The government plans to introduce lessons on business practice and skills for elementary and junior high school pupils, as a response to the economic crisis.

It is hoped to promote enterprise and motivation through games, simulations, group work and discussion.

Proposals for 12 to 15-year-olds at junior high schools include lessons giving practical know-ledge and skills connected with economics, investment and business development. Supporters of the idea are also keen to provide elementary and junior high-school pupils with a variety of problem-solving and decision-making activities, in a break from the traditional emphasis on rote learning and memory work.

The ministry of education, collaborating with the ministry of international trade and industry, will ask for an extra Pounds 4 million to fund research into their ideas with the aim of introducing new lessons in 2001.