Curriculum Reform-Implications for Qualifications Kate Crabtree, Executive Director Policy and Research

Our involvement Qualifications Wales is involved at all stages of the programme- Change Board, Curriculum and Assessment Group, and all AoLE groups Visited Scotland as part of a study visit Fully committed to developing qualifications that fully support any curriculum change

What do we know New curriculum for learners 3-16 year olds Balance needed between knowledge and skills Great enthusiasm around changing the curriculum and the way it is taught Full support for the four purposes and the creation of well rounded, well equipped young people Increase in thematic learning, however, disciplinary knowledge still important. ‘What Matters’ is at an early stage of detailed design - so implications for qualifications are hard to ascertain No intention to move away from A levels at 16-18

What can we assume? Not all aspects of AoLEs need to be assessed AoLEs allow for vocational and academic learning Implementation assumptions - More clarity here since the Cabinet Secretary’s announcement Not everything that is taught at Key Stage 4 needs to feature in a qualification

What have we learnt? Brand is important GCSEs are understood and are a recognised brand with a good reputation Common to Wales, England and NI Can accommodate change - a degree of brand elasticity Unreformed GCSEs assess low order skills More assessment of higher order skills is required Simultaneous reform is challenging

Our thinking at this moment in time Recognise that curriculum change will result in changes to qualifications Do not see the need to move away from GCSEs – they are known, understood and have brand credibility and portability Impact is likely to vary subject by subject

A GCSE’s purpose……. provide evidence of learners’ achievement against challenging and relevant content allow learners to develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills which will support further academic and vocational study, as well as employment provide suitable preparation for learners, to enable them to progress to a GCE AS or A Level in the same, or related, subject support, where appropriate, opportunities to develop skills that are being assessed through the Welsh Baccalaureate

Vocational Qualifications need to be part of the offer Support a mixed economy of GQs and VQs , Over time expect to refine the suite of vocational qualifications offered to 14-16 year olds, following our sector reviews Considering using the term VCSE for future VQs designed for this age group

Impact will be differ by subject Some will change very little Others may have radical content change Some may need structural change Some subjects may be merged together in one new holistic qualification – for example Expressive Arts Some subjects may be new - for example a 14-16 qualification in Social Studies Assessment may need to be different- more project style assessment, more teacher assessed work

Timelines We don't believe that a Big Bang approach is the best way Our advice would be that an evolution rather than a revolution is needed - introduce change through continuous improvement to existing qualifications Will know more once AoLE groups have firmed up the content and progression in Strand 3

Welsh Baccalaureate Where will the WB fit in the post Donaldson world? Currently reviewing the WB, need to be mindful of the short term and the longer term position and shape of the WB

Next Steps Critically evaluate the recent reform programme, so that lessons can be learnt Continue our research into the proportion of high/low order skills in current GCSEs Develop new higher order skills questioning and pilot them in non high stakes environments with learners Review the range of GQs and VQs currently taken by 14-16 learners Consider ways to improve the quality and reliability of teacher led assessment Stay fully involved in the Curriculum Reform Programme

Thank you