HC Deb 26 March 1991 vol 188 cc357-8W
Mr. Bernie Grant

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what account he took in setting out the standards to be achieved in the national history curriculum, of the difficulty of working-class children in getting access to museums; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

The requirements of the national curriculum—including those of the order for history which my right hon. and learned Friend published yesterday—apply to all registered pupils of compulsory school age at maintained schools. It is for local education authorities, governing bodies and head teachers to exercise their functions under the Education Reform Act 1988 to make sure that those requirements are met, and they should ensure that all pupils are provided with all necessary learning opportunities. It is up to schools to decide how best to introduce their pupils to artefacts and historical sources. They may use their budgets to cover the cost of museum visits.

Mr. Bernie Grant

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he has taken to assure himself that primary school teachers have sufficient expertise and training in history to teach the national history curriculum; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fallon

It is for schools and local education authorities to assure themselves that their teachers are equipped to deliver the national curriculum. The Government are providing support through their programme of specific grants and the National Curriculum Council and School Examinations and Assessment Council are also producing and disseminating curriculum guidance and in-service training materials.

Mr. Bernie Grant

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps have been taken to include the study of racial and sexual diversity in local, national and world links in the national history curriculum; and what specific steps have been taken to enable local education authorities and local museums to train teachers in this aspect of the curriculum.

Mr. Eggar

I refer the hon. Member to the order for national curriculum history published yesterday. This should enable pupils to develop knowledge arid understanding of British, European and world history. Local education authorities are encouraged to have due regard to multicultural and equal opportunities aspects in drawing up their training programmes in relation to national curriculum foundation subjects.