§ Jeff EnnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action she proposes to take following the Qualification and Curriculum Authority's initial report on the implementation of the A-level reforms. [3533]
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§ Estelle MorrisToday I issued a response to the QCA's report on Curriculum 2000. That response has been placed in the Library, together with a copy of the report. The response notes that there is strong and continuing support in schools and colleges for the principles of Curriculum 2000, but also an urgent need to resolve issues in the delivery of parts of the programme, particularly the advanced subsidiary qualification. I am therefore asking the QCA to develop a combined examination paper of up to three hours for each AS where possible by summer 2002, as an alternative to the large number of individual unit papers currently offered. Where this is not possible, I am asking the QCA and the awarding bodies to look urgently at restructuring the timetable so that units of the same subject can be taken at a single sitting. Single, flexible units will remain available for those that want them. I am also asking the QCA to review specifications of subjects which are considered too heavy, to issue guidance to schools and colleges to highlight the existing flexibilities within the assessment regime, and to encourage the majority of students to take AS examinations either at the end of the first year of study or together with the examinations they take at the end of the second year. I am also asking the QCA to work with the awarding bodies to avoid as far as possible subject clashes in the examination timetable.
The Government remain convinced of the need for all young people, whether in employment or training post-16, to be given a solid basis in the key skills of communication, application of number and IT. To ensure they are practicable for the majority of students, I am asking the QCA to take steps to reduce the volume of assessment, ensure that a greater range of proxy qualifications are accepted, and issue guidance to schools and colleges to support effective use of key skills. I am also asking the Learning and Skills Council to review urgently the funding arrangements for key skills.