§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will define those elements of citizenship studies which are affected by the new international dimension to the national curriculum; and if he will make a statement. [124748]
§ Jacqui SmithInternational issues are currently covered in a number of National Curriculum subjects, such as Geography and History. From September 2002, when Citizenship will become statutory in secondary schools, pupils aged 11–14 will be taught about the world as a global community, and the political, economic, environmental and social implications of this, and the role of the European Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations, and pupils aged 14–16 will cover the opportunities for individuals and voluntary bodies to bring about social change in Europe and internationally; the United Kingdom's relations in Europe, including the European Union, and relations with the Commonwealth and the United Nations, and the wider issues and challenges of global interdependence and responsibility.