Learning and Skills (Wales) Measure 2009

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.”