§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what efforts are currently undertaken to ensure a progression in content between technology courses in the national curriculum and similar courses in higher education.
§ Mr. FormanNational curriculum technology provides knowledge, skills and understanding which offer a general basis for further study or employment. Post-16 the Government are committed to securing a range of high quality study options leading to well regarded qualifications and further progression, including to higher education. It expects vocational qualifications and A level and AS examinations to build on national curriculum technology. National vocational qualifications (NVQs) are now becoming available in most areas of employment, including those which build on a good basis in technology. The introduction from this year of general NVQs will strengthen still further the vocational route to higher education in technology and related subjects such as engineering and design.