A consultation on how and what schools across Wales will teach 14 to 16 year olds from 2025 opens today, 28 February. It runs until 8 May 2024.
The consultation on ‘the 14 to 16 Learner Entitlement’ represents the next step in Curriculum for Wales implementation. As roll-out reaches year 10 from 2025, it looks at the wider learning and preparation learners need – alongside qualifications – as they look to take their next steps into education or employment.
Schools, parents, carers and stakeholders are being asked for their views on the document, which outlines the curriculum that all learners in years 10 and 11 will be entitled to. It describes four components in particular:
- Qualifications in literacy and numeracy
- Qualifications to encourage breadth
- Wider Learning and Experiences across the Curriculum – in all areas and mandatory elements (including RSE and RVE), no matter their chosen qualifications
- Post-16 planning – dedicated time to focus on next steps and understand the options available as learners move into post-16 education, training or employment.
Under the ‘Entitlement’ schools will be required to:
- Plan for and offer a 14 to 16 curriculum offer, that includes a mix of general, vocational, and skill-based qualifications at different levels, designed around the needs of their learners, as well as their local context.
- review their curricular offers and the progress and achievements of their learners in years 10 and 11, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
The final version of the guidance will be published for schools in the summer term 2024, accompanied by supporting materials. It will be available alongside the first wave of reformed GCSE exam specifications from WJEC and will be supported by professional learning.
See the press notice here
See the Welsh Government Written Statement here
And a helpful guide here