HC Deb 08 May 1991 vol 190 cc503-4W
Mr. Gwilym Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether he proposes to amend the statutory order for history in the national curriculum in Wales.

Mr. David Hunt

Yesterday I published for consultation proposals to amend the Education (National Curriculum) (Attainment Targets and Programmes of Study in History) (Wales) Order 1991.

These, which relate to the programme of study for key stage 3, have been prepared following a review of the structure of unit 27 and its links with unit 18 which I recently asked Professor Rees Davies and the ex-chairman of the History Committee for Wales and other ex-members of the committee to undertake.

My proposals will provide for an even more valuable and attractive introduction to 20th century history for pupils in key stage 3. They will also bring unit 27 closer in its objectives and scope to the other compulsory units in key stage 3.

I am consulting the Curriculum Council for Wales and a wide range of educational interests on the proposals and I have asked for their responses by 10 June. I shall place a copy of my proposals in the Library of the House.