Jane Davidson wants education changed

The examination will be vocational and academic and teachers believe it will make college leavers more attractive to potential employers.

The Welsh Assembly's Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Jane Davidson said: "The Welsh Baccalaureate is distinctive, modern and proudly Welsh.

"It will help students show Key Skills and centres on learning-by-doing.

"It will be the first ever distinctive programme for 16-19 year olds in Wales."

The idea to produce a new qualification in Wales was conceived eight months ago and in September 2003, the first pilot schemes will be rolled out to students.

Deeside College have said they are delighted to be included in reshaping education in Wales.

People will have more breadth to their learning and there will be more subject matter for them to learn

David Jones, Vice Principal, Deeside College

Vice principal David Jones believes it will encourage more youngsters to stay in full-time education.

"People will have more breadth to their learning and there will be more subject matter for them to learn.

"They could study normal A-level subjects or more general subjects such as engineering or citizenship classes."

Mr Jones added: "It will make the students who take the Welsh Baccalaureate more employable and give equal footing to vocational and academic qualifications."

The Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) has been charged with delivering the new programme.

The organisation has been granted £600,000 for the trial.

The Welsh Baccalaureate will create a broader range of subjects for sixth formers.

A levels could run alongside the new qualification

Ms Davidson believes the emphasis will be placed on a less specialised academic education.

"It will guarantee young people opportunities to explore political, social, economic and cultural issues; develop personally, emotionally and morally; learn about enterprise and the workplace and take part in serving the community."

She added: "This new approach to education is all about inclusion, retention, completion and achievement.

"It recognises a "spread" of learning and experience - both specialist studies and broader learning - a spread of learning which our young people should be aiming for."

The qualification was first discussed in 1993 by the Institute of Welsh Affairs.