The local curricula

116AFormation 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.