New qualification showcased during international visit
WJEC joined ColegauCymru at a recent visit to Barcelona to showcase and develop international teaching methods as part of WJEC’s new Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification.
In February, 21 representatives from 11 FE colleges across Wales attended a 5-day interactive exchange to explore innovative ways to internationalise teaching and learning in Wales.
The visit was led by ColegauCymru staff and was facilitated by their learning partner, Nexgen. As part of the visit, Emma Vincent, WJEC’s FE Support Officer for the new Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales worked alongside college staff to co-create an overseas mobility programme for learners as part of the qualification. This new programme is designed to allow learners to take part in overseas learning, enabling them to showcase their skills within an international setting.
Commenting on the visit is Emma Vincent, FE Support Officer for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales at WJEC: “We were thrilled to present the new Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales on a global platform. This new and innovative qualification has been designed to support learners to become effective, responsible, and active citizens. Incorporating international elements to the teaching and learning will enhance the opportunities this qualification offers learners.
“We are grateful to ColegauCymru and Nexgen for hosting this event, which provided an opportunity for us to strengthen our partnership with colleges across Wales. The event enabled us to further enhance colleges' understanding of the requirements of the qualification as they prepare to deliver from September 2023.
“The workshops enabled colleges to co-create innovative and inspirational activities for skill development, which is the central focus of the qualification. By harnessing international teaching and learning, we can create practical opportunities for learners to showcase their skills."
Siân Holleran, Project Manager at ColegauCymru said: “This was an exciting opportunity for the FE sector to explore innovative ways to internationalise teaching and learning particularly in relation to the new Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. We were pleased that Emma was able to work alongside Nexgen to deliver the training in Barcelona; her expert input was invaluable to the success of the programme. Since our return, I am aware of some exciting projects that are already being developed in the sector to incorporate ideas from the training into future learner visits."
During their stay, attendees had the chance to visit and participate in a series of workshops across the iconic Spanish city, including TeamLabs and 42 Barcelona. These workshops inspired attendees to develop innovative international opportunities which can be offered through the new qualification.
Commenting on the trip was Naomi Davies, Core Skills Manager at Neath College: “The week provided a fabulous experience to understand much more about the new Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and our discussions on the new qualification were insightful and productive, which will make such a positive impact on the future of the new qualification. It is clear there is much potential for collaboration and international teaching and learning across the new qualification. I look forward to continuing these partnerships and for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead!"
View pictures from the trip on our Facebook page.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales – enabling Wales’ learners to flourish in a global market
WJEC’s new Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification is set to develop the skills needed by business, public services, and universities across the UK and internationally.
The unique will be taught in schools across Wales from September 2023, and has been designed for learners aged 16-19 to take alongside other Level 3 qualifications such as A levels.
During the two-year course, learners will take part in a variety of exciting and engaging activities and context based on the United Nations sustainable development agenda and Wales’s Wellbeing Goals as defined by the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales).
For further information contact our subject team today:
Caroline Morgan, Subject Officer
029 2026 5319