More Welsh schools to be involved in shaping national curriculum

The Welsh government has announced that an additional 25 schools are to be invited to get involved in developing the country's new national curriculum.

These 25 extra schools from across Wales will join the existing Pioneer Schools to create and design the new curriculum, which is set to be introduced in September 2021. This will provide teachers with an opportunity to have a meaningful say over the future design of the country's educational system.

With the new curriculum, the government is seeking to ensure pupils are able to develop into ambitious, capable learners who can play a full part in the national workforce, live healthily, lead fulfilling lives and become ethical and informed global citizens.

Currently, the government is focusing on key elements of the curriculum design pertaining to six areas of learning and experience: expressive arts, health and wellbeing, humanities, languages, literacy and communication, mathematics and numeracy, and science and technology.

This follows on from the work already done developing a digital competence framework, as well as strategic design principles, pedagogy and practice, plus the creation of new professional teaching standards.

Welsh education secretary Kirsty Williams said: "Our education system must be about providing children and young people with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the modern world. The new curriculum we are developing reflects this ambition."

The network of Pioneer Schools have been drawn from across Wales and include establishments from rural and urban settings that teach in English, Welsh or both. Primary, secondary, special and religious schools are all included, spanning a range of school sizes.

They will work with local authorities and regional consortia to provide practical support and expertise to develop pedagogical and leadership skills to ensure the successful implementation of the new curriculum.