Secondary education in Wales facts for kids

Secondary education in Wales is for students aged 11 to 15. It covers two main parts of the National Curriculum: Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. This is where you learn many important subjects before taking your final exams.

School Years and Learning Stages

This section explains the different school years and what you learn in each part.

Key Stage 3: Years 7, 8, and 9

Key Stage 3 includes school years 7, 8, and 9.

• Year 7: You are usually 11 years old by August 31st.
• Year 8: You are usually 12 years old by August 31st.
• Year 9: You are usually 13 years old by August 31st.

During Key Stage 3, schools must teach certain subjects. These include core subjects like English, Welsh, mathematics, and science. There are also many other subjects. These are called non-core subjects. They include Welsh as a second language, modern foreign languages, design and technology, information technology, history, geography, art, music, and physical education. Schools also teach religious education, sex education, and personal and social education.

Key Stage 4: Years 10 and 11

Key Stage 4 includes school years 10 and 11.

• Year 10: You are usually 14 years old by August 31st.
• Year 11: You are usually 15 years old by August 31st. This is when you take your GCSE exams.

At Key Stage 4, fewer subjects are compulsory. You must study English, Welsh (or Welsh as a second language), mathematics, science, and physical education. Schools can offer more choices to fit what students are interested in. Most students at this stage work towards their GCSE qualifications. Schools also provide careers education and guidance for students aged 13 to 16. They also teach work-related education for 14 to 16-year-olds.

Checking Your Progress

Schools regularly check how students are doing. This helps teachers understand what students have learned in each subject. It also shows how much progress students have made by the end of different key stages. These stages are usually around ages 6–7, 10–11, and 13–14.

In the past, there were national tests at the end of each key stage.

• For 6–7 year olds (Key Stage 1), most students were expected to reach Level 2.
• For 10–11 year olds (Key Stage 2), most students were expected to reach Level 4.
• For 13–14 year olds (Key Stage 3), most students were expected to reach Level 5.

The way tests were done changed over time. In 2001, Wales decided not to publish secondary school league tables anymore. These tables ranked schools based on test results. This was a big change compared to England.

In 2002, the Welsh Assembly decided to stop the national tests for Key Stage 1. Later, in 2005 and 2006, the tests for Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 also became optional. Now, schools mainly use teacher assessments to show student progress.

The Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification was introduced in 2003. It is a program that helps students develop important skills. It is available at different levels for students aged 14 to 19.

How Students are Doing

People in Wales are always working to make education better. In 2013, some people felt that Welsh students were not doing as well as students in other parts of the UK or Europe. They wanted to see improvements.

One concern was that some students might not be encouraged to apply to top universities outside Wales. The Welsh government has been working to improve the Welsh Baccalaureate. They also want to encourage all students to aim high and achieve their best. Teachers also want to do their best for their students.