§ Mr. Anthony CoombsTo 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 history in the national curriculum.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have today published for consultation a draft order with an associated document setting out attainment targets and programmes of study for history in the National Curriculum for pupils aged five to 16, as I am required to do by section 20(5) of the Education Reform Act 1988. Copies have been placed in the Library.
The draft order has been prepared on the basis of advice from the National Curriculum Council following consultation on the proposals made in July by the former holder of my office. The council's advice on attainment targets and programmes of study responds to a number of proposals and requests made by my predecessor. En the light of that advice, the proposed number of attainment targets has been reduced from four to three. The programmes of study are now set out in a simpler format, and are less detailed and prescriptive. The proposed core course of study for pupils aged 14 to 16 has also been redesigned by the NCC, along the lines indicated by my predecessor.
I have made certain further changes, as explained in the letter to those being consulted, to make it clear that the focus of study of this unit should be the first half of the 372W twentieth century. I believe that it is right to draw some distinction between the study of history and the study of current affairs.
The curriculum requirements I am now proposing in this final stage of consultation will provide a sound basis for the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of British, European and world history. The attainment targets will ensure that knowledge, understanding and skills are rigorously assessed. The programmes of study will provide a clear framework of historical content to be taught while leaving teachers a degree of freedom in the design of schemes of work. I believe that this represents the successful outcome of a long period of consultation and public debate.
The period of consultation on the draft order will end on 15 February 1991. I intend to make the final order in March 1991 in good time for the schools to begin teaching national curriculum history to pupils aged five, seven and 11 from the following autumn.
The draft order applies only to England. My right hon. Friend will be publishing separately for consultation a draft order for history in Wales.