HL Deb 12 July 1988 vol 499 cc712-3

3.9 p.m.

Lady Saltoun of Abernethy asked Her Majesty's Government:

When, in the light of their acceptance of the Higginson proposals for the principles which should govern A-levels, they expect SEC (Secondary Examinations Council) or its successor to consider these proposals.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Education and Science (Baroness Hooper)

My Lords, it will he for the School Examinations and Assessment Council to consider how to reflect the general principles of the Higginson report in their ongoing work of approving and scrutinising A-level syllabuses and to provide advice on these and other matters in due course. The Government have made clear in setting early priorities for the SEAC, which is currently set up as a shadow body, that they consider the education service has a sufficiently substantial agenda for reform without contemplating the review and streamlining of all A-level syllabuses.

Lady Saltoun of Abernethy

My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for that reply. To what extent did the Government seek the views of industry and commerce before reaching their decision to reject or postpone the main recommendations of the Higginson report? Do they have any plans to reduce the present number of A-level syllabuses, which is in excess of 400?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, the Government have accepted the main thrust of the Higginson report, which is to broaden the sixth-form curriculum. That is why we introduced AS-levels. Where we disagree is on Higginson's proposal for achieving breadth by streamlining A-level syllabuses, reducing the time spent on them and as a result reducing their factual content. At present the existing A-level syllabuses are the subject of an ongoing system of review.

Lord Peston

My Lords, apart from rejecting that key aspect of the Higginson report, do the Government intend to make a reasoned statement explaining why AS-levels do the job whereas almost everyone in education concerned with broadening the curriculum for young adults believes that the Higginson proposals arc the correct way to do that?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, I have no doubt that if we had accepted all the Higginson proposals I should now be answering a question about why we had introduced yet another reform at this stage. We believe that with the introduction of the broad and balanced national curriculum up to school leaving age; with the introduction of the new GCSE school leaving examinations; and with the introduction of AS levels this year. which means that pupils will be sitting the examination for the first time only next year. there is enough on the agenda.