§ Sir Richard BodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what factors determined the decision on whether to distribute material to schools on(a) the United Kingdom Presidency of the European Union,(b) the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting at Edinburgh, (c) the UK Chairmanship of G8 and (d) the UK chairmanship of other institutions. [33015]
§ Dr. HowellsThe decision to mark the UK Presidency of the EU by sending schools a resource pack was largely influenced by a demand from teachers for more sharing of examples of ways in which European awareness can enrich the curriculum and contribute to raising standards.
Because 1997 was designated "The Year of the Commonwealth" by Commonwealth organisations, the Department, in conjunction with the Joint Commonwealth Societies' Council, sent schools a teaching pack "Our Modern Commonwealth" which included information on the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.