§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to abolish the agricultural, horticultural and nautical studies GCSE courses offered by the NEAB. [121086]
§ Mr. WicksThe Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is currently working with the awarding bodies to develop advice on the list of approved GCSE titles to be offered from 2001. QCA is seeking the views of interested organisations before submitting final recommendations. No decisions have been reached at this stage. There is a wide range of vocationally-related qualifications in agriculture and horticulture already available, including GNVQs in land and environment. We shall ensure that there continues to be an appropriate range of qualifications in all three areas in the future for young people.