<p>The Welsh Baccalaureate</p>

Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Education – in the Senedd at 1:34 pm on 10 May 2017.

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Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat 1:34, 10 May 2017

Can I thank the Member for her question and observation? But, let me be absolutely clear, the Welsh baccalaureate aims to provide young people in Wales with added breadth to their learning and supports them in the acquisition of skills, which I feel are desirable both to universities and to employers. Now, the components’ flexibilities allow centres to cater for students’ individual needs, providing a platform for students to explore and increase their in-depth, subject-specific knowledge. When it comes to institutions accepting the Welsh baccalaureate, let me be clear that the vast majority of universities take the Welsh baccalaureate. It has been designated Universities and Colleges Admissions Service points by Qualifications Wales because of the high, rigorous standards that are involved, and I come across young people and parents all the time who tell me that their child has gained a place in a prestigious university on the basis of the Welsh bac qualification. For instance, a young lady that just took work experience with me who will begin her degree course in Cardiff this September. Only this week, Tudur Owen, the Welsh language comedian, was telling me at the teaching awards that his son gained his place at Bristol University last year on the basis of his Welsh baccalaureate. Let’s be absolutely clear: this qualification adds value to student, and it does not take away from their opportunities to study at the most prestigious universities, whether that be here in Wales or anywhere else.