§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans to provide incentives to mathematics teachers who have obtained an O-level in additional mathematics, or to make the passing of this examination a requirement for mathematics teachers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend has no plans to stipulate an O-level in additional mathematics as a qualification for mathematics teaching. Under the criteria for the approval of initial teacher training courses promulgated in the Department's circular 3/84 all students training to teach mathematics should have studied, or be studying, the subject as a substantial component of a576W course of higher education. Courses of further training are available for serving teachers of mathematics who are inadequately qualified in the subject.