§ 22. Mr. Livseyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will give a progress report on the proposed introduction of the GCSE examination system.
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§ 24. Mr. Sternasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with progress towards the introduction of GCSE examinations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenOur plans for the introduction of the GCSE are at present on course. The GCSE examining groups and the LEAs are well advanced in their preparations for the national programme of in-service training. In readiness for these training seminars, teachers' guides and videos will be made available to schools and colleges early in January next year. Teachers are already in a position separately to begin their own preparations for the new examination courses.
§ 31. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if the proposed new examination for 16-year-olds is at a satisfactory stage of development; and if schools will be adequately funded to allow the relevant courses to be pursued.
§ Mr. Chris PattenPreparations for the introduction of the GCSE, including the development of syllabuses for the new examinations are on course. The Government's expenditure plans for 1986–87 give some scope for authorities to redeploy their resources towards policies to which they wish to give priority, including the GCSE, provided they contain costs and take advantage of opportunities for efficiency savings.