§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to his answer of 26 February 2003,Official Report, columns 588–89W, whether modern languages are defined as a (a) generic and (b) specialist learning skill in an English-style baccalaureate; and which continental baccalaureate systems do not include modern languages as a generic skill.[101273]
§ Mr. MilibandModern foreign languages are generally included as a requirement in European baccalaureate type qualifications. In the context of an English-style baccalaureate, we explain in our policy document 14–19: "opportunity and excellence" that we have asked a Working Group chaired by Mike Tomlinson to take forward work on possible longer-term 14–19 developments including a unified framework of qualifications for this age group. It would be premature at this stage to be developing specific baccalaureate models before the group has reported. The group has been asked to issue an interim report within a year and to finalise its work within 18 months.
168WCapital costs shown are the most recent estimates, but final decisions on the level of public funding will be determined when detailed plans have been received or are agreed by the Department's architects.