Qualified for the Future
Our vision is for Welsh learners to take qualifications that inspire and prepare them for life, learning and work.
So, we're reimagining qualifications to support the Curriculum for Wales and meet the future needs of learners.
Introduction
Qualified for the Future describes the work we're doing to shape new qualifications to support the Curriculum for Wales and meet the future needs of learners. We're aiming for qualifications that:
- command public confidence in Wales, the UK and globally
- secure an equitable, coherent and bilingual choice for schools and learners
- make the most of digital technology
- can be introduced in a managed and sustainable way
Arrangements for school evaluation, improvement and accountability are also changing. School performance will be evaluated based on a broad and balanced range of evidence, with less exclusive emphasis on qualification results. This gives more freedom to prioritise the needs of learners when designing new qualifications to support the Curriculum for Wales.
Our approach
Using a process known as ‘co-construction’, we've been collaborating closely with teachers, learners, expert advisers, and others who rely on qualification outcomes, including employers, colleges, training providers and universities.
The starting point for developing the proposals for each qualification was the Curriculum for Wales Framework, which sets out the requirements and guidance that schools must follow when designing their own broad and balanced curriculum. Central to the whole framework is the aspiration for every child and young person to realise the four purposes of the Curriculum for Wales.
Consultations
Made-for-Wales GCSEs
In autumn-winter 2022, we ran a wide-ranging consultation on proposals for new Made-for-Wales GCSEs. We consulted on proposals for 26 separate qualifications grouped around the six Areas of Learning and Experience of the Curriculum for Wales. We're currently analysing your responses to this consultation and will publish our decisions before the summer.
The Full 14-16 Qualifications Offer
Our next Qualified for the Future consultation seeks feedback on three proposals for qualifications that will sit alongside GCSEs to form what we call the Full 14-16 Qualifications Offer. This will provide qualifications that support the breadth of Curriculum for Wales and prepare learners for work and life.
In preparation for this consultation, we've taken an in-depth look at hundreds of current qualifications - from entry level and up - covering and a wide range of subjects such as the World of Work, Financial Capability, Careers Development, Equality and Diversity, Food Safety, Essential Skills, Sport and First Aid.
The consultation is now live on our Have Your Say platform until 14 June.
