Welsh BaccalaureatePrincipal Learning in IT

Strategic Context

Peter Sishton

Our world is changingOur world is changing

What does this mean for Wales…. Its future economic success and its

young people?

• Our world is increasingly digital– Today’s young people need to be equipped to thrive and

contribute in a fast paced e-economy

• The global IT industry– The UK IT industry is still growing 5 – 8 times faster than the UK

average- 10 times faster in Wales!– IT represents a significant element of the UK GDP– Commodity IT services are increasingly provided outside UK Plc– UK demand is up the value chain - business innovation, IT-

enabled process change, customer support roles

• The knowledge economy– Increasing needs for higher-level skills and lifelong learning – Adaptable workforce managing constant change – High level IT skills needed across the workforce (professionals,

managers)

Our world is Our world is changing…..Rational for PLQchanging…..Rational for PLQ

• Incorporated into the Welsh Baccalaureate structure from 2009

• Leverages the three year investment made in England in the ‘Diploma in IT’ and brings this to our young people

• Underpins the e-skills ‘Strategic Plan for Wales’• Is sponsored by the Employers Forum for Wales • Is a curriculum driven by Employers and business

needs…..• …..Working in partnership with education providers,

Careers Wales, employers, NHS Wales, Awarding Bodies, NGFL, schools and 14-19 networks

• …..To give students an opportunity to learn the applied IT skills that will equip them to be professionals in an IT led economy

The Principal Learning in ITThe Principal Learning in IT

Support for PLQ

• WAG Policy (ERP and Digital Wales)• Employers• Careers Wales • Informing Health Care• HE (visits/CPD/Projects)• FE• FSB• Awarding Bodies• NGFL

CASE STUDIES

Examples of the right ingredients for

Success- no evidence of this opportunity

being undertaken to date:-

• Network planning (marketing, partnership, CPD of teachers)

• Delivery 50% applied learning – new curriculum

Employer Strategy

Employers are key are the main key to success of the qualification

Careers Wales EBP and employer networks are key to the success of this initiative

Protocols have developed over the last year or so- see Careers Wales paper

www.e-skills.com/welshbachttp://www.e-skills.com/Around-the-UK/Wales/2539

The Principal Learning in IT and The Principal Learning in IT and Welsh LMIWelsh LMI