§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to promote the learning of local history in Scottish(a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) further education establishments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe content and delivery of the curriculum in schools are primarily matters for the education authorities. Studies based on local history are common in the early stages and guidance on the five to 14 curriculum issued by the Scottish Office Education Department will take account of the place of local history in the development of wider historical understanding. Courses for standard grade and higher grade may draw on local history as appropriate to286W illustrate topics and themes. The modular national certificate, introduced under the Government's action plan facilitates the inclusion of local history in a large number of programmes run by further education centres. Further education centres also provide bases for groups with an interest in local history.