Secondary (Ages 11-16)
From the age of 11-16, a child's education is divided into two main stages. These are known as:
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Key Stage 3 - the first phase of compulsory secondary education (ages 11-14)
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Key Stage 4 - the second phase of compulsory secondary education (ages 14-16)
The school curriculum
Secondary schools in Wales must, by law, teach the basic and the National Curriculum to their pupils. The five years of the secondary phase are divided into two key stages. Key Stage 3 covers the three years from ages 11-14, and Key Stage 4 the two years from ages 14-16.
The basic curriculum consists of religious education, sex education, and personal and social education, and from September 2004, will include work related education for 14-16-year-olds. Schools must also provide careers education and guidance for all 13-16-year-olds.
At Key Stage 3, the National Curriculum consists of:
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core subjects - English and Welsh, mathematics and science, and
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non-core subjects - Welsh second language, modern foreign languages, design and technology, information technology, history, geography, art, music, physical education and religious education.
At Key Stage 4, only five National Curriculum subjects are mandatory:
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English
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Welsh or Welsh second language
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mathematics
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science
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physical education
This gives schools greater flexibility to provide optional subjects that meet the needs, interests and aspirations of their pupils. The majority of learners at this key stage follow courses leading to external qualifications, principally GCSE.
Assessment and qualifications
At the end of Key Stage 3, statutory teacher assessments are required for all 14-year-olds in all National Curriculum subjects, both core and non-core.
At Key Stage 4, although there is no legal requirement to enter pupils for GCSE examinations in National Curriculum subjects, the Minister for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills expects governing bodies to enter pupils for the relevant examinations, where they would be expected to achieve Grade G or better.
Key areas of related work
The Welsh Assembly Government is currently reviewing the provision to be made for all 14-19 year olds in Wales through 'Learning Pathways 14-19'. This includes the piloting of the 'Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification'. ACCAC, a former Assembly Sponsored Public Body (ASPB) whose functions are now part of the Department for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, contributed to the 14-19 Learning Pathways work, including reviewing the National Curriculum at Key Stage 4 and developing the Continuum of Learning 14-19.
For more information visit the Welsh Assembly Government website|