§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he makes any distinction between subjects which are essential elements in the school curriculum and those which are part of the core curriculum; why he uses these two descriptions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenMy right hon. Friend's policies for the curriculum remain those set out in "Better Schools" (Cmnd. 9469) in which the description "core curriculum" is not used. The Government believe that certain subjects have a place in the curriculum of all pupils up to age 16; these were set out in answer to the hon. Member's question of 3 July, at columns 149–50. There are other elements of the school curriculum which we believe should form part of the education of all pupils, but which need not necessarily be studied at all ages and stages, or as separate subjects.