48.Section 11(1) to (3) establishes the Welsh learning goals for school language categories, which are based on the common reference levels (found in the Table in Schedule 1). The effect of section 9(1) is that the Welsh language learning goal for a school depends on its language category. Section 14 provides that a delivery plan must include the school's proposals in relation to achieving the school’s Welsh language learning goal.
49.The learning goals are as follows:
50.The purpose of the Welsh language learning goals is that they are fixed and overarching ones that will serve as a backdrop to the planning of Welsh language education provision in schools.
51.Regulations will specify dates for upgrading the learning goals for schools in the ”Dual Language” category and in the “Primarily English Language, partly Welsh” category.
52.As the learning goals in section 11 are based on pupils reaching a specific common reference level by the time they cease to be of compulsory school age, section 11(4) sets out how the Welsh language learning goals are to be interpreted in the context of primary schools. In considering the learning goals for a primary school it must be assumed that their pupils will remain in a school of the same category when they receive their secondary education. The effect of the assumption is that the school must assume that the pupils stay in a school of the same category, rather than expecting that to happen.
53.Section 11(5) places a similar duty on the Welsh Ministers to the duty imposed by section 10(5), that they must have regard to the likely impact of the learning goals on achieving the targets set by the Welsh language strategy in accordance with section 1 when they decide when to upgrade the learning goals by regulations. As this includes the target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050, the decision on upgrading the learning goals will be made with specific regard to the timetable for reaching the million by 2050.
54.Section 11(6) defines the term ”B2 common reference level for oral interaction“, and the term “year group”.
Commentary on Sections School language categories Section 11 - Welsh language learning goals for each language category