Written question asked by Jimmy Wray (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 7 March 2003. It was answered by Stephen Twigg (Labour) on Friday, 7 March 2003 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans he has to include political studies as part of the school curriculum during GCSE years.

Answer: Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to include political studies as part of the school curriculum during GCSE years. [100439] Stephen Twigg: Our document 14-19: opportunity and excellence sets out our plans for the curriculum at Key Stage 4. In the document we explain that the compulsory curriculum comprises those subjects that are essential for progression or personal development. Although there is no GCSE subject in political studies, Citizenship became a compulsory subject in schools in September 2002. Learning about democratic and political processes is an important part of Citizenship education. Pupils learn about the institutions, issues, problems and practices of our democracy and develop an understanding of the importance of playing an active part in the political process.

Secondary information