§ Mrs. BrowningTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the use of specialist teachers of home economics to prepare young people as home leaders. [58961]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeHome economics is not a discrete subject within the National Curriculum and is largely dealt with under the umbrella of National Curriculum design and technology. National Curriculum design and technology covers a great deal of ground, and the main need now is for generalist teachers who are able to teach across the breadth of the subject. However, many currently practising teachers have had a background in home economics training.
Likewise, home leadership is not a discrete subject within the National Curriculum, although there is a formal defined requirement for there to be a balanced and broadly based curriculum which promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils and which prepares such pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.