Written question WQ98067
- Asked by
- Sam RowlandsConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Education
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 4 days
Question
What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with the outdoor education sector regarding Qualification Wales's decision to remove the level 1 and level 2 Learning in the Outdoors programmes?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Education
My officials attend meetings of the Wales Council for Outdoor Learning. Qualifications Wales, as the independent regulator of qualifications in Wales, has also engaged with outdoor education sector leads during the development of new National 14 to 16 Qualifications.
Agored Cymru’s Learning in the Outdoors qualifications will be withdrawn from September 2027, as Qualifications Wales has judged them to be the same as, or similar to, the new National 14–16 Qualifications. From September 2027, schools and learners will be able to select from the full range of new National 14-16 Qualifications, including Skills for Life and Work and VCSE qualifications. These will help learners to develop practical skills aligned to their strengths, interests and future plans, and provide opportunities for outdoor learning.
I am aware Agored Cymru are developing these new qualifications for Qualifications Wales’s approval which provides the opportunity to build on their existing experience and expertise.