§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to publish for consultation the draft order with attainment targets and programmes of study for technology in the national curriculum.
§ Mr. MacGregorI have today published for consultation the draft order with an associated document setting out the attainment targets and programmes of study for technology in the national curriculum for pupils aged 5 to 16, as I am required to do by section 20(5) of the Education Reform Act 1988. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales is consulting on the draft order under the provisions of section 21(3) of the Act. Copies have been placed in the Library.
The draft order has been prepared in the light of advice from the National Curriculum Council, following its consultations on our proposals published last June. I have accepted the council's recommendations for attainment targets and programmes of study as a basis for further consultation. The consultation period ends on 19 January 1990. I intend to make the final order in March 1990, in good time for implementation from the following autumn term.
The development of practical capability is a major objective of the national curriculum. The proposals in this draft order provide a focus for a wide range of practical activity in schools. Our aim is to secure a significant improvement in the design and technological capability of young people which will be of benefit to them as individuals and to the economic future of the country.