Qualification type: Level 3 GCE AS & GCE A

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (Level 3) is an innovative qualification that promotes learning inside and outside of the classroom, providing learners with opportunities to select their own areas of study whilst advancing their skills of Planning and Organisation; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Creativity and Innovation; and Personal Effectiveness (the ‘Integral Skills’). Building on their achievements at level 2, the qualification helps learners develop complex skills, attributes and behaviours and provides experiences which enable them to be better prepared for their future destination, whether higher education, apprenticeships, training or employment.

The qualification is primarily designed for learners aged 16-19 who are following level 3 programmes of study, such as a combination of A levels and vocational qualifications.

It has a focus on applied learning, i.e., acquiring and applying knowledge, skills and understanding through purposeful tasks set in contexts that are relevant and current and that encourage learners to participate in critical and civil engagement, and to consider their wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.

The 7 skills involve complexity; they are multi-faceted including many different but connected parts. These skills are assessed across the 4 components: Enterprise and Employability Challenge, Global Citizenship Challenge, Community Challenge and the Individual Project. Learners must pass all components and the marks are totalled to provide a grade A*, A, B, C, D, E, U equivalent to an A level. This is the grade that will be included in UCAS offers.

Assessment
Qualification Structure The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification is made up of three units referred to as Projects. None of these are exam based. 1. The Global Community Project supports learners to develop and demonstrate application of the Integral Skills whilst considering complex global issues and participating in local community activities (at least 15 hours) to promote citizenship in a sustainable world and Wales. (25%) 2. The Future Destination Project supports learners to develop and demonstrate application of the Integral Skills whilst exploring future destination goals for life, employability and citizenship in a sustainable world and Wales. (25%)