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Welsh Baccalaureate
What is the Welsh Baccalaureate?
The Welsh Baccalaureate qualification (WBQ) was introduced to giver broader experiences than traditional learning programmes and suits the diverse needs of young people. It can be studied in Welsh or English or a combination of each. There are three levels of the qualification - foundation, intermediate and advanced.
We lead the development of the English 14-19 Diploma in Public Services. The compulsory element of this qualification, known as the principal learning, is a qualification in its own right and is being introduced as an option in the Welsh Baccalaureate from September 2011.
|Public Services leaflet (English)
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What does the Principal Learning Qualification (PLQ) in Public Services cover?
The PLQ covers the seven broad areas of public services:
- Local government - benefits advice, environmental health, trading standards
- Central government - economy & transport, environment, sustainability & housing
- Housing & Regeneration - housing associations, homelessness teams
- Leisure, Culture & Education - teaching, museums, libraries
- Justice & Emergency Services - courts, prison, police, fire, ambulance
- Strategic Health - public health campaigns, business management
- Armed Services - Army, Navy, RAF
What else do you study?
An essential element of the PLQ in Public Services is the project qualification. This is completed at each level of the PLQ and is a free-standing qualification. Learners choose their own topic and develop skills in managing and presenting their learning through their preferred approach, for example a written project or a media-based submission. The project can relate to the Principal Learning or an area of wider personal interest.
Alongside this students complete their 'Core Programme' within the WBQ. This includes wider key skills, work-related education including work experience, an individual investigation, Wales, Europe & the World, and Personal and Social Education including community participation.
The full WBQ gives a well rounded educational experience, helps students achieve more and become better equipped for higher education and the world of work. It also helps them to be more active citizens.
What is the PLQ and WBQ worth in comparison to other qualifications
- Foundation level is the equivalent of 6.5 GCSEs grades D-G
- Intermediate level is the equivalent of 8.5 GCSEs at grades A*-C
- Advanced level is the equivalent of 3 A-Levels or 360 UCAS points
Please visit the Welsh Baccalaureate website| for more information. The website contains guides and leaflets for different audiences including students, employers and admissions tutors. Further information for employers, parents/learners and teachers/careers advsiors is available below.
Further information
Information for employers
|Foundation Local Government example
0.06Mb| |Intermediate Army Example
0.06Mb| |Advanced Housing example
0.06Mb| |Preparing for Work Experience
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Information for parents and learners
|Health records Employment flowchart - IAG
0.05Mb| |Diplomatic Service Employment flowchart - IAG
0.05Mb| |Housing Employment flowchart - IAG
0.05Mb| |Army Employment flowchart - IAG
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Information for teachers and careers advisors
|Briefing note for IAG pracitioners
0.05Mb| |How to engage with employers - WBQ
0.10Mb| |Foundation App Learning Central Government
0.05Mb| |Foundation App Learning Civil Contingencies
0.05Mb| |Foundation App Learning Health & Wellbeing
0.06Mb| |Foundation App Learning Police
0.06Mb| |Intermediate App Learning Emergency Services
0.06Mb| |Intermediate App Learning Health careers
0.05Mb| |Intermediate App Learning Local Authority
0.05Mb| |Intermediate App Learning Public campaigns
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