Agenda item

To receive a verbal update by Miriam Amlyn (NAS/UWT) on the draft proposal.

An update on the draft was presented by Miriam A. Amlyn (NASUWT) drawing attention to the following main points:

There was a concern that the coursebooks were not made available in time and were not bilingual. It was noted that between 120 and 140 hours of guided learning hours would be required, but only two hours a week, namely 76 hours a year, were being provided. Concern was expressed that this would lead to a disadvantage for pupils when preparing for the exam.

⁠It was noted that two pieces of coursework would be introduced alongside the two existing exams. It was emphasised it would not be possible to change the times that had been earmarked for completing coursework, which would reduce the time given to teach the subject and prepare for the exam.

In terms of the content, it was noted that the religions would be dealt with quite similarly to how they were previously, but with greater detail in some fields. More content had been included on non-religious beliefs, human rights, and new content, not included in the old coursebook. Despite this, it was noted that the content was good, but may be quite heavy in terms of the additional details in some areas. The importance of publishing the coursebook in both Welsh and English at the same time was emphasised.

Further concern was expressed regarding the introduction of coursework, especially in relation to AI and its possible use by pupils to cheat. It was noted that the responsibility for preventing such cheating fell on the teacher, nevertheless, it was difficult to manage classroom activities to prevent such cheating.

During the discussion, the following matters were raised:-

It was noted that the time allocated for optional subjects varied from school to school, as in Ysgol y Moelwyn, where three hours a week were provided. It was explained that the time allocation was determined by the head teacher. It was also noted that this school had begun teaching the optional subjects in February in the past, allowing for more time to teach and to reduce behaviour-related problems. However, it was noted that the Welsh Government had suspended such an arrangement this year, which was a cause for concern in terms of maintaining behaviour and interest, with the addition of losing a term's worth of contact.

It was expressed that the coursework had been welcomed by the teacher at Ysgol y Moelwyn, as she felt that the subject had been at a disadvantage in the past by comparison to other subjects that had an element of coursework.

In relation to the concern of using AI to cheat, it was suggested that it could be useful to ask the pupils to see whether they understood what they had written to confirm whether or not it was actually their own work. However, it was explained that this would take time and it could cause conflict between pupils and staff.

It was asked how the time commitment compared between the current plan and the previous one. In response, it was explained that the answer was not at hand but was certain that it would be more practical with the introduction of coursework.

RESOLVED:

• That the Chair sends a letter to the creator of the Key Stage 3 book regarding the new resources.

• That the Chair contacts Myrddin ap Dafydd (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch) about the idea of creating a coursebook for Religion, Values and Ethics.