Written question asked by Barry Sheerman (Labour) on Thursday, 21 July 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 October 2005. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 10 October 2005 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Disability Discrimination Act

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what discussions he has had with the examination boards on the implications of the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1975 on students with hearing and speech problems with particular reference to their ability to take GCSE French;

Answer: I have been asked to reply.I have not held any meetings with the examination boards on this issue. However, my officials have held meetings with representatives of the Awarding Bodies, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and the Regulators. It has been agreed that the criteria for modern foreign language GCSE qualifications will be reviewed and that disability groups will be invited to participate in the review. Students with hearing and speech problems will continue to be able to access GCSE French examinations in 2006.The Awarding Bodies and the Regulators will be looking carefully at future access arrangements in the light of the extension of the Disability Discrimination Act to general qualification bodies.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16289; 437 c184W;437 c183-4W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Disability Discrimination Act
Monday, 10 October 2005
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Languages Special educational needs