Learning and Skills (Wales) Measure 2009

Formation of local curricula

4 Formation of local curricula for pupils in Key Stage 4

After section 116 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32) insert—

“The local curricula

116A Formation of local curricula for pupils in Key Stage 4

(1) Each local education authority in Wales must form for its area one or more local curricula for pupils in the fourth key stage.

(2) A local curriculum must consist of suitable courses of study each of which—

(a) falls within a category in subsection (3) (the “learning domains”); and

(b) is from time to time selected by a local education authority to form part of that local curriculum.

(3) The learning domains are—

(a) mathematics, science and technology;

(b) business, administration and law;

(c) services for people;

(d) arts, media, culture and languages;

(e) humanities, social sciences and preparation for life and work.

(4) Subject to any regulations made under subsection (5), a local education authority may form a local curriculum as it sees fit.

(5) Regulations may make provision as to the formation of a local curriculum, including in particular provision—

(a) requiring a minimum number of courses of study to be included within—

(i) a local curriculum; or

(ii) a particular learning domain of a local curriculum;

(b) specifying—

(i) a minimum proportion of vocational courses of study (as compared with other courses of study) that must be included within a local curriculum; or

(ii) a minimum number of vocational courses of study that must be included within a local curriculum;

(c) preventing during a specified period any alteration to the contents of a local curriculum.

(6) For the purposes of this section—

(a) a course of study is suitable if it is designated as suitable for inclusion in local curricula by direction given by the Welsh Ministers;

(b) a vocational course of study is a course of study designated as such by direction given by the Welsh Ministers;

(c) a course of study falls within a particular learning domain if a direction of the Welsh Ministers so provides.

(7) Regulations under subsection (5) may make different provision in relation to local curricula formed by different local education authorities.”

5 Local curricula: Welsh language

After section 116A of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32) insert—

“116B Local curricula: Welsh language

(1) Each local education authority must exercise their functions in relation to local curricula so as to promote access to and availability of courses of study which are taught through the medium of the Welsh language.

(2) In the discharge of its duty under subsection (1), a local education authority must have regard to any guidance given by the Welsh Ministers.

(3) Guidance under subsection (2) may be given to a particular authority, or to authorities of a particular class or to authorities generally.

(4) Within two months of the end of each academic year, a local education authority must, in accordance with any instructions given by the Welsh Ministers, provide the Welsh Ministers with a report which—

(a) describes the courses of study included within local curricula established by the authority for that academic year which were to be taught through the medium of Welsh;

(b) describes how many pupils elected to follow such courses under section 116D and how many pupils were entitled to follow such courses under section 116E;

(c) explains what the authority plans to do in academic years following that to which the report relates so that registered pupils of schools maintained by the authority are given the opportunity to follow local curricula courses of study which are taught through the medium of Welsh.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (4), “academic year” means the period of 12 months beginning on 1 September.”

6 Authorities with more than one local curriculum

After section 116B of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32) insert—

“116C Authorities with more than one local curriculum

(1) This section applies where a local education authority forms more than one local curriculum under section 116A.

(2) In relation to each local curriculum, the local education authority must designate the maintained secondary schools whose registered pupils are to be entitled to elect under section 116D to follow courses of study included within the curriculum.”