Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg
Nia Evans – Professional Advisor – Foundation Learning
Gayle Shenton and I are currently on secondment to the Welsh Government. Our mission is to strengthen early education pedagogy and ensure the Enabling learning guidance is embedded fully across the sector.
Why is the Enabling learning so important?
Our recent Enabling learning National Network Conversations (NNC) have proven to be key in the journey towards understanding how Enabling learning can play a key role as the starting point as we plan, design and implement a developmentally and pedagogically appropriate curriculum for all learners in Wales.
We welcomed practitioners from across Wales and facilitated discussions and collaboration with non-maintained nursery providers, primary and special school leaders and practitioners along with staff from local authorities and regions who provide direct support to schools and settings. The events took place at Parc y Scarlets in the south and Venue Cymru in the north.
Pedagogy and curriculum development
The day started with a prerecorded video welcome from Professor Donaldson who reminded us of the importance of the Four Purposes of Curriculum for Wales and why it is essential that we build on the principles of effective pedagogy in the early years and along the continuum 3-16.
Next, we were thrilled to introduce Dr Stella Louis, an internationally renowned consultant, trainer and author. Stella provided an inspirational keynote relating to the importance of developmentally and pedagogically appropriate practice and the importance of ensuring that we meet the needs of the learners whatever their age, placing the child/learner at heart of our practice. “Education is about children”
Dr Louis shared her thoughts and experiences of how Enabling learning along with the five developmental pathways can support and guide practice across the age ranges, particularly primary in the context of this session.
“To know where to go, you need to know where you’ve come from”
Dr Louis’ expertise resonated deeply with attendees, emphasising the importance of understanding child and adolescent development as a core element of curriculum design and planning.
The initial discussion focused on how current practice reflects developmentally appropriate pedagogy and an understanding of child development, allowing educators to share their challenges and successes in implementing Enabling learning.
Participants were then given the opportunity to listen to guest practitioners from a range of settings, primary and special schools showcasing effective practice using Enabling learning to support and influence their curriculum and pedagogy. We were also joined by Cardiff MET who presented their research relating to the synergies between Enabling learning, Curriculum for Wales and Froebelian principles.
This collaborative environment fostered a strong sense of community and belonging among participants, promoting the exchange of ideas and strategies that can enhance our teaching and learning practices. The NNC events were very successful in providing support in curriculum planning and design, opportunities to network, and ensure everyone’s voice was heard and valued as a key part of the process for realisation of Curriculum for Wales for all learners.
The final session of the day was a Q&A panel led by presenters and guests on the day which included Estyn. There was plenty of opportunity for a wide range of questions relating to all aspects of curriculum and pedagogy.
We were grateful to Georgina Haarhoff, Director of Education, who rounded off the day reinforcing the importance of Enabling learning and its role in supporting the planning, designing and realisation of Curriculum for Wales.
Enabling Learning engagement sessions
Following on from the NNCs we also held a series of engagement sessions with senior leaders to develop their understanding of the importance of the Enabling learning guidance. The purpose being on how it can support planning, designing and implementing a pedagogically appropriate curriculum for all learners. These were open to all senior leaders of Primary, Secondary, all age and Special schools, as well as PRUs, in Wales and commenced over the Spring term.
Personal reflection:
The enthusiasm and commitment from practitioners and leaders following the NNCs and engagement events has been really encouraging. Feedback has been really positive and there have been some clear messages around the need for training related to child and adolescent development, collaboration across age ranges and further support for secondary schools. All in all, it has been a very worthwhile experience.
To access a copy of the summary report of the feedback from the National Network Conversation please click here: https://hwb.gov.wales/curriculum-for-wales/national-network-for-curriculum-implementation/past-conversations-and-analysis/
