§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if his Department will introduce a course on entrepreneurship for secondary schools as a part of the national curriculum. [136541]
§ Jacqui SmithThe National Curriculum provides a number of opportunities for developing enterprise and entrepreneurial skills amongst pupils. These occur in mathematics, personal, social and health education and citizenship, as well as through involvement in other school activities such as work with business and the community. Initiatives such as the Young Enterprise Scheme also encourage entrepreneurship in secondary schools.
Citizenship education, which will be part of the national curriculum in secondary schools from September 2002, includes teaching pupils about how the economy functions, including the role of business, financial services and how taxation and public spending work together. This knowledge and understanding will provide a sound basis for the development of entrepreneurial skills.