skip to main content

Agenda item

Minutes:

The Managing Director of GwE presented the report, and thanked the region's educational staff for their hard work in achieving the results, with the following points made:

 

§  The results are not final as yet, and could therefore change. 

§  Performance in the Foundation Phase has increased across the region, the largest progress at a national level.  However, GwE's performance is lower than expected within the four consortia (third).  It was noted that further attention is required within the region, including Conwy and to establish whether there are issues with assessment or teaching. 

§  Key Stage 2 performance is very good and GwE has risen to first position amongst the four consortia. 

§  Progress at Key Stage 3 has been solid in 2017, however further support has been identified for Wrexham.

§  AT was eager to focus on KS4 results at the meeting.  He emphasised that the GCSE specifications for English, Welsh, Maths and Science had changed, therefore the baseline for 2017 is completely new.  Mathematics was identified for improvement.  Issues were also noted as regards attracting Heads of Maths to the region's schools.  Thirty one Heads of Maths have recently been appointed across the region, which poses a risk for the department's performance unless they obtain the necessary support. 

§  It was noted that Key Stage 5 is a national priority.  The data analysis is complex as the model of delivery varies within authorities across the region. 

 

It was noted that the Foundation Phase is concerning in Gwynedd and requires more attention.  It was asked whether the issue of attracting Heads of Maths is a national problem.

 

It was emphasised that attracting Heads of Maths to schools is very difficult, however that it proves easier for large schools as they have retention money.   It was suggested that one solution could be to appoint heads above the consortium which would allow for the possibility of moving heads around schools, as necessary - this will require further discussion. 

 

It was noted that the Welsh Government has launched a White Paper consultation on 16+ Education and the Joint Committee was asked whether there were any members present at the meeting recently held at St. Asaph concerning the paper. 

 

It was noted that the authorities had not received a White Paper from the Government, and that the region's authorities had not been consulted.  It was questioned why the Government's consultation had not involved key agencies in the area, and that the matter was unacceptable.  

 

It was confirmed that GwE had been involved in an initial discussion with the Government on the consultation. 

 

The question was asked regarding how we will measure our progress this time next year in order to raise standards and analyse the details. 

 

It was explained that GwE will report on live data, i.e. looking at factors such as Heads of Science, course work, and the number of learners who have already been entered for examinations, and analyse this information.  GwE will also be working closely with different departments and schools to ensure that they are on the right track to attain their targets.  Reporting on live data will enable GwE to redeploy resources faster, as necessary, to prevent any issues from arising.   

 

It was noted that more detailed scrutiny would raise the question of how we deal with accountability and enable a more consistent approach to manage our accountability.    

 

The point was raised that more clarity is needed with regard to schools' support entitlement, and that we need to work in partnership to clarify this.  Schools receiving support tend to become overly dependent on that support in time, and it becomes a short term rather than a long term solution. 

 

IT WAS RESOLVED: The report to come back to the Joint Committee once results are final.   

 

Supporting documents: