Written question WQ96228

The Curriculum for Wales provides schools with the flexibility to develop a curriculum that meets the needs of learners in their local and national contexts, and this includes learning on rural and agricultural topics. Sustainability is a core theme throughout the curriculum, aiming to help learners understand the interconnected nature of economic, environmental, and social sustainability, and the importance of learning about food production and local nutritious food.

In 2022, Qualifications Wales undertook an agriculture, horticulture and animal care sector review and are currently taking steps to address the issues identified in that review. They are working with awarding bodies to develop a new suite of post-16 bilingual land-based qualifications that will include relevant and engaging content on a range of topics relevant to British agriculture.

In September 2027, there will also be new VCSEs and Foundation qualifications in agriculture, as part of the new National Qualifications for learners aged 14-16, to support the new Curriculum for Wales. These qualifications should include a range of content relevant to British agriculture.

Qualifications Wales also lead a land-based Sector Qualification Group, which includes representatives from Further Education colleges, Work Based Learning providers, and sixth form secondary schools which provides a platform for discussion on topics relating to land-based qualifications.