Agenda item

Members asked whether, even with the four key purposes of the new curriculum, grades will continue to drive both children at school and employers.  Members were advised that in primary schools, the practice is very close to the successful futures ideal, the biggest challenge is rethinking secondary education.  Members noted that the WJEC are hoping to start a conversation with schools and local authorities to develop a new testing system.

Members queried what happens to those left behind if employers and schools are not moving forward at the same rate. Officers advised that they are involved with the Regional Skills Partnership and Cardiff City Deal in looking at upskilling the existing work force.  Close attention needs to be payed to the post 16 age group.  It is hoped that the City Deal will bring forward a programme to incentivise learners.  It is important to share identify and share opportunities.

Members discussed the assessment arrangements, it is important to ensure that an innovative curriculum is designed only to be followed by a neanderthal assessment process.  Some work is being doing on competency based assessments rather than assessment taking place at the high stakes threshold points in a school career.  It is noted however that there is still an obsession with exams; perhaps Qualification Wales should be questioned about it. They do not what to repeat what happened within the Scottish education system.

Members discussed the education and reform journey in Wales but noted that the Pisa results which will not be published until next year.  Members noted that it is important to that there is confidence in the education system from all sectors, if not it will not last. 

Members discussed the importance of learning through interaction and the fact that that needs to be weaved into the curriculum.  In life almost anything we do is done collaboratively –social relationships in education need to be change, and then it will be necessary to work out how it is assessed. 

The Youth Council produced the Curriculum for Life Report 4 years ago, it now needs to be embedded in schools.  There is a contrast between what schools thought they were doing for pupils and what pupils through schools were doing for them.