To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his policy is on the inclusion of teaching about (a) the European Communities and (b) EU policies in educational establishments; and if he will make a statement. (82294)

The Government recognise the importance of pupils gaining an understanding of the workings of the European Union and its history, and this is reflected in the national curriculum. In history, pupils are taught about the history of Britain in its European context. In citizenship, pupils learn about the world as a global community, the role of the European Union and the UK’s relations in Europe, including the European Union. Teaching also reflects the underpinning values and principles of democratic life which are already covered in the European and United Nations human rights conventions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the European Commission’s recommendation for teaching about the EU in schools. (81037)

The Government recognise the importance of pupils gaining an understanding of the workings of the EU and its history, and that is reflected in the national curriculum. Pupils are taught about the history of Britain in its European context in history and about the world as a global community, the role of the European Union and the UK’s relations in Europe, including the European Union in Citizenship. Teaching also reflects the underpinning values and principles of democratic life which are already covered in the European and United Nation’s human rights conventions. Although the EU can encourage co-operation between member states, the content and organisation of education systems is the responsibility of member states.