HC Deb 23 July 1987 vol 120 cc311-2W
Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied that the city of Birmingham local education authority has complete guidance from general certificate of secondary education examining boards about introducing the new system of examinations from September.

Mrs. Rumbold

I shall write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) in which subjects textbooks have (a) been issued and (b) not been issued in support of the new general certificate of secondary education system of national examinations;

(2) whether he will list those general certificate of secondary education examining boards which have completed work and issued the results on the mode of attendance and assessment, syllabuses, textbooks and staff training ready for the start of the new scheme in September;

(3) whether he will list those general certificate of secondary education examining boards which have yet to agree and issue examination syllabuses; and when he expects textbooks in support of them to be available.

Mrs. Rumbold

A wide choice of GCSE syllabuses in the 20 main subjects have been available in schools for over a year. The GCSE examining groups have continued to produce further syllabuses, including additional choices for mature students who will begin their first GCSE courses this September.

The GCSE does not call for the wholesale replacement of textbooks; the need is rather for these to be supplemented and updated over time. The GCSE groups have given the Educational Publishers Council every assistance to enable a full range of GCSE textbooks to be produced, and many have already been published. The Government are continuing to provide substantial resources to enable the purchase of additional books for the GCSE.

Introductory in-service training for GCSE was completed in 1986. This year and next, further training continues for teachers in schools and further education, supported by Government as a national priority.

Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied that regulations drawn up by general certificate of secondary education examining boards are compatible where schools enter students for two or more board examinations.

Mrs. Rumbold

The GCSE examining groups have themselves established a joint council to consider such matters of common concern. I look to the joint council to ensure compatability in arrangements so that schools may exercise freedom of choice of syllabus.