Thematic report |
The Welsh Baccalaureate in key stage 4 - May 2008
Schools that teach the Welsh Baccalaureate to all pupils in key stage 4 have found it easier to implement than those schools who teach it to selected groups of pupils. In general, schools feel that the programme is less complicated to introduce at key stage 4 than in post-16.In schools where planning for the Welsh Baccalaureate is effective, they view the programme as a means to meet other curricular requirements rather than as an additional burden. In most of the schools we surveyed, the teaching of the programme is good overall. However, planning to meet the needs of learners of different abilities was only effective in a few lessons.
Recommendations
Schools should:
- ensure that senior managers play a key role in leading and co-ordinating the development of the programme in their schools;
- provide sufficient planning and evaluation time for the team delivering the programme;
- establish manageable systems to moderate the standards being achieved for assessment purposes;
- set up comprehensive and workable systems to plan, map and monitor the delivery of key skills; and
- organise tutor groups of a reasonable size so that personal tutors can fulfil their role.
WJEC should:
- provide further guidance and training for teachers on the standards of work expected at levels 1 and 2; and
- continue work to improve the reliability and consistency of assessments at all levels through improved moderation arrangements.