Make options clear post-GCSE - Kirsty Williams (Kirsty Williams AM )

Cymraeg
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Kirsty Williams AM <info@kirstywilliams.org.uk>

Make options clear post-GCSE - Kirsty Williams

August 22, 2007 2:00 PM

Kirsty Williams AM today congratulated students picking up their GCSE results, and called on the Government to be clearer on the path of post-16 education.

Ms Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson said: "I congratulate all those who will receive their results today - and the teachers who helped them. Their hard work and focus will have earned them their reward, and set the standard for next year's students to follow.

"I am also pleased to see that more students have taken advantage of vocational GCSEs that are on offer. Providing more opportunities to learn is the way to ensure every student reach their potential.

"The new government should continue this approach with post-16 education, and let us know where they are going with A-Levels. The whole point of introducing the Welsh Baccalaureate was to offer a broader qualification. If - as we are constantly told - the Bacc is a success, then we should be ensuring it is available to all students in Wales.

"But the government has fudged the question. Labour and Plaid Cymru's deal was silent on the future of A Levels. If the Bacc is successful, lets be bold, and make it available to everyone. The government's indecision is forcing students to make their choices without a clear lead. The next generation of teenagers need more certainty about what plans the government has for post-16 education."