The Learning Country: A Paving Document. A Comprehensive Education and Lifelong Learning Programme to 2010 in Wales.

Overview & Synopsis

This document proposes a comprehensive education and lifelong learning program for Wales through 2010. The primary goal of the proposal is to transform Wales into a learning country where high-quality, lifelong learning provides the skills people need to prosper in the new economy, liberates talent, extends opportunities, and empowers communities. The proposal places strong emphasis on partnership with local communities to meet locally determined needs and priorities more flexibly and precisely and on promoting lifelong learning with consistent commitment to the following goals: realize sustainability; tackle social disadvantage; promote equality of opportunity; and sustain an environment that celebrates diversity and makes genuine progress toward realizing the benefits of bilingualism. Chapters 1-10 discuss the following aspects of developing a comprehensive education and lifelong learning program for Wales: (1) differences between England and Wales that necessitate different educational policies and practices; (2) solid foundations in the early years; (3) the vision of comprehensive education and lifelong learning; (4) learning and equality of opportunity; (5) progress and practitioners; (6) beyond compulsory education; (7) access and the future of higher education; and (8) outcomes. Contact addresses and a list of abbreviations are appended. The Learning Skills Development Agency's response to the proposal is also included. (MN)