Education

Welsh curriculum due for complete overhaul

Published

10 years ago

March 12, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Change in curriculum?: A new era of education.

A YEAR long review was published this week that will dramatically change the whole of the Welsh education system.

Prof Graham Donaldson, of Glasgow University, was tasked with the job of leading a wide-ranging review by the Welsh Government, the results of which call for a radical overhaul of Wales’ currently under performing schools’ programme.

At the top of the list of changes is the scrapping of the four key stages which he says has led to a disconnect for pupils and teachers alike, who he claims are seeing education as a series of blocks rather than one journey. He has called for the Literacy Numeracy Framework to continue, but would also introduce a new third cross-curricular subject, Digital Competence, to develop computer sciences amongst pupils. He also wants testing to be changed, suggesting pupils be tested less often, saying, ‘Testing can be an important learning tool and if I’d have to choose between accountability and learning, I’d go with learning every time.’ He also calls for schools to be able to interpret this new curriculum and tailor teaching to their own needs.

He proposes 6 areas of learning, as follows:

Expressive arts: drama, art, design
Health and well being: including tackling obesity, relationships and sex education
Humanities: history, geography, politics, RE and spirituality
Maths and numeracy
Science and technology
Languages, literacy and communication: including a greater emphasis on Welsh, which is to be seen as a modern way to communicate

NUT Wales Secretary, David Evans, said of the report: “It is extremely positive to have seen a review of this nature actively seek to understand the views of the teaching profession and allow those teachers to have a sense of ownership of what is recommended in the final report. It is absolutely critical now that what Professor Donaldson has set in motion is implemented fully in conjunction with the profession.”

Dr. Philip Dixon, Director of ATL Cymru, stated: “The Report challenges us all to take a step back and think deeply about why, what and how our children learn. Many of Donaldson’s recommendations, especially those around the proper place of testing, the true purpose of assessment, the promotion of creativity, and the need for breadth in the curriculum will be very welcome to the profession.”

Mid and West AM Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Education Minister Simon Thomas said: “We welcome Donaldson’s recommendation for a more agile and flexible curriculum that sets out objectives rather than overly-prescribing content. We have called for more freedom for teachers to be flexible and to challenge pupils in the classroom. We have long called for digital literacy to be given equal status to literacy and numeracy and for pupils to learn how to create as well as use technology.”

Welsh Assembly Education Minster, Huw Lewis said: “Professor Donaldson sets out a compelling, exciting and ambitious vision for a new curriculum in Wales. The scope and scale of the changes he envisages are both fundamental and wide ranging and will take time to create and secure. What we do know is that the sustained and active participation of educational practitioners and the wider community will be essential to building this new curriculum. Both Professor Donaldson and I are committed to ensuring that Wales’ new curriculum is one that is fit for the 21st century and one that is built by all of us.”

Professor Graham Donaldson said: “This report is called ‘Successful Futures’ because it signals the vital importance of schools to the future success of every child and young person in Wales. It is about better learning and higher standards; better learning because it draws on evidence from Wales and beyond to focus on what really matters in a modern school curriculum. Higher standards because it sets high expectations for learning and provides ways in which schools and teachers can help young people to meet, and often exceed, those expectations.”

Education

Milestone for Welsh Education in Pembrokeshire as Ysgol Gymraeg Bro opened

Published

8 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

EDUCATION Cabinet Secretary Lynne Neagle MS has officially opened Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro, a new £13.9 million Welsh-medium primary school in Pembroke.

The state-of-the-art facility, designed for pupils aged three to 11, was funded through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, alongside the Welsh Medium Capital Grant, the Childcare Offer Capital Grant, and Pembrokeshire County Council.

Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro welcomed its first pupils last September and currently has 148 children enrolled. The development includes:

A 33-place full-day childcare provision available year-round

A 30-place nursery

A 210-place primary school

The Cabinet Secretary was greeted at the school today (Thursday, January 30) by Cllr Steve Alderman, Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, and Executive Headteacher Dafydd Hughes.

Mr Hughes said the investment from the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council had created an outstanding educational facility. He described it as “an exciting new chapter for Welsh-medium education in Pembrokeshire, following in the footsteps of Ysgol Hafan y Môr in Tenby and Ysgol Caer Elen in Haverfordwest.”

Before unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion, Lynne Neagle told pupils: “It is a privilege to officially open this fantastic new school and see first-hand how it will empower the learners at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro, as well as providing Flying Start childcare.

“This investment, through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, reflects our commitment to Welsh-medium education and meeting the Cymraeg 2050 targets. I’m grateful to Pembrokeshire County Council and everyone who has helped make this remarkable facility a reality.”

The Minister later toured the school, seeing the new facilities in action.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said the new school marked a significant step forward in the Council’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP).

“This is yet another historic day for the Welsh language in Pembrokeshire,” he said. “The opening of a brand-new Welsh-medium school to serve the south-west of the county is a hugely significant milestone and a fitting tribute to the strong foundations laid by the former Welsh stream of Ysgol Gelli Aur / Golden Grove School.

“Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro demonstrates that the status of the Welsh language is being fully supported by Pembrokeshire County Council, and my sincere congratulations go to all those who have worked to make this possible.”

The main contractors for the project were Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd.

Education

Future Jobs Wales expands with new career insights

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CAREERS Wales has launched updates to its Future Jobs Wales resource, expanding its real-time job market data to include nine new sectors.

The online tool provides up-to-date labour market information (LMI) for industries and regions across Wales, helping individuals make informed career decisions.

Through an interactive webpage, users can explore industry trends, in-demand skills, and key employers. The platform also allows users to compare job market data at local, Welsh, and UK levels.

The newly added sectors include:

Digital
Care
Creative arts, media and culture
Retail and customer service
Manufacturing
Education
Agriculture and land
Tourism, hospitality, sport and leisure
Public services

Users can access insights such as:

Industry growth or decline projections
Employment figures within each sector
Salary expectations
Jobs currently in demand and future projections
Skills required for different roles

Emma Blandon, head of digital and communications at Careers Wales, said: “We’re thrilled to have further expanded our Future Jobs Wales resource.

“Information around job trends and future demand can be hugely empowering for those planning their next steps. By delivering up-to-date LMI, this tool helps individuals make informed decisions, identify opportunities, and navigate the evolving job market with confidence.

“Whether you’re starting your career, looking to upskill, or planning your next move, this resource is an invaluable asset for building a brighter future.”

For more information or to access Future Jobs Wales, visit the Careers Wales website.

Education

Wales’ ‘best’ nursing college earmarked for closure in sweeping cuts

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Cardiff University nursing school at risk

THE PRESTIGIOUS Nursing School at Cardiff University, ranked the best in Wales and fifth in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2023, faces potential closure as part of a major restructuring plan. The university has announced proposals to cut 400 jobs, discontinue several degree programmes, and possibly shut down academic schools, including nursing, modern languages, music, ancient history, translation, religion, and theology. These changes are subject to a 90-day consultation period.

The news has sent shockwaves through the academic and healthcare communities, with staff and students expressing outrage and concern.

Unions and government respond

University and College Union (UCU) representative Andy Williams described the scale of the proposed cuts as “devastating,” warning of their impact on the university, the city of Cardiff, and the wider region.

A Welsh Government spokesperson echoed these concerns, expressing disappointment that nursing courses could be discontinued. They stressed the importance of collaboration between Cardiff University, trade unions, staff, and students to address the challenges posed by these restructuring plans. The government is particularly concerned about sustaining the pipeline of trained nurses in Wales and is working with Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) to respond to the situation.

Impact on healthcare

Helen Whyley, Executive Director for Wales at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), criticised the proposed closure, highlighting the severe nursing shortages already affecting Wales. She noted that Cardiff University’s Nursing School plays a vital role in producing skilled nurses who serve communities across the region. “This decision could undermine efforts to address critical staffing challenges in the healthcare sector,” she said.

RCN Wales has vowed to respond formally to the consultation process, advocating for the preservation of nursing education in Wales. The union has warned that closing the school would have far-reaching implications for the profession, healthcare infrastructure, and local communities.

Future of nursing at risk

The proposed cuts have sparked widespread concern, with stakeholders questioning the long-term impact on Wales’ healthcare system. As consultations continue, the future of Cardiff University’s Nursing School remains uncertain. The decision could significantly disrupt the nursing workforce, potentially leaving Wales ill-equipped to address the growing demands on its healthcare services.

This decision comes at a time of financial strain for higher education institutions, with Cardiff University citing budgetary pressures as the reason for the proposed changes. Critics argue that the closure of such a highly regarded institution would damage not only the university’s reputation but also the healthcare landscape across Wales.

Stakeholders await outcome

The potential closure has prompted calls for swift action to protect the future of nursing education in Wales. As consultations progress, unions, students, and healthcare leaders are urging Cardiff University to reconsider the plans.

The Herald will continue to monitor this developing story, providing updates on the implications of these cuts for Cardiff University, Wales’ nursing workforce, and the broader healthcare sector.