§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to publish orders to introduce geography and history in the national curriculum.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have published today documents setting out attainment targets and programmes of study for geography and history in the national curriculum and have laid orders which will bring these documents into effect from the beginning of the next school year for pupils starting key stages 1, 2 and 3 (those aged five, seven and 11 in September).
The publication of these curriculum documents will ensure that pupils follow sensible and comprehensive courses of study in history and geography. The introduction of national curriculum requirements for these subjects will lead to high academic standards and worthwhile levels of achievement by pupils.
The documents which I am publishing today do not include a reduced course in geography for pupils at key stage 4 who are not taking a course leading to GCSE. I intend to publish shortly for consultation a further draft order concerning the reduced course.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales is making separate orders to introduce geography and history arrangements in Welsh schools.