In response to the Welsh Government Education Minister’s
announcement today that there will be an adjustment to the
timetable for implementing Wales’s new curriculum, Dilwyn
Roberts-Young, UCAC General Secretary said: “We welcome the
adjustment to the timetable as a sensible compromise.
"UCAC tends to agree that the primary sector is, in general,
better placed to proceed according to the original timetable,
while an extra year for secondary schools will be very much
appreciated.
"This is recognition of the fact that secondary schools face a
greater challenge in terms of changes to pedagogy and school
structures. It is also an acknowledgement of the overwhelming
task that has landed on the shoulders of secondary school staff
in implementing this year’s alternative qualifications
arrangements.
“We also welcome in principle the additional support in terms of
funding, the establishment of the National Network, and the
modification to Estyn's inspection framework, although many
details remain to be confirmed.
“Our one disappointment is that implementing simultaneously for
Years 7 and 8 in 2023 means that an opportunity has been missed
to provide an additional year for adapting qualifications to fit
the new curriculum. There is very significant work to be done to
ensure - in line with the Minister's vision - that our
qualifications match the exciting ambition behind our
curriculum.”
ENDS
Notes
