Plaid’s Shadow Local Government Minister Dr Dai Lloyd AM today welcomed the latest GCSE results. The Plaid Cymru AM commented:

"These results show that Welsh pupils are once again outperforming students across the border and they and their teachers should be congratulated on their results. Let’s not get into a debate regarding the dumbing down of exams. As adults we should stop trying to play down these results, and stop devaluing the hard work of our young people. If we're not happy with the system, it’ s up to us to change it, after all the students are only performing to a system we've set for them.”

Dr Lloyd continued:

“While the students who completed their courses and attained Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate Diploma qualifications should be congratulated, a recent evaluation of the pilot programme has raised important questions regarding the high level of non-completion rates in certain pilot areas. Plaid Cymru will be taking every opportunity to raise these important issues regarding the Welsh Bacc with the Education Minister.

"When creating the Welsh Bacc, the New Labour Government chose not to look at the International Baccalaureate and adapt it according to Wales' needs, but instead chose to create a new qualification, which inevitable has brought about problems. They have a duty now to act on the findings that show worrying non-completion trends."

Diwedd/Ends.