On 29 September 2011, the Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert, launched a review of the qualifications on offer in Wales. The Review of Qualifications for 14 to 19-year-olds in Wales aimed to ensure that we have qualifications that are understood and valued and meet the needs of our young people and the Welsh economy The Review Board delivered its final report and recommendations to the Deputy Minister for Skills on 28 November 2012.

On 29 January 2013, the Deputy Minister announced that the Welsh Government broadly accepted all of the Review’s recommendations. In accepting these, the Welsh Government is setting a clear strategic direction and vision for qualifications for 14- to 19-year olds in Wales. February 2013 – 2017: timeline established to implement changes in each key area.

Qualifications Wales will be set up as an independent body to regulate and quality assure qualifications in Wales. In time Qualifications Wales will award most GCSE’s, A-levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate. Introduction a revised and more rigorous Welsh Baccalaureate qualification that is universally adopted. Revised GCSE’s in English and Maths to be introduced for teaching from September The current AS/A2 structure to be retained with January assessments abolished after January Resits to be limited to one per module. Vocational Qualifications to be classified as Initial Vocational Education and Training (IVET’s) or Continuing Vocational Education and training (CVET’s).

New GCSE in English Language to provide greater assurance of literacy which will focus on the skills needed in everyday lives. Revised GCSE in English Literature. TWO new Maths GCSE’s to be introduced: i) Numeracy: this will focus on the maths needed for everyday life. ii) Mathematics: this will focus on the aspects and techniques required for progression to scientific, technical or further study.

NEW WELSH BACCALAUREATE QUALIFICATION: The New Welsh Baccalaureate is based on a Skills Challenge Certificate alongside Supporting Qualifications. It will focus on literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, planning, organization, creativity, innovation and personal effectiveness. The requirements of both the Skills Challenge Certificate and Supporting Qualifications must be met in order to achieve the overarching Welsh Baccalaureate.

NEW WELSH BACCALAUREATE QUALIFICATION: The Skills Challenge Certificate will be made up of the following components: Individual Project: 50% Enterprise and Employability Challenge: 20% Global Citizenship Challenge: 15% Community Challenge: 15% Each component of the skills challenge certificate will be awarded a summative grade: Level 1 Pass; Level 2 pass; Level 2 Merit; Level 2 Distinction.

NEW WELSH BACCALAUREATE QUALIFICATION: The outcomes from each component will determine an overall grade for the Skills Challenge Certificate:  A*-C at National Level or  Foundation Pass or Foundation Pass* at Foundation level. To achieve the overarching National Welsh Baccalaureate learners must achieve the National Skills Challenge Certificate (A*-C) together with the following supporting qualifications: English Language GCSE, Numeracy GCSE and 3 other GCSE’s (maximum of 2 being GCSE equivalent qualifications) at A*-C level.

NEW WELSH BACCALAUREATE QUALIFICATION: To achieve the overarching Foundation Welsh Baccalaureate learners must achieve either the National or Foundation Skills Challenge certificate together with the following supporting qualifications: English Language GCSE, Numeracy GCSE and 3 other GCSE’s (maximum of 2 being GCSE equivalent qualifications) at A*-G level.

High Level Model

Therefore the curriculum starting September 2015 will need to have the following core components:  Maths x 2 GCSE’s  English x 2 GCSE’s  Science x 2 GCSE’s  Welsh Baccalaureate (1 GCSE)  Religious Studies (Short Course)  Welsh (Short Course)  Physical Education  PSE Option subjects will make up the remainder of the curriculum.

OPTION TALK: NOVEMBER LEARNING PATHWAYS DAYS: 25 TH & 26 TH NOVEMBER TALKS TO FORM GROUPS: DECEMBER NEW SUBJECT OPTION TALKS: JAN 2015 FREE CHOICE: 12 TH -16 TH JANUARY PARENTS EVENINGS: 3 RD & 4 TH FEBRUARY OPTION BOOKLET/SCHOOL WEBSITE: 15 TH DECEMBER

CAREERS ADVICE: CAREERS WALES WEBSITE INDIVIDUAL PUPIL INTERVIEWS: 9 TH FEBRUARY OPTIONS OPEN EVENING IN UPPER SCHOOL: 12 TH FEBRUARY OPTION FORMS SUBMITTED: 27 TH FEBRUARY INDIVIDUAL LEARNING PATHWAY PLAN TO HELP GUIDE PUPILS THROUGH EACH STAGE OF THE PROCESS

“I feel that the Learning pathway plan has useful aspects, overall it helps you to stay on track to achieve your targets.” Year 10 “The Individual learning pathway plan looks really good – gets you thinking about possible jobs early on.” Year 12