§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will expand the National Curriculum to introduce school students to the study of modes of reasoning about morality which do not emphasise the idea that obedience is the primary virtue. [48176]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is currently piloting draft guidance for schools on promoting pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The guidance makes it clear that moral development involves acquiring both the capacity for moral reasoning, and a determination to obey moral rules derived from shared values. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked QCA to review the National Curriculum for the year 2000. The review will incorporate recommendations on education for moral and social responsibility from the Advisory Group on Education for Citizenship.