The Curriculum for Wales is a real eye opener. It sweeps away all the familiar mantras and benchmarks of education. It is not just about getting good exam results or having the skills employers value or league tables or inspection or Pisa surveys. Instead, it is a holistic approach: 'Our reforms and new curriculum will support young people to develop the skills they need to make the most of life,' says the Welsh government. It is also a partnership: 'There will be a new curriculum, made in Wales by teachers, partners, practitioners, and businesses and shaped by the best ideas from around the world.'
The rationale for a new curriculum is compelling: 'The national curriculum was first introduced in 1988 before on-line shopping, Google and the Cloud. Now, the world of work is different, technology is different, society is constantly changing. The curriculum must prepare young people to develop higher standards of literacy and numeracy, to become more digitally and bilingually competent, and to be confident, capable and compassionate citizens – citizens of Wales and citizens of the world.'
TeachingTimes talked to Ceri Anwen James, a teacher at Ysgol Bro Edern in Cardiff and deputy head at the school from September and consulted with Estyn about proposed changes.
The four purposes
In 2015 the Welsh Government asked Professor Graham Donaldson to undertake an independent review. This was published as Successful Futures Independent Review of Curriculum and Assessment Arrangements in Wales. His recommendations included a teacher-led curriculum, a pedagogy-led curriculum, a research led curriculum and progression, rather than levelling.