HC Deb 18 July 1989 vol 157 cc120-1W
Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what initiatives his Department has taken to increase the level of participation in school sports; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Education and Science and for the Environment commissioned jointly a report by the Sports Council to examine the provision of sport for young people, including school sport. This was published in August 1988 and the Government's response to the report's recommendations will be issued shortly. In addition, PE, which includes sport, is a foundation subject in the national curriculum. It will therefore form part of the curriculum for every pupil aged five to 16 in a maintained school.

Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the number of unfilled physical education posts in schools as a percentage of the total number of physical education posts.

Mrs. Rumbold

In January 1989 the number of vacancies for full-time permanent teachers of physical education in maintained secondary schools in England represented 1.2 per cent. of physical education teachers in post. Many of these vacancies will have been filled on a temporary basis pending a permanent appointment.

Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to establish a physical education working party for the national curriculum; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

My right hon. Friend announced in January 1989 that arrangements for considering the content of guidelines for physical education in the national curriculum would be set up in June 1990. It is hoped to bring the guidelines into effect from the autumn term 1992.

Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether his Department is now able to provide figures for those taking a GCSE in physical education.

Mrs. Rumbold

In the summer session of 1988, there were 19,000 candidates in England for the GCSE examination in physical education.