Education in Wales
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Education in Wales differs in certain respects from the systems used elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
A significant number of students in Wales are educated either wholly or largely through the medium of Welsh; lessons in the language are compulsory for all until the age of 16.
In general, the cut-off point for ages is the end of August, so all children must be of a certain age on 1 September in order to begin class that month.
The system of statutory national key-stage tests in Wales was, until 2000, the same as in England, and was managed by the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority (SCAA). In 2000, the National Assembly for Wales took responsibility for these tests in Wales, at which point they were developed by test agencies on behalf on ACCAC, whilst the tests in England were developed for the QCA. In 2002, the Welsh Assembly decided to stop the tests at Key Stage One. Instead, optional teacher-assessment materials were provided to schools in 2003 for use in English, mathematics, and Welsh. These had been adapted from materials that had originally been developed by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) and the other test agencies to be used as statutory assessment materials for 2003. At the end of 2003, the Daugherty Report was commissioned by the Welsh Assembly to undertake a review of the country's assessment procedures. The interim report by the committee was perceived by the media as supporting a complete abolishment of the assessments at key stages two and three.
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The Structure of the Welsh Educational System
Compulsory Schooling
Basically, there are two education systems: one covering England, Wales, and Northern Ireland and one covering Scotland. The two systems have different emphases: traditionally the English, Welsh, and Northern Irish system has emphasised depth of education, whereas the Scottish system has emphasised breadth. Thus English, Welsh, and Northern Irish students tend to sit a small number of more advanced examinations, while Scottish students tend to sit a larger number of less advanced examinations.
Primary Education
Secondary Education
Post 16 Education
Further Education
- Age 16-18
Higher Education
Higher Education in Wales is provided by University of Wales
- Age 18+
Postgraduate Education
Students who have completed a first degree are eligible to undertake a postgraduate degree, which includes:
- Master's degree (typically taken in one year)
- Doctorate degree (typically taken in three years)
Specialist Qualifications
- Education: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Certificate in Education (Cert Ed), C&G 7407.
- Law: Bachelor of Laws LL.B.
- Medicine: Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery studied at Medical school (United Kingdom)
- Business: Master of Business Administration MBA.
Adult Education
Adult education, Continuing education or Lifelong learning is offered to adults of all ages. These can include the vocational qualifications mentioned above and also:
- Access programme one or two year courses to allow adults access to university.
- Open University a distance learning program which can result in Degree.
- Workers' Educational Association
See also
- Education in England (has similarities with the Welsh system - some are covered in more depth)
- Education in Northern Ireland
- Education in Scotland
- Education in the United Kingdom
- Education by country
- Blue book
External links
- Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales in English and Welsh
- Welsh FE Colleges