HC Deb 15 March 1988 vol 129 cc535-6W
46. Ms. Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will include, within the objectives of the subject working groups and the task group on assessment and testing, the elimination of sex bias; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

The Government are clear that there is no room for sex bias in the curriculum. The remit letters to the subject working groups on science and mathematics emphasise that the curriculum should provide equal opportunities for boys and girls. In framing its advice the group has been asked specifically to consider the expectations and attitudes of girls. Other subject working groups will be similarly guided. The task group on assessment and testing has recommended ways of dealing with gender bias in the proposed assessment arrangements within the national curriculum.