The new academic year is upon us, and with it a new Welsh curriculum. The Welsh Government has overhauled the education system in an effort to create a more integrated learning experience (for further details see – https://hwb.gov.wales/curriculum-for-wales/assessment-arrangements/what-s-changing-in-assessment/ and https://hwb.gov.wales/api/storage/0f85def4-81a2-4a30-887c-df07b5cacb08/guide-to-curriculum-for-wales-update-12-2023.pdf). Instead of having clearly siloed subjects outside of GCSE and A-Level, teaching will now focus on combining subjects within 6 thematic subject streams:
For example, history and geography would be more closely integrated to explore how geography has shaped the development of towns, cities and countries. Both subjects would also be encouraged to integrate more core skills such as basic numeracy within teaching. The intention is to create a learning experience that better reflects modern society and work.
The new curriculum will also encourage students to examine previously understudied topics such as Human Rights, diversity and more about the international world. Digital skills are now a central part of learning to reflect the modern world. This education reform would also be the first to provide a distinctively Welsh approach to education. Whilst the government has made clear its plans to have a million Welsh speakers by 2050 (https://qualifications.wales/news-views/cymraeg-2050-changes-to-welsh-language-qualifications-eng/), it has also overhauled the teaching of Welsh history. For the first time, all schools must teach the history of Wales prior to the Norman/English conquest. This marks a significant development from previous years where history focused on the Norman conquest of England and British Monarchs. Thus, new cohorts of students will be amongst the first to experience a reinvigorated approach to the Welsh Language and also be amongst the first to understand Wales’ history outside of the lens of its conquest and adherence to a British identity. For the first time it can be truly said that Wales has a truly “Welsh” education system.
English has also undergone a significant overhaul – with the separate Literature and Language GCSE being abandoned in favour of a combined comprehensive qualification. There will also be a greater focus on phonics to help students with decoding words. This change is to again reflect the reality that language and literature are not so easily separated in reality, and to enhance student learning. There is also a greater focus for English to be used as a pathway for learning about the world by examining key issues through the lens of literature. A similar combined approach is being undertaken with Maths, with GCSE’s now abandoning the separate numeracy qualification to return to a singular qualification once more. There is also a greater focus on real-world contexts such as:
These overhauls once more are designed to reflect the reality of the modern world and workplace.
Whilst this may sound like a lot of change, there are many reasons to be optimistic. As part of these reforms, the Welsh government has abandoned national assessments for students not sitting their qualifications. This allows for teachers to set tests and assessments that are tailored to their classes – allowing for more students to excel. Gone are Key Stages – it was determined that this segmented approach to learning often left significant gaps between the abilities and skills being assessed in say KS3 compared to KS3. Instead, the system now uses key targets and competencies for every 3 years for students as part of a broader programme of learning across their time in education. This overhaul empowers students and teachers to consistently evaluate and improve their efforts rather than having to focus on pass or fail milestones.
The level of change is unprecedented, but so are the likely improvements to the learning experience for students. However, for those finding the transition difficult, we here at Cardiff & Vale Tutoring are ready to help through our dedicated team. Contact us today!
This Blog was Written By Dr Daniel Chesse
Do take a look at earlier blogs:
Maths Tuition Is As Easy As 1, 2,3 ! – Cardiff Vale Tutors
The New English GCSE Language – Cardiff Vale Tutors
5 Good Reasons To Hire A Cardiff & Vale Tutor! – Cardiff Vale Tutors
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