whose views are expected in June. They will take account of the relevant recommendations in the Report when discussing with the universities and other bodies possible patterns of sixth-form curricula and examinations.
§ Mr. PriceI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Is there not now some urgency about this matter, since the Schools Council and Dainton recommendations are reconcilable and since there is a great desire in the schools to reform their sixth form curricula, yet there is not certainty about the direction in which they should move forward?
§ Mrs. WilliamsI recognise the need for more speed in view of the uncertainty that exists in schools. My hon. Friend will recognise that a major change in the whole structure of education is being proposed here, with the suggestion that specialisation in secondary schools at an early age should be abandoned. I assure him that the Schools Council will be bearing in mind the Dainton recommendations in making its suggestions in June.
§ Mr. RidsdaleIf we wish to encourage science in sixth forms what are we doing to encourage science teachers? Is the hon. Lady aware of the grave shortage of science teachers? Would she consider getting some secondment from industry?
§ Mrs. WilliamsWe are aware of this and the hon. Gentleman may like to know that the first three courses for science teachers returning for refresher in-service courses in universities are being started as an experiment this summer. We hope to widen the experiment later.