Author Archives: derekeditor

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As Curriculum for Wales continues to roll out, more and more schools and colleagues are working together on co-constructing relevant, engaging curricula for their pupils. Stories abound of the genuine joy – and hard work – of working together to create something new.

Many schools have also been kind enough to share their stories and help create case studies that share the process and the journey – for it is a journey.

So a huge thanks to you. To all practitioners, all education workers in Wales, for your work and passion which is a profound investment in the future of our young people.

Have a lovely Christmas, and may the words of two stars of a recent case study film (about teachers returning to Wales to teach) ring in your ears as you reach the end of term.

With thanks to the pupils and staff at Ysgol Gymunedol Trimsaran.

The case study section on Hwb is here.

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“I’m learning a lot, listening to what people are doing.”

A series of workshops is underway, giving practitioners valuable insights into the approaches others are taking to ensure their curriculum supports equity and inclusion for all their learners, as well as sharing their experiences.  Dates are available now for events in January and February, and practitioners can register using the link below.

The events include a marketplace session to meet and connect with organisations in your region that can support staff and learners with aspects of equity and inclusion.

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Oliver Stacey, Senior Qualifications Manager at Qualifications Wales, has been at the heart of work to reform qualifications for 14 to 16-year-olds in Wales. He reflects on the collaborative approach that led to the development of these new qualifications, and the next steps on the journey.

There have been fundamental changes in education in Wales in recent years. The Curriculum for Wales has brought about a major shift in what children learn and how they’re taught. So, in support of the Curriculum, we’re developing a range of new and exciting qualifications, designed to ensure that our young people will leave education qualified for the future.

We know that GCSEs and other qualifications for 14 to 16-year-olds have a considerable influence on the way that learners in Years 10 and 11 experience the Curriculum. So, we’ve developed new and updated qualifications to support that learning, starting with Made-for-Wales GCSEs.

It is essential that these qualifications reflect the Curriculum’s six areas of learning and experience (AoLEs), as well as supporting learners to realise its four purposes. We’ve delved deep into the GCSE offer, as well as into other qualifications that are available, keeping these considerations central to our reform work in the 14-16 qualifications space.

We have managed the reform of GCSEs and the wider offer of qualifications available to 14 to 16-year-olds separately, as distinct programmes of work, to give both areas the focus they require. We’re looking forward to sharing the findings and decisions in early 2024.

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For the first time since 2019, headteachers came together in Cardiff to hear Minister Jeremy Miles give a keynote speech, put questions to him, and take part in workshops led by fellow headteachers, followed by a panel discussion involving Estyn, Qualifications Wales, Swansea Council and the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research.

Workshop topics focused on learning after Covid, addressing learning policy 14-16 (in advance of a consultation early in 2024); learning which is inclusive, interesting and relevant but also aspirational; family engagement; effective practice in Additional Learning Needs; and yes, headteacher well-being. All sessions were recorded.

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A consultation opened on 21^st November, exploring options for changing the school calendar. Changes are aimed at enhancing pupil and staff well-being and supporting teaching and learning, with breaks being spread out more evenly. The first change would create a 2-week half term autumn break, reducing the summer break by one week. The amount of teaching days and holidays will not change.

One reason for the proposed change is that the current school calendar has an autumn term longer than others. Research suggests this term is tiring and challenging for learners and staff, as more teaching is squeezed into it than any other.

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The National Network was created by Welsh Government with practitioners as a forum to discuss Curriculum for Wales implementation and practice. It meets again on 29^th November.

This virtual session will focus on developing a shared understanding of progression using resources including Understanding curriculum in practice: Camau i’r Dyfodol , and designing curriculum with progression in mind using resources developed during a recent curriculum design pilot project: Curriculum Design Pilot 2023.

Colleagues from across Wales will take part, and practitioners can register to attend here: Sgwrs Rhydwaith Cenedlaethol Cwricwlwm a Chynnydd/ National Network Conversation Curriculum and Progression

Also see the resources from previous sessions here.

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Adnodd, the new arm’s-length body which will oversee the provision of educational resources in Wales, has appointed Emyr George as its first new chief executive.

Established earlier this year, Adnodd will be the one-stop shop for bilingual education resources. It will oversee the commissioning and provision of high-quality teaching and learning materials to support the Curriculum for Wales, and the roll-out of new qualifications for learners aged 14-16.

More recently, Emyr has been leading on high-profile reforms of qualifications to support the new Curriculum for Wales, including a brand-new set of ‘Made-for-Wales’ GCSEs.

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The Curriculum for Wales Framework guidance is updated annually in January. A consultation on some of the proposed changes for 2024 is open until 13^th November, and your feedback is welcomed.

Significantly, the ‘Journey to curriculum roll-out’ section is proposed to be replaced by   ‘Continuing the journey, reflecting that all schools are now using Curriculum for Wales. This will become statutory guidance in line with the rest of the Framework guidance.

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With a new inspection cycle starting in September 2024, we’re keen to hear your views on how we can best design and deliver our arrangements. The changes we adopt will build on the work we’ve already undertaken to evolve our practices.

Our aim is to bring external inspection and providers’ internal evaluation processes closer together. Better alignment of these processes will help support our ambition to improve the quality of education and training for children, young people, and lifelong learners.

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New resources designed to help practitioners explore assessment arrangements within Curriculum for Wales are now available on Hwb.

The resource ‘playlists’ are a suite of professional learning modules aimed at supporting practitioners, schools and clusters to develop classroom assessment practice.

The first tranche of the new playlists will focus on ‘Creating the Culture’ to enable evolution of assessment practice.  More playlists will be developed over the year to explore other aspects of assessment.

Whilst the playlists are available here, they can also be found via the ‘Workshops and activities’ resource section on Hwb which features a range of supporting materials for curriculum and assessment.