THE dreaded double-maths would be a thing of the past for Swindon students under plans unveiled by a studies body to mix up lessons.

The Qualification and Curriculum Authority wants to give teachers the power to combine subjects or give over entire weeks to single topics.

Under the plan released yesterday, PE teachers could be called in to biology classes to help explain how bodies work, while music and French instructors could be merged with students learning to sing in their second language.

Subjects such as languages could be taught in multiple 10-minute slots through the day while whole weeks could be given over to intensive study of other subjects, for example IT, that benefit from uninterrupted instruction.

Education and Skills Secretary Alan Johnson said that the moves would give teachers more flexibility.

South Swindon MP and former teacher Anne Snelgrove said that it was hoped the changes would keep children interested in learning during the tough period between primary school and studying for their GCSEs.

Some of the changes being considered in the consultation paper are including contemporary authors Benjamin Zephaniah, Philip Pullman and Bill Bryson, in English classes; more history lessons on the slave trade; more emphasis on "economically useful languages" such as Urdu and Mandarin; and citizenship classes to look at national identity and living together in a diverse community.

Students will also be taught about sustainable development, how to cook healthy meals and exercise.

Mrs Snelgrove said it made sense to give teachers more flexibility but they also needed to be given time to implement any changes.

"We don't make full use of teachers' skills and experiences in the classroom," she said.

"We very rarely ask them to work together in the classroom.

"I hope teachers see this as an opportunity, not another Govern-ment direction that will be hard to do.

"But we will be looking at schools to be supported in this, to make sure teachers get the time to plan properly."

She said that keeping all students interested in Year 8 and 9 was essential, particularly for boys.

"If you lose them then it's very difficult to get them back," Mrs Snelgrove said.

Mr Johnson said that the changes would move schools away from "one size fits all" classes.

"More emphasis has been placed on developing in-depth understanding of the key ideas and practice of particular subjects," he said.

"But crucially, it is balanced with the retention of tried and tested parts of the curriculum as well as giving young people better personal skills greatly valued by employers."

All 11 to 14 year old pupils will continue to study all 12 subjects of the National Curriculum covering, English, mathematics, science, design and technology, ICT, the humanities, a foreign language, art, music, PE and citizenship.

The changes are open to public consultation until April 30 before it goes to the Government for approval.