The consultation was held between January and March

Jane Hutt revealed the revised curriculum for children ranging from three to 19 years, following an extensive consultation.

She said the changes would make a difference to pupils' career prospects.

However, the National Union of Teachers (NUT) said the changes could mean an increase in teachers' workload.

Ms Hutt said on Tuesday the revisions would promote bilingualism and "embrace the 'Curriculum Cymreig' - a curriculum that is set in the Welsh context and deals with matters and issues relevant to Wales while ensuring wider international perspectives".

Budget

A range of personal and social issues are covered, including personal relationships, diet and health, money management, sustainable living, first aid and citizenship.

Ms Hutt said the revised curriculum would better prepare individuals for life in the 21st century.

The changes will mean a greater emphasis on money management, so that students could be taught everything from how to live within a budget to the pros and cons of credit cards.

Health and well-being will also be on the timetable in addition to first aid training.

Rhys Williams from NUT Cymru said that while they believed the new subjects were a good idea, they were concerned whether teachers would be capable of teaching every single subject.

"I think the strategy needs to be thought out well," he said.

"Not all teachers are perfect examples of healthy eating and good diet. Is that going to effect their credibility to teach health and diet to children?"

Mr Williams suggested that schools could invite experts into schools to give talks but said teachers would also need training and resources.

"Most teachers don't mind the principle of teaching these subjects for the benefit and welfare of the children, it's just you have got to be helped and supported and you have got to have the resrouces," he said.

'Raise standards'

Ms Hutt said: "This revised curriculum will help raise standards of performance, and will enable our young people to make valuable contributions to the social, cultural and economic life of our country.

"It maintains the best tradition of our established model, whilst placing a firm and clear emphasis on the skills needed to widen educational opportunities and raise standards of achievement."

The consultation on the school curriculum was held between January and March.