§ Sir Wyn RobertsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to develop information technology in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. RichardsWe have undertaken a substantial programme of investment in information technology in both primary and secondary schools. Under the grants for education support and training programme, it is estimated that £1.9 million will be spent in 1994–95, and expenditure of a similar amount is planned for 1995–96.
Developing a sound knowledge of information technology and its implications is an essential part of children's education. Information technology is, therefore, a compulsory element of the revised national curriculum for all pupils aged five to 14 in maintained schools in Wales. It will also be a common requirement, for all subjects, that pupils should be given opportunities, where appropriate, to develop and apply their information technology capability in their study of all national curriculum subjects.