Subject debate needed, says Welsh education minister

February 15 2011

A national debate is needed on the future of A-level and vocational subject choices, according to Welsh education minister Leighton Andrews.

It is important that young people are given the right guidance and choose subjects that will equip them with the skills they need for the future.

"We know there are subjects where some universities want the focus to be. We also know there are some qualifications that employers don't want. It's my responsibility to ensure that Welsh schools and FE colleges focus on what matters when it comes to skills and qualifications," Mr Andrews commented.

"A recent paper from the Russell Group of universities frowned on certain subjects at A-level. It made me raise the question, should we be looking in Wales at a narrower range of subjects?"

The Russell Group published its first ever guide on post-16 subject choices earlier this year.

Dr Wendy Piatt, the organisation's director general, said it is important that young people are given advice on how to maximise their opportunities.

Posted by Andrew Jones

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