§ Mr. Norman HoggTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to improve the use of English and communication skills among those persons aged 12 to 16 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 1 March 1993]: A number of measures already in place are aimed at the improvement of the use of English and communication skills. The national guidelines "English Language 5–14" are designed to ensure that between these ages pupils learn to communicate effectively in written and spoken forms and that due attention is given to grammar and spelling.
We have also recently published the report "Effective Learning and Teaching in Scottish Secondary Schools: English" as part of a series which describes good practice in a range of secondary school subjects.
Improving standards of attainment, including attainment in English, will also be central to our consideration of the way forward in relation to the Howie committee's proposals for the development of upper secondary education.