Agenda item

To present information to Joint Committee members on our approach to developing Curriculum for Wales regional and local networks as part of supporting all schools and settings to implement Curriculum for Wales.

To accept and approve the report.

DECISION  

To accept and approve the report.

DISCUSSION

GwE's Managing Director presented the report and referred to the document published by the Government at the beginning of term which very clearly set out the choice for secondary pupils.

He added that they were consulting on GwE's strategy and that one of the main strands of the strategy is curriculum support. He noted that Professor Graham Donaldson was involved in the regional groups advising on the direction of the consultation.

He explained that schools varied in terms of how they have engaged with the curriculum changes and that the current situation has allowed a focus on pedagogy and digital skills. He added that there is evidence of excellent collaboration across North Wales and explained that schools across the region were openly invited to identify lead members in alliances to become involved in networks. He added that these were for the areas of learning and experience, another network for curriculum design and another for assessment.

Elaborating on this point, he noted that approx. 600 practitioners were involved in the networks and that numbers are expected to increase after the first meeting. He explained that this would require funding and suggested that this should be the main use of the reserves.

In relation to assessment, he noted that they were awaiting further guidance from the Government.

Comments arising from the discussion:

-       The Committee were thankful for the report and glad to see that Professor Graham Donaldson was involved in the work.

-       It was added that the report showed clarity on what pupils need.

-       It was asked whether the enthusiasm is still alive within the networks, amongst practitioners.

-       Concern was noted about the expectation upon schools to release staff to attend sessions as part of the networks if staff numbers are low due to Covid-19.

-       Clarity was sought on assessments in order to establish whether secondary schools need more time to decide when to start on the new curriculum.

-       A member added that Denbighshire schools intend to start in 2022.

In response, GwE Managing Director noted the following points:

-       Schools are generally eager to be involved in the agenda and move forwards.

-       He noted that involvement in the networks would pose difficulties due to circumstances relating to the pandemic in schools, particularly small schools. However, he emphasised the importance for the discussion to take place at a cluster level so that a member in attendance could report back to those not present.

-       In the same vein, he added that more are expected to attend once they see the practicality of the agenda.

-       In terms of planning when to start, he noted that this could be done in either 2022 or 2023. He added that there is a need to work with schools on a phased approach to the new system.

-       He agreed with the member and noted that many secondary schools had noted their desire to embark on the curriculum in 2022, whilst others are subject to circumstance and readiness.