The revised and more rigorous Welsh Baccalaureate at Key Stage 4 is based on the attainment of the graded Skills Challenge Certificate, GCSE Qualifications in English, Maths, Science and 5 other subjects. The Welsh Baccalaureate is also a statutory element of the Key Stage 5 curriculum for Advanced Level. To achieve the Level 3 Welsh Baccalaureate qualification, the Skills Challenge Certificate must be supported by GCSE English and Maths plus 2 other A level passes. The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate A level is now included by many universities as part of their entry offers to potential students.
The primary aim of the Skills Challenge is to enable learners to develop and demonstrate an understanding of and proficiency in using essential skills such as communication, numeracy, digital literacy, planning and organisation, creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, and personal effectiveness. This new course at both key stages 4 and 5 is designed to develop the vital learning and life skills sought after by today’s employers and centres of Higher Education
The learning emphasis is based on purposeful learning situations which provide opportunities for pupils to engage in a range of real life skills and experiences through the completion of three Challenge Briefs based on Global, Community and Enterprise issues, together with an Individual Research Project worth 50% of the course in both key stages.