HC Deb 22 April 1987 vol 114 cc540-1W
Dame Peggy Fenner

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information has been compiled by his Department about the relative disadvantages experienced by girls in some subjects in mixed schools; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

Information compiled by the Department of Education and Science about the relative disadvantages experienced by girls in some subjects in mixed schools is contained in the following publications:

  • Education Survey 21: Curricular Differences for Boys and Girls (HMSO 1975).
  • Aspects of Secondary Education in England (HMSO 1979).
  • A Review of Monitoring in Mathematics (DES 1986).
  • Statistical Bulletin 13/86:Statistics of School Leavers in England—January 1985 (DES November 1986).

The Government are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities in schools and to the need to encourage girls in those areas of the curriculum such as science and CDT where there is evidence of sex-related differences in achievement. My right hon. Friend believes that his proposals for a national curriculum will do much to ensure that girls follow a broad and balanced curriculum to the age of 16 which includes those subjects in which they have traditionally been under represented.