This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-26544436
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
School curriculum and assessment review to be led by Graham Donaldson | School curriculum and assessment review to be led by Graham Donaldson |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A review of the school curriculum and assessment in Wales has been announced by the education minister. | A review of the school curriculum and assessment in Wales has been announced by the education minister. |
Led by Prof Graham Donaldson of Glasgow University, it will be "comprehensive, wide ranging and independent", Huw Lewis said. | Led by Prof Graham Donaldson of Glasgow University, it will be "comprehensive, wide ranging and independent", Huw Lewis said. |
In January, school inspectors raised concerns about the "variable" quality of teaching and standards generally, especially in secondary schools. | In January, school inspectors raised concerns about the "variable" quality of teaching and standards generally, especially in secondary schools. |
The review will consider education from Foundation Phase to Key Stage Four. | The review will consider education from Foundation Phase to Key Stage Four. |
Mr Lewis said Prof Donaldson had been "instrumental" in a curriculum reform programme for the Scottish government and had recently reviewed teacher education in Scotland. | Mr Lewis said Prof Donaldson had been "instrumental" in a curriculum reform programme for the Scottish government and had recently reviewed teacher education in Scotland. |
Mr Donaldson, he said, had been asked to "articulate a clear, coherent vision for education in Wales". | |
'Important changes' | |
Schools inspectorate Estyn's annual report said: "Fewer than half of secondary schools are good or better [compared to the previous year] and the proportion that is unsatisfactory has increased from one in seven to one in four. | Schools inspectorate Estyn's annual report said: "Fewer than half of secondary schools are good or better [compared to the previous year] and the proportion that is unsatisfactory has increased from one in seven to one in four. |
"One in seven is excellent. Over two-thirds of secondary schools will be monitored in 'follow-up' visits." | "One in seven is excellent. Over two-thirds of secondary schools will be monitored in 'follow-up' visits." |
Responding to AMs questions on the report in January, First Minister Carwyn Jones said the Welsh government was now offering education a "clear way forward", but conceded that there had been a "blurring of the lines of accountability, in terms of leadership in schools [and] in terms of leadership in local education authorities" previously. | Responding to AMs questions on the report in January, First Minister Carwyn Jones said the Welsh government was now offering education a "clear way forward", but conceded that there had been a "blurring of the lines of accountability, in terms of leadership in schools [and] in terms of leadership in local education authorities" previously. |
On Wednesday, Mr Lewis said: "Here in Wales we have already put in train important changes with the introduction of the Literacy and Numeracy Framework and our tests. | |
"Building on this, I recently consulted on proposals aimed at strengthening and supporting the teaching and learning of literacy and numeracy in schools - as well as setting out my intention to introduce a wider skills framework that will ensure alignment with, and progression towards the new Welsh Baccalaureate. | |
"I will be publishing my response to that consultation shortly." | |
"In agreeing to undertake this review, Professor Donaldson brings with him a wealth of experience, knowledge and skill, as well as a personal commitment to continuous improvement and attainment of the highest standards." | |
The minister added that Prof Donaldson would be "will be at the forefront of a truly transformational programme of work and a historic step forward in Welsh education history." | |
Mr Lewis is due to receive the report later this year. |