The Welsh Baccalaureate is an exciting qualification for learners between the ages of 14 and 19. It gives a broader range of experiences than more traditional programmes of learning, and offers young people the opportunity to demonstrate and apply their knowledge, skills and understanding in a practical context.

It is made up of a number of components – including Principal Learning (Wales), Essential Skills Wales and Wider Key Skills as well as other qualifications such as GCEs, GCSEs and OCR Nationals.

Read the overview text below for more information about each component of the Welsh Baccalaureate.

Overview

The Welsh Baccalaureate is made up of a number of components. For a detailed review, please visit Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification website.

Principal Learning (Wales)

Principal learning is available as an option within the Welsh Baccalaureate. Principal Learning is sector and subject related and includes a minimum of 50% applied learning. This component encourages students to gain knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes relevant to specific sectors. It provides the opportunity to apply these to work situations in realistic contexts.

Essential Skills Wales

Essential Skills Wales is the new suite of skills qualifications that will replace the current Key Skills of Communication, Application of Number and ICT, and the Basic Skills of Adult Literacy, Adult Numeracy and Skills for Life ICT from September 2010.

Essential Skills Wales FAQs (PDF, 398 KB)

Wider Key Skills

Wider Key Skills (Working with Others, Problem Solving and Improving Own Learning Performance) allow learners to prove their ability to use certain transferable skills, equipping them for the workplace and further education. They are designed to improve students' motivation, progression and achievement and are assessed through an internally-assessed portfolio.

For more details on any of the above, email the OCR Cymru office.