§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the effectiveness of the A-level physics curriculum and exam in preparing students for degree courses in (i) physics and (ii) engineering. [57946]
§ Mr. MudieThe Department has not commissioned or evaluated research on this specific issue. However, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has recently completed a consultation on the development of new subject criteria for all A-level syllabuses, including physics, in the light of the Government's decisions on the future of A-levels following the recentQualifying for 593W Success consultation. Both consultations fully involved both higher education institutions and organisations representing the interests of physics and engineering. QCA will be advising Ministers on the outcome of its recent consultation shortly.