HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 c1139W
Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures he has taken to ensure that schools teach the English spelling of words where it differs from the US version; and if he will make a statement. [118873]

Mr. Miliband

The National Curriculum Handbook for Teachers contains a statement on "Use of Language across the Curriculum" which says thatPupils should be taught in all subjects to express themselves correctly and appropriately and to read accurately and with understanding. Since standard English, spoken and written, is the predominant language in which knowledge and skills are taught and learned, pupils should be taught to recognise and use standard English. In writing, pupils should be taught to use correct spelling and punctuation and follow grammatical conventions".

We expect teachers to adopt this approach.

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