§ Mr. Denzil DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to monitor the content of teaching and information materials about the Euro currency funded by the European Commission supplied to schools in Scotland and to ensure its compliance with the terms of the Education Act 1996. [42681]
§ Mr. WilsonThe provisions of the Education Act 1996 do not apply in Scotland where education authorities and headteachers are responsible for the delivery and management of the curriculum. Guidance is, however, offered by the SOEID and this guidance provides adequate opportunity for issues relating to the Euro currency to be included in the curriculum.
In the National Guidelines on Environmental Studies, 5–14, the European Union is a fairly common topic to select for study under the heading of People and Society. There is opportunity in the Modern Studies Standard Grade to cover currency questions relating to the European Union. This is also an option at Higher Grade and there are National Certificates that concentrate on Europe. Finally, under the Higher Still arrangements materials are being developed which will be sent to schools later this year. These also provide opportunity for covering issues relating to the European Union.
In addition, the Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum have produced a Handbook entitled "Thinking European" which provides ideas for integrating a European dimension into the curriculum.