HC Deb 21 March 1995 vol 257 c135
9. Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of GCSE and A-level courses can currently be undertaken on a modular basis; and if she will make a statement. [13250]

Mr. Boswell

This information is not collected by the Department. We understand from the Schools Curriculum and Assessment Authority that 8 per cent. of national curriculum GCSE and 5 per cent. of GCE A and AS approved courses are modular.

Mr. Greenway

Does my hon. Friend agree that there are many roads to heaven, and that provided—

Mr. Skinner

I go where angels fear to tread.

Mr. Greenway

Do not forget it!

Does my hon. Friend agree that, provided that standards are high, modular courses at GCSE and A-level are as valid as A-levels where standards are equal? Does he accept that some pupils perform better on a modular-based course than on a course leading to an examination on a one-day basis?

Mr. Boswell

I can readily agree with my hon. Friend that there are many ways to heaven and, further, that many pupils may benefit—at least, teachers tell me so—from the adoption of modular courses. The essential matter is that there should be some safeguard against accidentally straying on to the primrose path; that is provided by the SCAA code of practice and guidelines, which bear equally on modular and non-modular A-level courses.

Mr. Bryan Davies

Is the Minister aware that his former permanent secretary will make the case on television this evening that the present A-level structure is too narrowly conceived and offers limited opportunity to more than half our children? Why is it that, when the Confederation of British Industry, the National Commission on Education and the teacher unions and associations demand reform of the post-16 examination position—when there is that consensus in arguing for reform of the A-level system—the Government alone resist?

Mr. Boswell

The Government are determined to maintain standards and excellence. Sir Geoffrey Holland was a most distinguished public servant. He is a highly distinguished vice-chancellor, with whom I have always enjoyed excellent personal relations and whose opinions I shall consider with the greatest attention and interest.