§ Mr. Roweasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has for broadening the curriculum for A-level students; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Keith JosephMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have today published a consultative paper which proposes the introduction of a new range of examination courses designed primarily for A-level students, to be known as AS (advanced supplementary) levels. Copies of the paper have been placed in the Library.
Our principal objective is to broaden, without diluting academic standards, the curriculum for A-level students. We envisage that all who can manage it should continue to take at least two A-levels. The purpose of the new AS-level courses would be to give students the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding over a wider range of subjects than at present including, wherever possible, one or more subjects which contrast with their main A-level specialisms. AS-levels would be single 102W subject examinations involving a two-year course; they would be as intellectually demanding as A-levels and would cover not less than half the amount of ground covered by the A-level for the subject in question.
We are inviting higher education bodies to confirm their support for the new examination courses and through their admissions arrangements to encourage students to take a broader range of subjects at A or AS-level. We hope that LEAs, colleges and schools will do all they can within available resources to make an AS-level course or courses available to students who wish to take them.
Provided that comments received on the paper indicate the necessary level of support, my right hon. Friend and I propose to invite the GCE boards in co-operation with the Secondary Examinations Council to launch development work on syllabuses before the end of the year. We hope that this work could be completed in time to enable the first AS-level courses to begin in September 1986.