Education in Wales
Wales is one of the four main administrative and political parts of Great Britain, formerly
a conglomerate of independent Celtic kingdoms.
The education system in Wales is broadly similar to that in England and Northern Ireland.
It should be noted that in the UK there are two education systems that easily get along together: one in England,
Wales and Northern Ireland,
the second —
in Scotland.
Education in Wales, as well as in the UK,
is compulsory for all citizens between the ages
of 5 and 16.
There are two sectors of education: public (free education) and private (paid educational institutions). In general, the education system in Wales is characterized by the following features:
- flexibility,
- attention to the individual development of students,
- large variety of programs,
- attention to the needs of business and the manufacturing sector,
- strengthening the role of the Welsh language in education,
- improving the system of reporting of educational institutions to parents, students, employers
and taxpayers.
The schools are taught in both English and Welsh.
The language of instruction is chosen by parents
or children. If you choose to study in English, Welsh
is taught as a second foreign language.
The level of educational institutions
All public educational institutions are governed
by a governing board that includes representatives of various stakeholders.
Most schools in Wales, as well as in England,
are established and funded by local education authorities. Some schools are established by charitable organizations (mainly churches) and may be partially funded and controlled by them.
However, the main responsibility for the activities of these schools lies with the local education authorities. Institutions of further and higher education are completely autonomous.
Higher education institutions are independent, self-governing organizations that have the right to develop their own courses and
award degrees.
Preschool education is provided to children aged
0 to 5 years in kindergartens and preparatory groups.
For children aged 0 to 3 years – pre-school education is paid and it is usually carried out in private educational institutions.
Although compulsory education is provided from
the age of 5, many children attend pre-school educational institutions.
For children aged 3 to 5 years, according to the Education Act of 2006, pre - school education is free, it can be obtained in kindergartens or in special groups in public primary schools.
There is also a system of paid pre-school education in private educational institutions.
The Department of Education in Wales has developed the following documents: Foundation Phase Child Development Profile Guidance (a guide to the development program for children studying at the basic stage) and Framework for Children's Learning for 3 to 7-year-olds in Wales (The Concept of teaching children aged 3-7 years in Wales), which provide recommendations for teaching children at this stage of education.
Compulsory primary and
secondary education
General secondary education
is compulsory and free
for children between the ages of 5 and 16.
A parent can enroll their child in any school they wish. Local governments are responsible for organizing the school
admission procedure
in accordance with the State requirements
set out in the School Admission Code
(School Admission Act).
Schools in Wales are divided into public (free) and independent (paid) schools.
Independent schools are not required to comply with government education policies,
but in practice they follow the recommendations of the Department for Education in Wales.
Public schools in Wales operate according to the national curriculum, which is defined by the Developing the Curriculum document.
According to state requirements,
schools must be open 190 days a year,
with a maximum of 30 students per class. Extending Entitlement: support for
11 – 25 year olds in Wales (Extending rights: support for young people aged
11 – 25 in Wales) is one of the main documents that formulates the Welsh Government's policy on young people aged 11 – 25.
This document forms national priorities
in the field of youth policy (including in the field of education).
Primary and secondary education in Wales is divided
into 4 stages: The first key stage of education (primary education) is designed for children
aged 5-7 years.
The curriculum is determined by the State.
The main subjects of the school curriculum include: English, Welsh, mathematics, science.
Elective subjects include: Welsh as a Second language, Design and Technology, Computer science, History, Geography, music, Physical education
and religious education.
In the first stage of education in schools with subjects taught in Welsh, the teaching of English
is not obligatory.
At the end of the training at this stage, students are evaluated by the teacher in all subjects of the national curriculum. The main task of the assessment at this stage is to monitor the educational achievements of students. Information about educational achievements is collected, including through observation in the classroom, through conversations with students.
The second key stage
of education (primary education) is designed for children aged
7-11 years.
Just as in the first stage of study, the curriculum includes compulsory subjects: English, Welsh, mathematics, science. And elective subjects:
Welsh as a Second language, Design and Technology, Computer Science, History, Geography, music, physical Education and religious education.
It should be noted that until 2004, at the end of the second stage of education, obligatory state testing was conducted in English, Welsh
(in schools with teaching in Welsh), mathematics and science. Since 2005, state testing at this stage of training has been abolished.
The third key stage of education (secondary education) is designed for children aged 11-14 years.
The basic curriculum includes religious education, sex education, personal development, and an introduction
to the world of professions.
The national curriculum includes compulsory subjects: English, Welsh, Maths and science; and elective subjects: Welsh as a Second Language, foreign languages, design and technology, information technology, history, geography, art, music, physical education and religious education.
During this stage of the training, students are evaluated by the teacher in the subjects of the national curriculum for diagnostic purposes.
This assessment is carried out through conversations with students, monitoring their work in the classroom.
State assessment of students at the
end of training
at this stage is carried out by teachers.
The State assessment is conducted in the following subjects of the national curriculum: English, Welsh, mathematics, science, foreign language, design and technology, information technology, history, geography, art, music and physical education.
The fourth key stage of education (secondary education)
is designed for children aged
14-16 years.
According to the national curriculum, students study English and Welsh, mathematics and science. Compulsory subjects are also: physical education, religious education, sex education, personal development and vocational education.
Upon completion of their studies at this stage, students are assessed through the external qualifications system and receive a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or
a general certificate of Secondary education
in Professional Disciplines (VGCSE).
The transition of students from one stage of training to another stage is automatic and does
not depend on the results of their training at the previous stage.
After completing the fourth stage of education (completion of compulsory education),
upon successful completion
of the exams, students receive a qualification-GCSE (certificate of general secondary education).
GCSE
(Certificate of General Secondary Education) –
the main qualification awarded to students
at the end
of compulsory education at the age of 16.
Exam papers are developed
by independent organizations (awarding bodies), the same organizations appoint examiners who check the work
outside of school.
The results are evaluated as follows: A* (the highest score), A, B, C, D, E, F and G; works that do not meet the minimum requirements of the standard receive a mark U (unclassified – unclassified).
The Department for Education coordinates the work of these organizations in Wales.
Further education
(education after the age of 16)
Many students can continue their education after completing compulsory
secondary education.
It is possible to continue academic education,
get a certificate of advanced secondary education and enter the university
(after 18 years).
You can continue your education in professional colleges. In Wales, there are
23 public further education colleges offering
a variety of academic and professional programes of full-time and part-time study,
and various private organizations offering training in various professions.
The programs offered by state vocational colleges are mainly focused on the development of professions and
business needs.
Students with special needs 3.9% of pupils in Wales have special learning needs.
Under the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act of 2001, students with special needs have
the right to attend regular
public schools.
In accordance with the law, schools, colleges and higher education institutions are required to provide conditions for the education of children
with disabilities
Improving the performance
of schools
The new School Effectiveness Framework
(The School Effectiveness Framework) offers better collaboration between local education authorities, the Department for Education in Wales
and schools. The concept is now being piloted in 99 schools in Wales.
The main objective of the proposed concept is to spread best practices
in schools in Wales, spread innovation and improve the quality of education
in Wales.