Welsh Government Dysg eNewsletter: 3 November 2015 (Issue 437)

3 November 2015 • Issue 437

 
 
 
 
 
 

WELSH EDUCATION NEWS

Seren 130 x 130 Dysg

The Seren Network’s inaugural conference in Cardiff on 3 December 2015

Relevant for Heads of Sixth Forms, MAT at Schools/Colleges, Seren hub co-ordinators and delivery teams and local authority 14-19 teams.  Opportunities include networking with experts from leading UK universities and high profile industries, as well as gaining practical skills and a unique insight into Seren network’s activities and opportunities.

classroomtest1 130x130

National Reading and Numeracy Tests 2016:

Find out when the tests will be taking place in 2016.

classroomtest3

National Reading and Numeracy Tests 2016 – ordering system now live!

The secure ordering system for the National Reading and Numeracy Test (NRNT) papers for 2016 is now live until 4 December.

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MORE WELSH EDUCATION NEWS

Deputy Minister sets out future priorities for apprenticeships in Wales

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James set out the Welsh Government’s future plans for apprenticeships today (29 October) during a keynote speech at the National Training Federation for Wales’ annual conference.

Report highlights progress in promoting diversity in apprenticeships

Wales is making good progress in addressing barriers to apprenticeships for learners from black and minority ethnic groups and those with disabilities, according to a report published this month by Estyn.  Welsh Government response

Family and community engagement toolkit for schools

Involve your Governors and PTA in your family and community engagement activities. Our FaCE guidance shows you how.

ALN Stakeholder engagement events – Llandudno 24 November and Cardiff 30 November

The Welsh Government is hosting consultation events on the draft Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Bill.

The draft Bill proposes a new legal framework to replace the existing legislation surrounding special educational needs and the assessment of children and young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities in post-16 education and training.  To book your place at:

Date for your Diary: Promoting Equality in Education – Many Languages - 27 November 2015 - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

The Welsh Government is hosting a workshop event for EMAS and EAL lead practitioners in schools to explore the challenges of supporting learners whose first language is not English or Welsh.  Registration will be available in next week's Dysg!

Changes to KS4 performance measures – letter to schools October 2015

Further details of the changes being made to KS4 performance measures, following the Review of Qualifications for 14-19 year olds in Wales, have now been published. The letter clarifies detail on the move from reporting school performance on an age based cohort method to a year group based one, and how new specification and legacy GCSE qualifications will be counted in the new measures.

Anti Bullying week 2015 16 -20 November

The message this year is ‘Bullying is everyone’s business’ to empower children and young people to identify and address  bullying whether it is happening to them or someone else face to face or on line.
The Welsh Government has published guidance for parents whose children are being bullied and for children who are being bullied.

Meic

is a free confidential helpline for children and young people in Wales open 24 hours 7 days a week www.meiccymru.org Tel 080800 23456 Text 84001.  Follow us on twitter using  #ABCymru2015

‘My Local School’ website update

Welsh Government website ‘My Local School’ was updated on Friday 23 October to reflect the final data with regard to contextual information and teacher assessments for Foundation Phase, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3. The Key Stage 4 final data is scheduled to be updated in December.

Good Practice Guide: A Whole Education Approach to Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence

Developed in conjunction with Welsh Women’s Aid, this guide recognises the importance of education settings as important environments where positive attitudes towards gender equality and healthy respectful relationships can be fostered through a rights based approach. The guide is based around the nine key elements of a Whole Education Approach, with each section exploring the types of activity which could be taken under each element.

Securing provision at specialist further education colleges

This information document explains the process by which the Welsh Ministers determine the funding of placements for learners aged 16-25 with learning difficulties at specialist further education colleges.

Consultation - Draft guidelines for local authority counselling services and Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) on collaborative working

Consultation on how Estyn inspects education and training in Wales

There is still time to let us know what you think of Estyn inspections.

Your views are valuable, so please use this opportunity to influence changes to inspection that will affect everyone involved in education.  Take part  The consultation is open until Wednesday 11 November.

The ‘Learners who have been excluded from school’

Guidance schools can offer learners following exclusion.

Find out why a learner can get excluded, the steps a school and learner should take and how to appeal.

Mandatory Reporting of Female Genital Mutilation – procedural information

The Serious Crime Act 2015 introduced a new mandatory reporting duty for Female Genital Mutilation.

The duty will require teachers in England and Wales to report known cases of FGM in under 18-year-olds to the police from the 31st October 2015.  Procedural guidance  was been published for information.

Welsh Government Financial Inclusion Strategy 2016 – Have your say!

A refreshed strategy to improve the financial capability of people in Wales, improve access to financial services, financial information and advice. To take part in the consultation click here and submit your comments by 4 January 2016.

Prototype of new Welsh Government website open for public testing

An early demonstration of a new approach to presenting Welsh Government information online is being made available for a short round of testing. While only a short test, your feedback will help shape its development. Start the test

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qualified for life - focus on science

NEW Winter Term Planner for Science teachers

Look out for the latest resources from the Welsh Government to support the Focus on Science Campaign. A new Winter Term planner with details of many exciting STEM based events, activities and competitions are now available.

Do you have a Chinese partner school?

Grants of £1,500 per school are available for you and your Chinese partner school to work together on a joint project, either Shakespeare Lives or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) between 1 January and 31 December 2016.  Closing date to apply is 15 November 2015.

Using film to teach science

Film is not only a useful tool in the teaching of arts and humanities; it can also be applied to the sciences. This new bilingual resource will provide educators with an easy and effective way to use film in the classroom.

One giant leap for film makers

Into Film are offering six young filmmakers the chance to have their short films sent into space, to be watched by British astronaut Tim Peake whilst on the International Space Station (ISS) - the first opportunity of this kind ever!

Film review writing competition

Into Film have teamed up with the Urdd to launch a Welsh language review writing competition for KS2 and KS3 students. Applicants need to send in film reviews in Welsh (up to 300 words) of any film they like, there are two categories Year 6 and under, and Year7-9. For further information click here.

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hwb

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Why not put pupils at the heart of your Hwb+ journey?

Many schools have taken a pupil led approach to rolling out Hwb+, asking pupils to volunteer to be part of a Digital Leader programme. Digital Leaders can meet at lunchtimes or after school to learn and to share innovative digital skills which can be used by teachers and pupils at home and in the classroom.  For information about starting your own Digital Leader scheme, see the ‘Digital Leaders’ resource on Hwb.

e-Safety and Safer Internet Day competition

Do you work with young people who love computing? For Safer Internet Day we are calling young people to create their own apps that help make the internet better. Deadline is 30 November. Find out more on Hwb

New resources on Hwb

For KS5 learners, currently considering their university applications, take a look at A guide to writing your personal statement . The resource has been created and shared on Hwb by Aberystwyth University but is relevant for any learner currently drafting their personal statement.

Hedd Wyn resource pack

for KS2 and KS3 learners.

Fire Safety in the Home

is one of a number of new resources created by the All Wales Fire and Rescue Service education Group and now available on Hwb. This resource is a workbook aimed at KS2 learners.

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other news

Do you know someone who is choosing a higher education course?

Unistats is the official, bilingual resource for prospective students to search for and compare undergraduate courses. The website includes data about students' entry qualifications, progression, degree results, and career and further study information.

New to Unistats?

There is an introductory video to help you use the site to compare university courses. @UnistatsUK

Erasmus+ Information Sessions

The British Council and Ecorys are hosting a series of information sessions across the UK for newcomers to Erasmus+. The agenda for the day includes a general introduction and overview of Erasmus+, followed by a closer explanation of the types of funding opportunities available and next steps. Find out where and when the sessions are taking place and how to register 

 
 

ABOUT DYSG

Dysg is the official education e-newsletter from Welsh Government. Dysg aims to provide updates and developments on post-11 education and training sectors in Wales.

Find out more on the web:

learning.wales.gov.uk

hwb.wales.gov.uk

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