Teaching in Wales : Curriculum

Cwricwlwm Cymreig (Welsh curriculum)

Schools in Wales follow broadly the same national curriculum and are structured in the same way as schools in England (see teacher training for more details). Briefly, the system is split into:

• primary (foundation stage, Key Stages 1 and 2);
• post-primary or secondary (Key Stages 3 and 4);
• post-16 education.

However, a notable difference in the Welsh school system is that it specifies that all subjects should be taught from a Welsh perspective or have some kind of Welsh dimension. This is in such a way as to give all pupils the opportunity to learn about the cultural, environmental, historical and linguistic characteristics of Wales in all its variety. A revised curriculum for 3-19 year olds in Wales was implemented in September 2008, which has a greater focus on skills. See the Welsh Assembly Government - Education and Skills  for more information.

The Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification  has been available to learners across Wales since September 2007 and is now offered in at least 90 institutions. It combines personal development skills with existing qualifications like A levels, NVQs and GCSEs to make one wider award that is valued by employers and universities.

The Welsh Assembly Government introduced the Welsh Baccalaureate to transform learning for young people in Wales. It gives broader experiences than traditional learning programmes, to suit the diverse needs of young people. It can be studied in English or Welsh, or a combination of the two languages.