§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what estimate he has made of change in the proportion of A-level history students choosing to study(a) pre-1066 and (b) medieval English history in the last 20 years; [91555]
(2) what recent research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the teaching of (i) pre-1066, (ii) medieval and (iii) post-1485 English history; [91556]
(3) what plans he has to ensure that A-level history students have the opportunity to study pre-1066 English history; [91557]
(4) what representations he has received concerning the place of pre-1066 English history in the A-level history syllabus; [91558]
(5) what representations he has made to A-level examination boards concerning the A-level history syllabus. [91559]
540W
§ Mr. MudieInformation about the proportion of A-level history students choosing to study pre-1066 and medieval English history is not collected centrally. The Department has commissioned no recent research into the teaching of English history. To date we have received one representation on the availability of pre-1066 English history at A-level, as well as early day motion 829 tabled on 15 July. In the light of the concerns expressed, we have asked the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, which is responsible for regulating and approving all A-level specifications offered by the awarding bodies in England, to investigate this matter urgently.