There was much consensus that developing a curriculum for excellence was the correct way to proceed, but it was clear that the changes to the curriculum would necessitate changes to national qualifications.In her statement to Parliament, the cabinet secretary said that she wanted"the new system to have a sharper focus on literacy, numeracy and other life and work skills"—Official Report, 24 April 2008; c 7864.so I will start by addressing—as many other members have done today—the literacy and numeracy issue.