New laws to tackle school underperformance and make councils work together were among the new Bills proposed by the Welsh Government.
‘At the end of yet another busy academic year I am sure that you are reflecting on both the successes you have achieved and the challenges that you have encountered…’
Following the Minister’s speech in February, a new School Standards Unit has been established within the Department for Education and Skills. One of the Unit’s first tasks has been to develop the national banding system for schools. More info on the banding system and the Minister’s Written Statement
The guidance is intended to support mathematics teachers working with able learners in Key Stage 3, to help them achieve better results at the end of Year 9, and at GCSE and beyond.
‘I wish to update Members on the 21st Century Schools Programme and expenditure on capital for the period 2011-2014.’
‘The need for universities with the capacity and critical mass to operate dynamically, effectively and efficiently is a long-established part of the Welsh Government’s policy for higher education.’ Minister’s written statement and Consultation
Thirteen universities and colleges in Wales have had their fee plans approved by HEFCW, and can now increase tuition fee levels for undergraduate courses from the 2012 academic year. More and Minister’s written statement
The Wales Employment and Skills Board have published their advice to the Welsh Government on priorities for investment in post-16 training and skills development. More and Press Release
There has been improvement in literacy levels with 12 per cent of adults assessed to have Entry Level literacy or below, a decrease from 25 per cent in 2004.
According to a report by Estyn schools need to get better at identifying and supporting learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. Press release and report
In a report published last week, Estyn found that too few schools plan a ‘skills-based’ curriculum that consists of progressively more complex activities designed to develop pupils’ thinking, communication, ICT and number skills. Press release and report
The number of learners in schools, colleges and work-based learning providers who gain application of number qualifications has increased substantially over the last five years. However, too many of these learners gain qualifications at too low a level relative to their ability.
In the majority of primary schools pupils who are more able and talented are not challenged enough, according to Estyn. These schools do not do enough to identify, support or track the progress of more able and talented pupils.
The Lesotho Teacher Placement Programme is run by Dolen Cymru with the support of the British Council and is funded by the Welsh Government. The Programme provides an opportunity for qualified teachers from Wales to work in a school in Lesotho for 6 or 12 months. The deadline for applications is 25 August 2011.
A Comenius in-service training grant supports any school staff member to undertake a professional development course, job shadow a colleague or attend a conference or seminar in any of the other 32 participating countries. The deadline for applications 16 September 2011.
“Where Now” is an annual direct mail campaign undertaken across Wales to coincide with examination results. Young people in Years 11, 12 and 13 are sent a bilingual leaflet direct to their home address, reminding them of their options and the sources of help, funding and information available to them at this time.
For the first time, a pan-European study offers a comprehensive picture of reading literacy and identifies some of the key factors impacting on the acquisition of reading skills for 3-15 year olds. It addresses four key topics: teaching approaches, tackling reading difficulties, teacher education and the promotion of reading outside school.
This Review, which specifically looks at the Scottish system, identifies where and how joint working between the employment and skills systems provide an opportunity to maximise the outcomes for individuals and employers.
This survey examines the use of nurture groups and related provision in a small sample of 29 infant, first and primary schools. Nurture groups are small, structured teaching groups for pupils showing signs of behavioural, social or emotional difficulties.
