Exciting time for qualifications in Wales

21 Sep 2015 02:29 PM

Education Minister, Huw Lewis has welcomed news that one of the world’s most prestigious universities will treat the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate as a fourth A-level.

The news comes on the same day that Wales’ new independent qualification regulator formally begins it work, marking what the Minister has described as an exciting time for qualifications in Wales.

Huw Lewis said yesterday:

“I am very pleased that our new independent qualifications regulator, Qualifications Wales can now formally get to work.

“The organisation has an important role to play in our education system, regulating awarding bodies and qualifications as well as helping to build public confidence in Welsh qualifications and ensuring they meet the needs of both our learners and our wider economy.

“It is a body built on a sound base of evidence gathered through our qualifications review and I am confident it will deliver for Wales.

“I wish the new Chair, Ann Evans, the Chief Executive, Philip Blaker and all the staff  the very best in these exciting and  challenging first few months.

The Minister also revealed that the  Welsh Baccalaureate had recently received a high profile endorsement from Cambridge University.

He said yesterday:

“This really is an exciting time for Welsh qualifications as this week Cambridge University has confirmed its decision to join the majority of UK universities in recognising the value of the graded Welsh Bacc and formally using it  within their admissions process.  

“This endorsement, from the one of the most prestigious universities in the world,  shows we are developing first class, made in Wales qualifications that stand up against the best in the world.

“It is a great boost for Qualifications Wales as it begins its first week of work.”

Philip Blaker, Chief Executive of Qualifications Wales, said yesterday:

“Qualifications Wales is an independent body which has the full support of educators, employers and politicians to ensure that the standard of exams in Wales are both rigorous and fit for purpose.

“We have assembled a team of talented people whose sole aim is to work in the best interests of learners in Wales.

“We will build on the excellent work that has already been carried out in the sector, including today’s news that Cambridge University will in future accept the new graded Welsh Baccalaureate as an equivalent fourth A level

Mr Richard Partington, Senior Tutor, Churchill College, University of Cambridge said:

“Cambridge Admissions has decided to accept the new Welsh Baccalaureate as a fourth A Level for the purpose of assessing applications and making offers.

“This decision reflects our interest in the potential value of the personal study within the Bacc as well as its focus upon developing advanced skills. We are keen to encourage highly able Welsh students to apply to Cambridge.”