§ Baroness Blatchasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the syllabuses for all new GCSEs which are to be introduced in September 2002 are with the schools now; and whether the schools have the necessary training, equipment and materials available for teaching the newly introduced subjects. [HL3827]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has accredited 27 out of the 28 awarding bodies' specifications and associated specimen papers. The final one will be accredited soon. These are available now via the awarding bodies' websites.
On training and support, the department has funded an extensive programme for schools and colleges to support the expansion of vocational opportunities at key stage 4, including the introduction of the new GCSEs. In addition, the awarding bodies have run training and support events of their own. Besides this, the department will be making available funding of £38 million in 2002–04 to support a programme aimed at increasing vocational and work-related learning opportunities. This will cover support for the roll-out of the new GCSEs at key stage 4, including the provision of equipment and materials.