Dysg eNewsletter: 04 September 2025 • Issue 784

04 September 2025 • Issue 784

Classroom

Approach to embedding learner effectiveness in schools: three secondary schools talk about their experiences

As one of the mandatory Principles of Progression, increasing learner effectiveness is critical to unlocking the potential of the Curriculum for Wales; it plays a central role in the 14 to 16 learning guidance. When we teach young people how to learn more effectively, we can unleash their ability to learn, progress and achieve their full potential.

Personalised assessments

Personalised Assessments

The online Personalised Assessments system is closed for annual maintenance until 15 September. Reports can be accessed from Monday 1 September and it will be open for scheduling and running assessments from Monday 15 September.

support for families

Get Help with School Costs

The School Essentials Grant can give parents up to £200 in school costs to help pay for things like school uniform, PE kit and classroom essentials. Your school can get extra funding too. Search Get Help with School Costs and let your kids focus on learning and fun, not finance.

£1 Bus Fares for Young People in Wales

Young people aged 16-21 can travel by bus across Wales for just £1 per journey with a free mytravelpass. An unlimited day ticket is also available for £3.

The scheme applies to participating bus operators across Wales.

Professional Development

Now Open - The Welsh in Education Teacher Retention Bursary

The application window for the Welsh in Education teacher retention bursary is now open. If you think you’re eligible, you should apply by 30 September 2025.

resources

International Literacy day: 8 September 2025

Celebrate literacy and share the importance of reading and writing for everyone, everywhere.

FREE digital resources to support Made-for-Wales GCSEs

WJEC and Adnodd are pleased to confirm that a suite of FREE digital resources are available via Hwb. These resources include Blended Learning Resources and Knowledge Organisers to support the new qualifications for first teaching from September. These resources can be accessed via Hwb

New academic year, new opportunities – Creative Learning Cymru

As well as the continuation of our existing Have a Go and Go and See funds, we’re delighted to launch our new Explore, Experiment and Extend programmes. Take a closer look at what’s on offer and see where the Creative Learning journey can take you.

Restart a Heart Live

Free, live-streamed CPR event on YouTube specifically for secondary pupils. No special equipment needed – a cushion, teddy, bag or rolled-up coat. Sessions last 20 minutes. Wednesday 1 October - in the afternoon.  Register here: www.restartaheart.live 

stakeholder updates

Revised EWC Code of Conduct

If you’re registered with the EWC, you should familiarise yourself with revised Code, which came to effect on 1 September. It’s a key document setting the standards, behaviours, and values expected of you.

To help you embed the Code in to your practice, the EWC have created supporting resources.

Public Health Wales: Vaccinations – School age children and Young People

Here headteachers and school staff can find information about how they can support school nursing teams.

Written Statement: Introduction of a routine varicella (chicken pox) vaccination programme

SSCE Cymru updates:

Written Statement: Appointment of Chair to the Qualifications Wales Board

have your say: Consultations

Reasonable Adjustments of General Qualifications

Closes 24 October 2025

Exceptions to childcare registration and the proposal for a Voluntary Approval Scheme

Closes 3 November 2025

dates for your diary

Holocaust Educational Trust's Lessons from Auschwitz Project - Apply Now

Two students from your school or college can join the autumn 2025 project for £59 per person. Participants will attend an in-person seminar in Cardiff where they will have the opportunity to meet and hear from a Holocaust survivor before joining a one-day visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Poland.  Travel subsidies are available, and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis with priority given to schools which have not previously participated.

Adult Learners’ Week 2025

15 to 21 September 2025

Explore and share hundreds of free learning opportunities with learners, staff, and stakeholders. Discover what’s on offer via our online resource.

St David Awards  2026

The Public Service Award celebrates frontline workers in Education and the NHS. This is your opportunity to nominate exceptional people in your school that make you proud to be Welsh.  Share their story and help them gain national recognition.

Nominate for the St David Awards close on 26 September

ABOUT DYSG

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

Find out more on the web:

Education in Wales: Our national mission

Education Wales: Blog

Hwb

Follow us on Facebook:

Education Wales

 

Follow us on Twitter:

@WG_Education

@WelshGovernment

@HwbAddysg_Cymru

 

Follow us on YouTube:

Education Wales