The Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification, also known as WBQ or Welsh Bac, is a pre-university qualification which may be offered in the future to schools and colleges in Wales. If offered, the WBQ would replace A-levels and possibly many other courses and tests. 31 schools and colleges are running a pilot scheme as of 2005. The Welsh Assembly Government intends that one quarter of Welsh students will be studying for the qualification by 2010.

Criticism

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The Welsh Bac has come under criticism from many students who believe that the programme is a waste of time they could have spent studying for their selected A-level courses. Another criticism of the programme is that many of the areas and skills taught are ones that students are already aware of.

See also

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• Education in Wales

External links

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• WBQ Official site
• EducationGuardian.co.uk - "The baccalaureate explained"