HL Deb 15 June 1992 vol 538 cc71-3

7.3 p.m.

Viscount Goschen rose to move, That the draft order laid before the House on 28th February be approved [15th Report from the Joint Committee session 1991–92].

The noble Viscount said: My Lords, the draft order before the House would amend Section 3(2) of the Education Reform Act 1988. It would remove art and music from the list of subjects which 14 to 16 year-olds are compelled to study as part of the national curriculum in England and Wales.

The House had the opportunity to discuss arts education last week when the noble Baroness, Lady Birk, led the House in a fascinating debate. On that occasion many points of view were expressed, but there was one area on which all speakers agreed; that is, the importance of arts education and the high standards presently achieved in art, music, dance and drama in our schools. I should like again to stress the Government's recognition of and support for the work of schools in developing pupils' various artistic interests and talents.

We believe that there is a case for additional flexibility at Key Stage 4. This order and the other measures that the Government have taken will permit the right degree of choice for young people post-14. I beg to move.

Moved, That the draft order laid before the House on 28th February be approved [15th Report from the Joint Commit tee session 1991–92]— (Viscount Goschen).

Lord Graham of Edmonton

My Lords, we on this side of the House see no objection to the draft order. It is almost procedural. As the noble Viscount pointed out, the House has already had not only a useful but a helpful debate. All the arguments, queries and questions that could have been raised on this order were dealt with very effectively by my noble friends Lady Birk and Lady David, and the noble Baroness Lady Blatch, as well as other noble Lords. I am sure the Minister will agree that they know a great deal more about this matter than we two who are dealing with it at this time.

Can the Minister say whether any thought has been given to the consequences of what he termed flexibility in respect of the curriculum and 14 year-olds? We understand the need for the easement commitment to remedy the overloading of one age range. However, as my noble friend Lady Birk pointed out in her excellent speech, there is already serious concern about the fact that many authorities, faced with pressure on their budgets, have to examine very carefully whether they are able to sustain teaching and encourage development in a number of fields.

Last Monday my noble friend spoke of the deprivation resulting from the loss of: the collective arrangements formerly made by local authorities for their advisory services; for the provision of instrumental music teaching; for school visits to concerts, theatres, museums and galleries; for the funding of artists and outreach teams".—[Official Report, 8/6/92; col. 1109.] The Minister would render a service if he would assure the House that the Government are aware of those sensitive areas of deprivation, which I am sure he would regret. Perhaps he could also say what thought has been given to how encouragement could be given to schools and parents to continue to undertake what appears from this order to be no longer a statutory obligation but an activity left to the realm of volunteers, charities and the like. Otherwise, on this side of the House we do not object to the order.

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, we have shown again this evening the concern of this House for the arts in education. I entirely agree with the noble Lord that arts education contributes a great deal to various aspects of a pupil's development. I also accept the value of extracurricular activities in the arts. But it must be noted that decisions over the funding provided for such activities rest at local level. I have no doubt that school governors and parents will want to support such activities and will spend the resources at their disposal to enrich the curriculum.

I do not share the concern of the noble Lord, Lord Graham, that the quality of arts education provided in schools will diminish following this order. Schools want to provide worthwhile and challenging activities for their pupils. I have every confidence that they will do so.

At the end of the day it is a question of balance. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State has considered carefully all the options. We believe that there is a case for additional flexibility at Key Stage 4. This order will permit the right degree of choice for young people post-14.

On Question, Motion agreed to.