Image Source: Hwb, Welsh Government
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Bridgend Council’s Education & Youth Services Committee will discuss a report updating them on teaching and learning in the county’s schools (pdf). There’s a particular focus on how schools have introduced the new Welsh national curriculum.
The New Curriculum
The new national curriculum was rolled out from September 2022. There are six broad areas of learning:
- Expressive arts.
- Health and well-being.
- Humanities.
- Literacy and communication.
- Mathematics and numeracy.
- Science and technology.
Schools and teachers have freedom and flexibility in how they teach these areas of learning. Additionally, there’s greater focus on cross-curricular skills, such as digital skills.
Estyn Spotlights
The school inspectorate, Estyn, picked out different ways schools in the county have approached the new curriculum. Estyn selected approaches they believe to have been particularly strong, so that schools can learn from each other.
These include:
A key theme in the new curriculum is called “cynefin”. Pupils are encouraged to consider their own experiences and the differences between different people in the classroom, Wales and the wider world.
There have been marked improvements in pupil behaviour, said to be down to the support offered to vulnerable pupils who struggle with attendance. A special area is set aside to prepare struggling pupils for the school day (Hwb Hafan).
There are lots of activities to promote creative thinking and problem-solving. Examples are given of nursery age pupils being allowed to take different approaches to making a Welsh dragon, expressive poetry in Years 2 & 3 and Year 6 pupils using coding to undertake various tasks linked with World War 2.
All pupils are offered the same curriculum, whether they can attend in-class teaching or not. This ensures consistency and full access to qualifications in line with everyone else.
There’s a system in place to identify pupils who may need extra help early on.
Provision for younger pupils is described as “excellent”, with teachers making sure pupils extend their knowledge. An example is given of recent changes to numeracy teaching so pupils “develop a deeper understanding of numbers”.
At both schools, pupils are said to make full use of digital technology. Brynteg was picked out for how pupils apply digital skills in lessons (such as coding).
Meanwhile, Bryntirion’s “Dysgu Byw” provides opportunities to develop practical life skills using digital technology. This includes developing websites, understanding social media and budgeting.
At Oldcastle, parents can get involved in joint activities with pupils. These include financial management, cooking and reading. Parents were said to value these opportunities and say they’ve made a positive impact on their own well-being.
Ysgol Bro Ogwr has a dedicated family wellbeing team which provides tailored support to families experiencing difficulties. The school also uses grant funding to ensure poverty isn’t a barrier to pupils taking part in school trips.
The report says the school has a strong focus on improving teaching by highlighting strengths and addressing weaknesses. This includes coaching, collaborative planning and whole-school events. Pupils also work with staff to help improve lessons (“Pedagogy Pioneers”).
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