§ Mr.WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what periods of history are studied in the schools curriculum from year 7 to year 13; and what choice is available to students wanting to specialise in certain areas; [100436]
(2) if he will require the history syllabus in the schools curriculum to cover all periods of history by year 11. [100437]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggHistory is a compulsory part of the national curriculum in England for all pupils in years 1–9,that is key stages 1–3.
1132WThe programmes of study for history require that pupils are taught knowledge, skills and understanding through various areas of study. At key stages 2 and 3 these include studies of local history, British history, European and world history. Certain periods are compulsory including at key stage 2, the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, or Vikings in Britain, the Tudors and, either the Victorians, or Britain since 1930. At key stage 3 all pupils have to study key features of British history in a time span ranging from 1066 to the impact on Britain of the Cold War. Primary and secondary schools do have some discretion over the detailed content of their history courses as long as the statutory requirements are met.
The full requirements of the history national curriculum can be seen at www.nc.uk.net.
Beyond key stage 3 of the national curriculum, history is an optional subject and the content of courses are determined by the awarding bodies through their examination specifications for GCSE and A level history. QCA is responsible for approving these specifications. There is considerable choice in the GCSE, AS and A levels currently available, and it is up to schools to choose which course of study best meets the needs of their students.
We are committed, as part of our review of 14–19 education, to introducing an entitlement for students to study the humanities in years 10 and 11.