§ Mr. GorrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to ensure that all pupils leaving Scottish schools have studied some Scottish, British and other history. [33386]
§ Mr. WilsonA number of opportunities already exist for pupils to study a wide range of history in Scottish schools. The National Guidelines on Environmental Studies 5–14 for pupils between those ages recommend that historical studies are drawn from 5 periods and include Scottish, British and other (European and World) contexts. Standard Grade courses for pupils aged 14–16 provide opportunities to study history in Scottish, British and other wider contexts. Further opportunities for the study of Scottish, British and other areas of history are provided in the current Revised Higher and Certificate of Sixth Year Studies courses. Provision for the post-16 age290W group will be enhanced following the introduction of Higher Still in 1999. Courses and units will be available at 5 levels. Students undertaking the new History courses at Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2 or Higher levels will study at least one Scottish/British topic and at least one European/World topic.