Topics covered in this edition include Local Curriculum for Pupils in Key Stage 4, Welsh Baccalaureate Update.
Geraint Talfan Davies has been confirmed as Chairman of the Shadow Implementation Board for the Coleg Ffederal, which will oversee the legal development of the Welsh medium higher education federal college over the coming year.
The purpose of this research project was to qualitatively investigate barriers and triggers to participating in education, learning and training. The research focussed on the experiences and viewpoints of two distinct, seldom heard groups in Wales: those with basic skills needs, and employees lacking qualifications.
In 2009 DCELLS had an external consultancy review the Post-16 data collection, funding and MIS systems. The study confirmed the existing systems and processes that underpin the Post 16 funding and National Planning and Funding System needed to be rationalised, and a number of them needed to be replaced. In response to these findings, a project was initiated in February 2010 to examine the current systems and processes, including FE data and payments, Work Based Learning data, Contract Profiling, right through to Payment to Providers. The project will look at various high level options before recommending a solution for going forward. If you would like more information please contact Phillip Paine
This newsletter provides a summary of the key themes to emerge from two stakeholder workshops in December 2009. The workshops brought together stakeholders from the further education sector to discuss the findings of the 2009 Further Education Learner Voice Survey.
Academic Achievement by Pupil Characteristics, 2007-2009
Girls continued to perform better than boys at each Key Stage, with the widest gap in 2009 at Key Stage 3, and the narrowest gap at Key Stage 4. The gender gap was smaller in Mathematics and Science than in English and Welsh First Language in Key Stages 1 to 3 in 2009.
Pupil Destinations from Schools in Wales, 2009
82 per cent of the year 11 cohort continued in full-time education (79 per cent in 2008), continuing the general increase seen in recent years. Sixty per cent of the year 13 cohort entered a higher education institution, excluding those taking a gap year, compared with 59 per cent in 2008.
JISC RSC Wales will be running a series of interactive road-shows at three locations throughout Wales during April and May 2010. The aims of the events are to consider why and how the use of technology can enhance Organisational Improvement. Dates and locations of events are: 27th April, Swansea, 11th May, Nantgarw, 18th May, Deganwy.
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) Statistics, 2009 Entry
26,421 applicants were accepted by Welsh institutions. This was a 12 per cent increase on 2008 and 44 per cent higher than 1997. 20,196 Welsh domiciled applicants were accepted by UK institutions – a 9 per cent increase on 2008 and 39 per cent higher than in 1997.
The new Vetting and Barring Scheme aims to protect children and vulnerable adults by ensuring that people who are judged to present a risk of harm are not allowed to work with them. Generic guidance on the Vetting and Barring Scheme has been prepared for employers, applicants and other users of the scheme.
In 2008/09 there were 213 permanent exclusions, a decrease from 241 in 2007/08; The highest rate of permanent exclusions from maintained secondary schools, 2.2 exclusions per 1,000 pupils, was seen in Cardiff (with 45 permanent exclusions); Isle of Anglesey, Pembrokeshire and The Vale of Glamorgan reported no permanent exclusions.
Contributing to the Debate: Assessing the UK Evidence Base on Employment and Skills (UKCES)
This paper summarises ten key issues for data relating to employment and skills in the UK, and explores in what ways these might be improved to support the continued improvement of the UK’s LMI landscape.
Talisman 84, 29th March 2010 (Ofsted)
This edition of talisman focuses on those not in education, training or employment. It features organisations who are helping young people make a living, look at the value of Workstep, celebrate those who’ve gained outstanding grades and includes the with the latest news and views.
BIS FE and Skills e-Newsletter, Monday, 29 March 2010
This is the latest edition of the FE and Skills e-newsletter - a direct news and information link from BIS to the further education (FE) and skills sector.
tdaNews – April 2010
This month’s edition includes an update on improving access into teaching for disabled people, funding for dyslexia training, plus the work of parent support advisers.
