§ 4. Mr. Richard Pageasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why the CEE examination has been rejected in favour of a proposed 17-plus examination; and how this new examination will differ from the experimental CEE.
§ Dr. BoysonThe Government consider that a prevocational examination, designed to assess performance over the whole of a course planned broadly along the lines proposed in the report entitled "A Basis for Choice", will better serve the young people concerned than a single subject examination along CEE lines.
§ Mr. PageI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. I welcome anything that will encourage the development of more practical skills within our society. I think that these days we tend to get a little too theory-oriented. Has my hon. Friend made up his mind about which board will administer this examination? Will it be the GEC or the CEE board, or, in view of its more practical experience in dealing with these matters, City and Guilds?
§ Dr. BoysonOur preliminary view, set out in the consultative document, is that one of the further education examining boards should take the lead. Suitable arrangements will need to be made to involve other examining and validating bodies as well as the Schools Council, the Standing Conference of the CSE Boards and the Further Education Unit.
§ Mr. AshleyIn his discussions on this examination, will the Minister take particular note of the views of teachers in sixth form colleges in areas of high unemployment, who fear that the certificate of extended 842 education gives far wider possibilities and is far more helpful than would the restrictive examination that is proposed?
§ Dr. BoysonWe shall undoubtedly take note of all views that come to us. One factor that is involved is the tendency of education opinion to move back, I think rightly, to the idea of a balanced curriculum instead of single subject examinations. It is important that whatever examination we introduce has national currency as a passport that is understood throughout the country.