§ Mr. Corrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the length of the delay in introducing phases 2 and 3 of the standard grade examination reform for 14 to 16-year-olds.
§ Mr. YoungerFollowing advice from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities given in the light of the action by members of the Educational Institute of Scotland to boycott curricular developments, I announced on 11 December that phases 2 and 3 of the implementation of standard grade would have to be postponed. I have now decided that the period of postponement should be limited to one year: subjects due to he introduced in 1985 as part of phase 2 of the programme will therefore now be introduced in 1986 for first examinations in 1988; and phase 3 will follow one year later. I very much regret this delay, which has been caused by the irresponsible actions of the EIS. I hope, however, that the additional time can be used constructively to prepare for the new courses. In line with our continuing commitment to the introduction of standard grade, the Government will play their full part, in consultation with the educational interests involved, in ensuring that these courses are effectively prepared and taught.
I confirm that the courses in phase 1 subjects, English, Mathematics, General Science and Social and Vocational Skills, which have already started, will continue as planned for first examinations in 1986. I look to the teachers to fulfil their responsibilities for preparing and teaching these courses; and we for our part are looking for ways of helping them to do so, consistent with the essential principles of standard grade. For this reason I have already made it clear that up to a further £100,000 will be made available in the current financial year for the preparation and distribution of relevant teaching materials. This is in addition to the substantial help which has already been provided.