Literacy
Education
Priti Patel (Witham, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to improve the accuracy of the grammar, punctuation and spelling of schoolchildren.
Nick Gibb (Minister of State (Schools), Education; Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Conservative)
The Government are taking a number of steps to improve the accuracy of grammar, punctuation and spelling. Mastering these basic skills is a vital part of all pupils' education.
A new Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling test at Key Stage 2 will be introduced in 2013. The new test will place an increased focus on this area and encourage good teaching. We are also recognising the importance of grammar, punctuation and spelling across subjects by reintroducing specific marks in GCSEs with a significant proportion of written assessment.
In addition, strengthening the approach to these essential skills will be a priority within the new National Curriculum, which we expect to consult on before the summer.