§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to increase the number of school students taking science subjects. [41159]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe National Curriculum ensures that all pupils, from the age of 5 to 16, study science as a core subject. Our aim is to encourage post-16 students to study more subjects, including the sciences. The Government's recently announced response to the Qualifying for Success consultation will further encourage students to pursue broader studies post-16, while maintaining rigour and standards. Proposals include a new style AS qualification, which represents524W the first year of a full A level and smaller Advanced GNVQ programmes (including GNVQs in science and engineering).