§ Mr. StrawTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish in theOfficial Report the best information known to him on the availability of AS-level courses in schools and colleges, including the information relating to the variety of courses on offer, and the proportion of A-level students who are also able to follow a course at AS level.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerThe results of a survey of school pupils and FE college students studying AS-level courses in England from September 1987 and of the courses studied, were published in the Department's statistical bulletin 12/88 last October, a copy of which is available in the Library. 'This shows that about 4 per cent. of first year A-level students in schools were studying AS levels and that about 15 per cent. of schools were offering these courses. It also provides information on the courses on offer. First indications from a similar survey for September
1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 West Glamorgan institute of higher education — — 19 36 44 London university institute of education 13 15 13 11 11 Exeter university 12 10 19 20 18
§ Mr. FisherTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many(a) pupils in secondary schools, (b) students in colleges of further education, (c) students in polytechnics and (d) students in universities take media studies courses;
(2) how many (a) secondary schools, (b) colleges of further education, (c) polytechnics and (d) universities offer media studies as part of their curriculum.
§ Mrs. RumboldReadily available information is as follows:
Number of pupils/students Number4 Secondary schools na na Colleges of further education1 2,280 53 Polytechnics1 279 5 Universities: Undergraduates 22124 334 Postgraduates 2708 na na = not available. 1 England, November 1987. Covers both higher education and further education level courses. 2 Great Britain, 1987–88. Has wider subject coverage than colleges of further education and polytechnic figures. 3 United Kingdom institutions offering first degree courses for October 1989 entry. 4 Institutions with pupils/students on relevant courses.
§ Mr. FisherTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will list the teacher training colleges which offer media studies courses.
§ Mrs. RumboldIn England and Wales the West Glamorgan institute of higher education and London
462W1988 are that nearly three times as many students and schools are starting and offering AS-level courses. l hope to announce the results of the latest survey shortly.