Education: English Baccalaureate Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Education: English Baccalaureate

Baroness Sharp of Guildford Excerpts
Monday 22nd October 2012

(12 years, 1 month ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Sharp of Guildford Portrait Baroness Sharp of Guildford
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Will the Minister clarify that the EBacc will consist of seven subjects and will require a GCSE pass of grade A to C? What proportion of young people in the relevant age cohort do the Government think will pass linear exams at GCSE grade A to C in seven subjects?

Lord Hill of Oareford Portrait Lord Hill of Oareford
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My Lords, the EBC will consist of six subjects. It is our view that with the good teaching and support that I know is in our system, children currently studying GCSEs should be able to take on and tackle the EBC. We do not know the precise proportions and percentages because decisions will be taken by Ofqual on where the grade boundaries and so on will be set. As a general principle, it is our view that children who take GCSEs should be able to take the EBC.