HC Deb 17 March 1980 vol 981 cc6-7W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of the £9 million he has announced is to be provided for a programme on education in microelectronics at school will be spent on teacher training, curriculum development and other aspects.

Mr. Macfarlane

Priority will be given to curriculum development, the development of material for teacher training courses and arrangements to make more and better software available; but other projects designed to increase the understanding and use of microelectronics will also be considered. The apportionment of the available resources between these fields of activity cannot be determined at this stage.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what in-service and training courses are currently available for teachers on education in microelectronics at school; and what further developments are already planned.

Dr. Boyson

Many initial and in-service training courses for teachers at universities, polytechnics and colleges of higher education now deal with aspects of microelectronics. This applies particularly to science courses and, increasingly, to courses in mathematics, craft, design and technology and business studies. A number of in-service courses are being provided in the programme of national short courses organised by Her Majesty's Inspectors and in the programmes arranged regionally with support from my Department; more are planned. The development of material for teacher training courses will be a priority objective in the microelectronics development programme for schools and colleges announced by my hon. Friend on 4 March.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to monitor the use by local education authorities of the funds allocated for education in microelectronics in schools.

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when tronics development programme, whether projects are undertaken by LEAs or other organisations.