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-26996796
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Welsh Secretary David Jones attacks Wales' education record | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Welsh Secretary David Jones has accused the Welsh government of letting down an entire generation of young people, due to a "continuing decline in the education system". | |
Mr Jones has attacked Labour's record on education at the Welsh Conservative conference in Llangollen. | |
It follows an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report on the Welsh education system. | It follows an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report on the Welsh education system. |
The report praised "positive" learning conditions but found many weaknesses. | The report praised "positive" learning conditions but found many weaknesses. |
"Wales lacks a compelling and inclusive long-term education vision to steer the education system and its reform efforts," Mr Jones said at the second day of the conference. | |
The most recent Pisa international education tests, which are run by the OECD, ranked Wales bottom in the UK. | The most recent Pisa international education tests, which are run by the OECD, ranked Wales bottom in the UK. |
The 2012 Pisa tests in science, maths and reading were taken by 500,000 15-year-olds in 68 countries. | The 2012 Pisa tests in science, maths and reading were taken by 500,000 15-year-olds in 68 countries. |
"The Pisa statistics published recently were, frankly, shocking," Mr Jones added. | |
"They showed Wales to be the weakest of the home nations in maths, science and reading. | "They showed Wales to be the weakest of the home nations in maths, science and reading. |
"On some measures, education in Wales is no better than in some of the eastern European nations emerging from decades of communism." | "On some measures, education in Wales is no better than in some of the eastern European nations emerging from decades of communism." |
Mr Jones argued that good education is crucial in a wholly global economy and to compete in that market the young people of Wales needed an "excellent education". | |
Powers | Powers |
Later the leader of the Welsh Conservatives will affirm his party is "committed to cutting tax" when further powers are devolved to the Welsh government. | Later the leader of the Welsh Conservatives will affirm his party is "committed to cutting tax" when further powers are devolved to the Welsh government. |
Addressing members in Llangollen, Andrew RT Davies will set out plans to freeze council tax for every household in Wales and to scrap stamp duty on houses worth up to £250,000. | Addressing members in Llangollen, Andrew RT Davies will set out plans to freeze council tax for every household in Wales and to scrap stamp duty on houses worth up to £250,000. |
He will also announce his party will help 75,000 businesses to benefit annually from reduced business rates. | He will also announce his party will help 75,000 businesses to benefit annually from reduced business rates. |
Mr Davies will also call for a commitment to cut tax rates and calls for an early referendum to give the Welsh government powers to borrow money, and control some smaller taxes. | Mr Davies will also call for a commitment to cut tax rates and calls for an early referendum to give the Welsh government powers to borrow money, and control some smaller taxes. |
"We Conservatives believe in low taxation because it's good for the economy," Mr Davies will say. | "We Conservatives believe in low taxation because it's good for the economy," Mr Davies will say. |
"And we believe in lower taxation in Wales, because it will give Wales a competitive edge," he will say. "It will stimulate enterprise." | "And we believe in lower taxation in Wales, because it will give Wales a competitive edge," he will say. "It will stimulate enterprise." |
Addressing the conference on Friday, David Cameron attacked the Welsh government's handling of the NHS. | Addressing the conference on Friday, David Cameron attacked the Welsh government's handling of the NHS. |
He said Wales was witnessing a "national scandal" as Offa's Dyke "has become the line between life and death". | He said Wales was witnessing a "national scandal" as Offa's Dyke "has become the line between life and death". |
UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt also launched his strongest attack on the NHS in Wales, claiming it is "sleepwalking to a Mid Staffs tragedy". | UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt also launched his strongest attack on the NHS in Wales, claiming it is "sleepwalking to a Mid Staffs tragedy". |
He criticised Wales' record on waiting times and ambulance targets. | He criticised Wales' record on waiting times and ambulance targets. |