Welsh Baccalaureate
120 UCAS points and NO EXAMS
Why do the Welsh Baccalaureate?
The Welsh Baccalaureate is an exciting qualification for students in Wales that adds a valuable new dimension to the subjects and courses already available for 14 to 19 year old students. It encourages independence and adds ‘real life’ experience to the curriculum.
It combines personal development skills with existing qualifications to make one wider award that is valued by employers and universities.
Employers value this qualification
The Welsh Baccalaureate is valued by employers who appreciate that it gives students the skills needed for work. They understand that is makes students more confident, better communicators and more able to work with people.
Universities recognise this qualification
Universities across the UK recognise the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification. The advanced Welsh Baccalaureate is valued at 120 UCAS points (the same number of points as an A grade at A level) when achieved as part of the full Welsh Baccalaureate qualification, on top of the UCAS points students earn through their options subjects. It is included in university offers and helps students improve their ‘personal statement’ on applications.
What does the course involve?
To fulfil the requirements of the qualification students must complete a core programme of activities, along with options, which you choose from established academic or vocational qualifications. Students options are selected from established courses such as AS/A2 levels, BTEC or NVQ’s.
The core programme helps students develop key skills through a greater breadth and balance of experience. It improves students existing skills and builds on their interests. Students take part in practical activities, because the emphasis is on learning by doing.
There are five components in the core:
Essential Skills Wales and Wider Key Skills - The Essential Skills Wales are communication, application of number and IT. The Wider Key Skills are improving own learning and performance, working with others, problem solving. Students develop these through their options and the four components below.
Wales, Europe and the World - a chance to learn more about Wales and its relationship with Europe and the World. This includes a language module at a level suitable for the student.
Work-related Education - includes working with an employer, and taking part in a team enterprise activity to help the student understand how businesses work.
Personal and Social Education - allowing the student to explore vital personal questions in the modern world; the family, health, relationships, citizenship and sustainable development. The student will be required to engage in an activity in the local community.
Individual Investigation - an opportunity for the students to carry out personal research into an area of interest from their optional studies or the core programme.
Students have the chance to experience a wide range of activities, regular guest speakers and visits.
