HC Deb 05 July 1983 vol 45 cc137-8
1. Mr. Lyell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made towards the establishment of a new curriculum development body; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Bob Dunn)

The new school curriculum development body is being discussed with the local authority associations with a view to its establishment this autumn.

Mr. Lyell

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Does he look forward to the new body coming into force, and does he agree that it should seek to achieve a broadly based curriculum which combines scholarship with practical modern education so that the pupils who enjoy it will be capable of playing a constructive part in industry and commerce when they leave school?

Mr. Dunn

I agree with my hon. and learned Friend. The new school curriculum development body will do a much more precise job than the schools council could do. and we expect much progress and advance in school curricula.

Mr. Spearing

Leaving aside such controversial matters as the place of the Department of Education and Science in the curriculum, can the Minister say to what extent the new body will, or will not, liaise with GCE and CSE examination bodies on the syllabuses which they may be preparing or changing?

Mr. Dunn

That is a matter that we can discuss with the local authority associations before the autumn.

Mr. Robert Atkins

I congratulate my hon. Friend on his maiden appearance at the Dispatch Box. Does he share my regret that it has been reported in recent editions of newspapers that Latin is no longer a compulsory subject within the curriculum, hearing in mind how much it contributes to an understanding of English and other languages, and that science is becoming mandatory in its place? Does he agree that it is necessary to advise most schools that when they consider their curricula they should ensure that Latin continues to play as large a part as it did in the past?

Mr. Dunn

As a product of the state system, I sympathise with my hon. Friend's view. I am sure that it will be noted.

Mr. Flannery

Does the Minister agree that if a bias towards industry is intensively introduced at an early stage there is a great danger that a broad and general education will suffer? Does he accept that this danger faces the new school curriculum development body and that it is a danger that might arise through the involvement of the Manpower Services Commission? Surely one of the features of the present system that we cherish most is a good and broad general education as a basis on which to build, and hence the avoidance of specialisation at too early a stage.

Mr. Dunn

I think that the hon. Gentleman referring to matters beyond the scope of the new body. I note what he has said and will ensure that it is considered in due course.