HC Deb 05 February 1980 vol 978 cc223-4
8. Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made in implementing a core curriculum.

13. Mr. Thornton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations he proposes to have over the recent paper from his Department "A Framework for the School Curriculum"; and when he expects his proposals over the school curriculum to be implemented.

Mr. Mark Carlisle

The consultative paper "A Framework for the School Curriculum" was issued by the education departments in January. Consultations with the local authority associations, the teachers unions, the Schools Council and other major interests will be held soon. Our intention is to publish in due course a further document revised in the light of these consultations.

Mr. Barnett

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree with the remarks of his Minister of State last month that the possibility of implementing a core curriculum is seriously threatened by the shortage of teachers of mathematics, science and modern languages? What provision does he propose to make to train and retrain teachers to obviate that shortage in primary and secondary schools?

Mr. Carlisle

I am concerned about the shortage of teachers of mathematics and science, because this affects the speed at which we can implement the core curriculum that we should like to see. We have specifically asked teacher training institutions to give priority to shortage subjects. I think that at our previous Question Time I announced that we were continuing for a further year the scheme for retraining teachers in the shortage subjects. I accept that that provision is not for a large number, but it is a move in the right direction.

Mr. Thornton

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that there is widespread parental concern about the need for greater emphasis on basic subjects, particularly in primary schools? Will he accept that early moves towards the establishment of a core curriculum will be widely welcomed?

Mr. Carlisle

I realise that there is widespread concern, and I am pleased with the general support for our document. We do not wish to dictate in every detail what should be taught in schools, but we want to achieve a more general national acceptance of where the emphasis should lie.

Mr. William Shelton

Will my right hon. and learned Friend confirm that he is proposing to use persuasion rather than legislation to achieve that excellent objective?

Mr. Carlisle

Certainly. As I made clear in my main answer, our desire is to have discussions with local education authorities and teachers unions and reach general agreement on the basic framework for curricula for schools throughout the country. I hope that we can achieve that in a spirit of co-operation.