Awdurdod Cymwysterau, Cwricwlwm ac Asesu Cymru (ACCAC), the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales, is the main advisory body on all aspects of the school curriculum, examinations, assessment and vocational qualifications. The National Curriculum Orders for Wales are broadly similar to those in England.

Key Stage 3 Assessment

At the end of KS3, students are tested in the core subjects of English, science, maths and Welsh (for pupils studying Welsh as a first language). Science and maths may also be taken in Welsh. All tests are marked externally. There is no extension paper available.

Most tests consist of two papers per subject, not more than 1 hour 15 minutes long.

The papers are tiered: teachers will recommend which tier your child will sit.

Grades are based on National Curriculum levels, which range from 3 to 7.

Most students are expected to gain a Level 5 or 6.

Students are also given a Teacher Assessment, similarly based on National Curriculum levels. The Teacher Assessment is given equal weighting with the test results. Students not expected to gain Level 3 will be given a Teacher Assessment only.

GCSEs

These exams are usually sat at the end of Year 11, when students are 16.

Grades are awarded from A to G.

The Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) makes provision for Welsh entries in most subjects.

Obligatory subjects are maths and English and Welsh (in Welsh-speaking schools), as well as a science, a modern foreign language and design and technology.

The student can opt for a variety of other GCSE courses.

Information technology, physical education, religious education, sex education and careers guidance are also mandatory and run alongside GCSE studies.

GNVQs are offered in areas such as Leisure and Tourism. Students create portfolios of work for assessment. The VCE and AVCE are also vocational courses.

Based on an article by Lorna Smith

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