The aim of the newsletter* is to provide up to date information on post 14 education and training developments in Wales and England.
Os hoffech chi ddarllen y cylchlythyr yn y Gymraeg, cliciwch yma.**
The Dysg Newsletter is going on holiday (to France) during August but will return in September for the start of the new academic year.
Each year education’s traditionally “quiet” month of August is punctuated by two great flurries of activity as A-level and GCSE results arrive, and thousands of youngsters and their families celebrate the grades achieved… Yesterday saw the advent of Vocational Qualifications or VQ day, a UK-wide recognition of the hundreds of thousands of learners whose efforts have secured a vast array of skills and work-related qualifications. More
Wales beats UK in Vocational Qualifications League (fforwm)
This consultation paper seeks views on the draft regulations for collaborative arrangements between Further Education Institutions (FEIs). The consultation also seeks views on collaborative arrangements between Schools and FEIs. Responses to this consultation document should be sent by 30 September 2008. More
A teachers’ learning conference has involved school pupils for the first time to demonstrate effective classroom and teaching practice. The partnership event between the General Teaching Council for Wales (GTCW) and Cardiff LEA - called ‘Teachers Talking About Teaching’ - involved more than 80 teachers from across Cardiff in sharing practice gained from their professional development. More
The advice was commissioned by the Business and Skills Division of DCELLS to identify the strategies that work based learning providers are using to improve learner’s attainment of key skills and qualification attainments. This report provides advice in response to Estyn’s remit report. More
Estyn has announced its programme of school inspections for the Autumn term of 2008. A total of 106 establishments across Wales will be inspected. Contracts for inspection have been allocated to Registered Inspectors for 82 Primary schools, 16 Secondary schools, 4 Special schools and 1 LEA’s Pupil Referral Units. More Guidance on the inspection of secondary schools September 2008
In 2005 the Welsh Assembly Government charged the Care Council for Wales with taking forward the development of a Children and Young People’s Workforce Development Network for Wales. The Network’s tasks were to bring forward a Children and Young People’s Workforce Development Strategy and to develop a Common Core of Skills and Knowledge. This event is part of this consultation. If you would like to attend, please contact sandie.grieve@ccwales.org.uk .
In 2006 there was a higher proportion of employment in health, education & public administration in Wales compared to the UK and a lower proportion in finance & business activities. Between 2001 and 2006 there were increases in employment in Wales in construction and across the service sectors. More
A bursary to promote research into sustainability has been announced by the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane Davidson. A total of £105,000 will be provided over three years to fund the programme from 2008-11. Bursary funding will be made available, subject to application, to students who focus their research on strategically important areas of sustainability. More
This Accounts Direction advises institutions of the Welsh Assembly Government’s requirements of their audited financial statements in accordance with paragraph 54 of the Financial Memorandum. More
14th August: A-Level Results Day
21st August GCSE Results Day
Over 3,250,000 vocational qualifications were awarded in the UK last year according to figures released today to mark the first Vocational Qualifications Day (VQ Day). The figures, contained in an independent Review of vocational qualifications by Edge, show a rise of 8.3 per cent on the previous year and a 117 per cent rise on the numbers awarded five years ago. More
This is a report on a small survey of good practice in the education of white boys from low-income backgrounds. In the autumn term of 2007, Ofsted undertook a survey in 20 schools across England where white British boys from low-income backgrounds performed better in public tests and examinations than their counterparts in other schools. More
The FE system continues to make a significant contribution to the skills of the nation, with success rates in FE at record levels (78 per cent) as shown in the LSC’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2007-08 Learning and Skills: changing lives, improving work and learner satisfaction remaining high at over 90 per cent. More
The UK's business leaders have called for more young people to take vocational qualifications in future years. 85 per cent of those surveyed by education charity Edge would encourage young people to take a vocational qualification - rising to 93 per cent among the leaders of the UK's largest companies (250-plus staff). More
New research into Britain’s best bosses, released today by the Learning and Skills Council to celebrate Skills and Apprenticeships, reveals that 51 per cent of the country’s workforce would most like to work for the tycoon Sir Richard Branson. The well-known businessman beat a host of household names including Sir Alan Sugar, Gordon Ramsay and Sir Alex Ferguson to take the prize. More
If you had to write an end-of-term report on the UK's current employment and skills systems, what would it say? 'Progressing well'? Or 'Could do better'? And what recommendations would you offer to improve performance? The new UK Commission for Employment and Skills would like to hear your views, and your ideas for improvement. More
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**Os dymunwch dderbyn y cylchlythyr wythnosol yn y Gymraeg, anfonwch e-bost at rhys.davies4@wales.gsi.gov.uk.
