May 2024
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This conference discussed next steps for curriculum reform in Wales.
It brought stakeholders together with policymakers to discuss next steps for implementation of the new Curriculum for Wales, following the publication of the Continuing the journey guidance framework in January 2024.
It was an opportunity to assess progress of implementation so far and to consider challenges with monitoring progress and issues that have arisen during the first stage. Discussion explored priorities for improving professional development for teaching staff, support and guidance on curriculum design and implementation, and improving student learning and attainment by narrowing inequality gaps.
Delegates also discussed new Made-for-Wales GCSEs, with revised qualification outlines published by WJEC in January 2024 following consultation, and the new Qualified for the Future qualifications announced by Qualifications Wales, looking at how these might sit alongside the new curriculum.
Further sessions examined priorities for creating school partnerships, minimising teacher workload and developing a shared understanding of progression, as well as the future use of AI in education, including as a tool for reducing teacher workload, and utilising its potential contribution towards lesson content and student resources.
Discussion also focused on the recent PISA results, looking at the Welsh Government’s plan for maths and literacy improvement, and their open consultation on 14 to 16 learning under the Curriculum for Wales, assessing how these will impact curriculum design and policy priorities moving forward, alongside best practice lessons from other jurisdictions.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Lloyd Hopkin, Deputy Director for Curriculum and Assessment, Welsh Government; Lucy Crehan, International Education Consultant, Crehan & Co; Dr Gareth Evans, Director of Education Policy, University of Wales Trinity Saint David; and Professor Alma Harris, Professor of Leadership in Education, Cardiff Metropolitan University; and Co-Director, Centre for International Research on Leadership in Education (CIRLE).
Overall, the agenda included discussion on:
- raising standards across Wales: priorities for improving literacy and numeracy standards - addressing concerns over PISA results - lessons to inform and enhance curriculum design
- learning from other jurisdictions: best practice lessons from other jurisdictions in implementing curriculum reform - supporting disadvantaged areas and closing the inequality gap
- monitoring progress: evaluating progress in implementation of the new curriculum - aligning curriculum reform with qualifications reform
- collaboration: utilising school partnerships to create consistency across Wales, minimise teacher workload and develop best practice - reinforcing a shared understanding of progression
- curriculum implementation: improving support and guidance for teaching staff - encouraging professional development to instil confidence in teachers to design their own curriculum
- design: increasing and improving resources for curriculum design - utilising AI as a tool for lesson content creation - best practice from schools leading the way
- policy priorities: ensuring policy coherence for successful implementation of the new Curriculum for Wales - aligning curriculum with qualification reform - moving from policy-driven to school-focused strategy
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from Senedd Cymru; the Welsh Government; IPO; Department of Education, NI; and Department for the Economy, NI.
