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What is the Welsh Baccalaureate?
The Welsh Baccalaureate is delivered by schools, colleges and training providers across Wales. It gives broader experiences than traditional learning programmes, to suit the diverse needs of young people. In its report published July 2012, 'Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification provision at level 3 in secondary schools – a good practice guide', Estyn, the education and training inspectorate, found that the majority of students who study the Welsh Baccalaureate core are exposed to a wide range of topics and opportunities which help them to improve their knowledge, understanding and interpersonal skills. Through the Welsh Bac, Welsh students are becoming more confident, improving their essential and social skills and gaining a better understanding of a range of topics from enterprise to politics and current affairs.
The Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification is available at Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced levels. The Welsh Baccalaureate Core at each level is studied alongside a range of appropriate academic and/or vocational optional qualifications. Candidates who meet the requirements of the Core and Options relevant to each level of the qualification, are awarded the Welsh Baccalaureate Foundation, Intermediate or Advanced Diploma as appropriate. WJEC has also developed two new Welsh Baccalaureate Qualifications at level 1 and level 2 suitable for delivery over one year. The Post 16 Level 1 Diploma and Post 16 Level 2 Diploma develop knowledge, understanding and skills with a particular focus on employability – real work and its demands. These are currently only available as a pilot in some colleges or work based learning providers.
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Newsletter January 2013
This includes information about the Qualifications Review, grading at the Advanced level, Gwirfol, Welsh Assembly and UK Parliament resources.
Qualifications Review
The Welsh Government has accepted the recommendations of the Review of Qualifications for 14-19 year olds in Wales report published in November 2012. This proposes building on and strengthening the Welsh Baccalaureate to provide an overarching framework for qualifications for 14 to 19-year-olds. WJEC is currently working with and supporting the Welsh Government with the new developments. A steering group and a number of working groups are planning the new look Welsh Bacclaureate which will be introduced from September 2015. WJEC will provide support and training for centres well in advance of the start date for the new developments.
Grading of the WBQ Advanced level
A decision has been taken to grade the WBQ Core at the Advanced level. The new grading system will be relevant for candidates beginning their Advanced level WBQ courses in September 2013. The first grading will therefore be in 2015.
Information for teachers
Information for students/parents
Applying to deliver or expand delivery of WBQ
The application and approval process for the delivery of the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification now rests with WJEC. If your centre wishes to apply to become a Welsh Bac centre for the first time or wishes to expand delivery of the qualification e.g. into KS4 you will need to apply to do so. Guidance on this process can be found here. Please contact the WBQ Development Officer at WJEC to express an interest and for more information.
Courses
Family Photography Workshop for Schools & Colleges at Glamorgan Archives
This workshop provides an opportunity to explore ‘ordinary’ family photographs from the 19th century to the present day. Activities are especially suited to the Advanced Level Core component ‘Wales, Europe and the World.'
Various dates are available and funding is also available for supply, cover / transport costs. Groups of most sizes accepted. For booking and more information contact Glamorgan Archives. Tel: 029 20872200 Email: glamro@cardiff.gov.uk More information