HC Deb 27 October 1983 vol 47 cc205-6W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to encourage the expansion of teaching of Spanish in Scottish schools.

Mr. Allan Stewart

It is for individual education authorities to decide on the level of provision, and appropriate numbers of teachers, in individual subjects taking account of demands for the subject and the resources they can afford within the Government's plans for public expenditure.

My right hon. Friend announced on 12 April that new courses in modern languages other than French would be introduced more rapidly in the 14–16 implementation programme than had previously been proposed. The development teams designing the modular framework of courses for the new 16–18s certificate are now considering how modern languages can best be fitted within the new framework. The consultative committee on the curriculum is also examining proposals for diversification of modern languages teaching in the light of the findings of the education for the industrial society project and the advice of the Scottish central committee on modern languages. These considerations should ensure that modern languages other than French continue to command an appropriate place in the curriculum of schools.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects the new SCE qualification in Spanish to be introduced into Scottish schools.

Mr. Allan Stewart

As announced by my right hon. Friend in April, new syllabuses in Spanish for SCE standard grade at general and credit levels will be introduced in schools in the autumn term of 1986 with the first examinations and awards in the summer of 1988. The present ordinary grade syllabuses will continue to be available until then.