Crayons

Too little, too late for small schools in Wales?

Pupils across Wales are set to benefit from a new £2.5m grant to support small and rural schools. But will it make a difference? Nanna Ryder investigates… Once more this week, one of the main headlines in the weekly local newspaper, the ‘Cambrian News’, refers to the closure of small schools in Ceredigion. During the last…

Dog in class

Much more than man’s best friend…

Helen Lewis explores how the bond between a child and a dog may have benefits that impact on learning… Dispositions are ‘relatively enduring habits of mind and action’, linked to our attitudes and feelings. Dispositions affect how we view ourselves as learners and how confidently we tackle new learning situations. Whether we refer to these dispositions…

Girl typing on laptop

Developing a new professionalism in education

Successful Futures has garnered plenty of attention since its inception in 2015. But its focus on entrepreneurial skills has been less well-documented. Alison Evans explains… One of the key purposes of the curriculum outlined in ‘Successful Futures’ is to ensure all learners will be ‘enterprising, creative contributors’ who are skilled in creative thinking, able to…

Crayons colouring

Thinking holistically about curriculum reform in Wales

Curriculum reform is as daunting as it is exciting. But we must not lose sight of the bigger picture, explains Natalie Williams… I’ve been delighted to read time and again the positive reception that the Donaldson report and its recommendations have received. Having spent more than 10 years publishing resources and support for curriculum change within…

Natmispic

A new and prosperous era for Welsh education?

The Welsh Government’s new education strategy has been launched by Education Secretary Kirsty Williams. Gareth Evans reflects on its content and Wales’ new long-term vision for education… Teachers, policymakers, union leaders and other key players on the Welsh education scene will have been forgiven for breaking into a cold sweat as they walked into the…

Kirsty Williams

Education in Wales: Our National Mission

The Welsh Government has published its new national education plan. Here, writing exclusively for Yr Athrofa, Education Secretary Kirsty Williams presents her ambitious vision for education in Wales… In Welsh education, we are building on strong foundations. The global experts on education performance, the OECD, recently recognised government and the sector are working closely together…

Graham Donaldson

Breaking new ground in education reform

Professor Graham Donaldson reflects on curriculum development to date and explains why teachers in Wales are at the heart of education reform… One of the most satisfying aspects of my work in Wales is the opportunity it gives me to meet young people, students and teachers and to see excellent practice at first hand. The…