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Dept for Education and Skills

Answer

Mr. Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what incentives his Department is giving to students to study mathematics and physics at A-level; [131117] (2) what action his Department is taking to encourage the development of (a) the Filtronics plc Maths Scheme and (b) other industry schemes to encourage young people to study mathematics at school; [131118] (3) what progress has been made following the meeting between his Department's officials and Filtronics plc on 29 January to consider the Filtronics plc Maths Scheme. [131121] Mr. Miliband: The Department does not offer incentives to students to study any particular A-level subjects. Students should choose those subjects which are the most appropriate for their individual skills and aspirations. The independent Post-14 Maths Inquiry is due to publish its final report by the end of October and has received evidence from a wide range of interested organisations, including Filtronic. The inquiry is expected to make recommendations on the curriculum, qualifications and pedagogy for those aged 14 and over in schools, colleges and higher education institutions to enable students to acquire the mathematical knowledge and skills necessary to meet the wide-ranging needs of employers and of further and higher education. In view of this, consideration of local initiatives and schemes such as Filtronic's should rightly take place once we have had the opportunity to consider the inquiry's final report.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

410 c1140-1W; 131117;131118;131121

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Curriculum Pupils Students Mathematics Physics GCE A-level

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk