Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jonathan Reynolds and Nick Gibb

Monday 18th June 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gibb]

I think that a focus on grammar, punctuation and spelling is important. The evidence from around the world shows that the education jurisdictions that perform best have three things in common: autonomy for teachers, trusting the professionals and regular external assessment in their schools.

[Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge and Hyde) (Lab/Co-op)]

17. What steps he is taking to improve the quality of careers advice provided by those working in the education sector.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jonathan Reynolds and Nick Gibb

Monday 21st November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gibb]

Religious Education is an important part of the school curriculum, which is why it is compulsory up to age 16 and why it will remain so under this Government. The E-bac is small enough, with six or seven GCSEs, to allow time for the study of subjects such as RE, music, art or a vocational subject while also studying the E-bac combination of GCSEs that are regarded as the facilitating subjects. That will keep options open for longer and will widen opportunities.

[Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge and Hyde) (Lab/Co-op)]

Does the Minister recognise that the E-bac will be inappropriate for some of the pupils represented in the figures he has just read out, but that schools will have to push their pupils towards taking that approach because of the retrospective and quite sloppy way in which all this has been introduced? What message does he have for teachers who want to motivate pupils using a wider curriculum if the E-bac is not appropriate for them?

[Mr Gibb]

No student should be entered for a subject that is not in their best interests. The E-bac is small enough to allow schools to offer a range of options, including a vocational or other subject that is motivational for that student while still taking the E-bac subjects if they are suitable for that pupil.