New literacy support will be rolled out to schools across Wales,
following over £8m investment.
Bangor University has been successful in being awarded a grant of
£8.2 million over the next three years for the CAL:ON Cymru
project. This allows them to establish a centre of excellence for
literacy teaching and deliver bilingual nationally available
support for all learners aged 3 to 16.
CAL:ON Cymru stands for the ‘Centre for the Advancement of
Literacy: research-led Outcomes and Nation-wide change'
Through professional learning and the provision of expertise,
guidance and tools it will empower schools to enhance their
teaching of literacy. It includes specific support for the
systematic teaching of phonics and will further enable schools to
identify and support those learners in need of additional
support.
The programme will be rolled out through a network of CAL:ON Hub
schools, each partnered with several others to ensure national
coverage. The Hub schools will be represented in each local
authority and will work closely with the CAL:ON team to
co-develop materials and assist in rolling out professional
learning.
The grant also expands a successful work run by Bangor University
and the University of York over the past four years, in which 330
schools have implemented reading interventions such as
‘Research Informed Literacy with Language' (RILL) and taken part
in professional learning.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, has also confirmed support for
primary school maths, with funding of over £2m into ‘Primed for
Success' maths support. The programme provides professional
learning to primary teachers to help learners make greater
progress in their maths knowledge and skills.
£1.4m will also be used to support ‘STEM Learning: Teaching
Digital with Confidence' and ensuring digital skills are
taught across the curriculum.
The confirmation for these schemes is part of over £44m invested to
boost standards and support education announced in June.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, , said: “Literacy is
central to improving standards and attainment in our schools and
we are already seeing progress. At primary stage personalised
assessments show improvement in reading in both English and
Welsh.
“Drawing from the work of our Literacy Expert Panel, the CAL:ON
Cymru national centre of excellence ensures nationwide
professional learning and ensures our expectations for literacy
reflect the latest evidence on how to learn to read. With a
commitment to our education workforce that schools and
practitioners will continue to have access to high-quality
training and support to teach literacy.
“Support for the teaching of phonics is embedded throughout the
programme ensuring clear expectations, training and support for
this critical part of reading teaching.
“Alongside literacy, I am confirming today how the £44m announced
earlier this year will also support maths and digital skills,
once again ensuring high-quality and consistent approach in these
vital areas.”
Professor Manon Jones, from the School of Psychology at
Bangor University said “We are absolutely delighted to
be working on improving literacy in Wales. Our aim is for Wales
to become an international example of excellence in bilingual
education”.
Notes to editors
CAL:On Cymru stands for the ‘Centre for the Advancement of
Literacy: research-led Outcomes and Nation-wide change', with
delivery through the project led by Bangor University, in
collaboration with the University of York, Swansea University,
University College London, OxEd &Assessment and Book
Trust Cymru. It will be delivered in partnership with the 22
local authorities across Wales.
Ful details of the grants can be viewed here The Curriculum for Wales
grant support programme: grant awards | GOV.WALES
