Welsh Government Dysg eNewsletter: 17 November 2014 (Issue 399)

17 November 2014 • Issue 399

 
 
 

Welsh education news

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Deputy Minister congratulates Welsh winners at UK's biggest skills competition for apprentices, employees and learners

 

Julie James, Deputy Minister for Skills & Technology has congratulated the record number of Welsh winners at this year’s UK finals of WorldSkills.

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Now available – presentations to explain the changes to qualifications in Wales in September 2015

 

Presentations to support schools and colleges in explaining the changes to GCSEs, A levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate are now available on the Qualified for life web site. They include the latest key information, animations and videos.  They are designed to be used at parents’ evenings or at staff meetings.  

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Take up of the new Welsh Baccalaureate at post-16 in colleges and schools - transitional arrangements

 

The Welsh Government has announced the required percentages of learners who should be taking the new Welsh Bacc at post -16 in schools and colleges from 2015 to 2020.  

   
 

More welsh education news

National Reading and Numeracy Tests 2015 – ordering system now live!

The secure ordering system for the National Reading and Numeracy Test (NRNT) papers for 2015 is now live until 5 December.

‘Numeracy in key stages 2 and 3: an interim report’ (Estyn)

 

Second of three reports looking at how a sample of primary and secondary schools is developing pupils’ numeracy skills across the curriculum. Generally, these schools have made some progress since the first year of the survey. However, many of their strategies have yet to make a consistent impact on standards.  Welsh Government Response

Pupil Deprivation Grant - Reminder of Terms and Conditions

 

 

Schools are reminded that as part of the Terms and Conditions of accepting the grant, that they should publish information about their Pupil Deprivation Grant usage on line. 

Education begins at home

 

The ‘Education begins at home’ campaign has just launched its own twitter page @Edubeginsathome.  Keep track of the latest updates that can support children at home.

GCSE Science online survey 

 

 

Help us ensure that the Science GCSEs we develop are of the highest standard by taking part in our survey.

Developing consistent performance measures for the post-16 sector

 

 

Current arrangements for measuring performance in sixth forms and further education mean that we cannot compare outcomes in a meaningful way across learning settings, and that learners/parents don’t have information to inform their choices. Further information on the work that is being done to develop consistent performance measures for the post-16 sector.

The e-Bug European-wide education campaign

 

Wales is now a partner in the campaign to educate children aged 9 – 11 (junior) and 12-15 years (senior) about microbes, infections, hygiene and the importance of using antibiotics wisely.

   
 

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National Support Programme Resource Bank now online!

 

A new website with resources to help you implement the National Literacy and Numeracy Framework (LNF)

Anti-bullying competition – last year's winners – why not take part this year?

Survey launched to gather views on anti-bullying guidance

 

We would like to know your views on the guidance and how we can better tailor it to your needs before 12 December 2014.

Departmental structure for Education and skills

 

Information about our Director General, Directors and Deputy Directors, and their areas of responsibilities. 

   
 

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Hwb Content Team

 

Isle of Anglesey HwbMeet on 18 November is now fully booked. HwbMeet events will return to North Wales in the Spring, visiting Mold and Pwllheli. Bookings for these events can be made now.

Would you like to work with the Hwb Content Team? Find out more. Closing date for applications: Friday 21 November, 4.00pm.

Hwb+ training

 

Wikis can be an effective way of enhancing literacy skills in the classroom. Module 4 of the new Hwb Team’s Digital Leader training offers the opportunity for teachers to become familiar with the Wiki tool in Hwb+. Teachers will have the opportunity to develop materials for use in school and to share good practice. For more information, and to reserve your space at the training courses visit Hwb.

   
 

other news

News about the Education Workforce Council (EWC)

 

On 1 April 2015, the General Teaching Council for Wales (GTCW) will become a new body, the Education Workforce Council (EWC). Find out what’s happening and when.

Recruitment of further education peer inspectors

 

Changes to the way Estyn inspects further education colleges means that the way peer inspectors are recruited, trained and deployed will also change.  All college principals have been asked by Estyn to nominate staff who they consider suitable for peer inspector training. These may be people who have or haven’t previously trained as peer inspectors. The deadline for nominations is 28 November 2014. For further information on FE inspection changes, please read Estyn’s latest newsletter

Maths Tutor

 

The Further Maths Support Programme is looking for a maths tutor (ideally Welsh speaking) who could help to teach Further Mathematics in North Wales on a casual basis. For further information: T: 01248 382279 or email e.w.clode@bangor.ac.uk

Nominations for the Inspire! Adult Learning Awards 2015 are now open!

 

Now in their 24th year, The Inspire! Awards celebrate the achievements of exceptional learners, tutors & employers who have shown outstanding passion, commitment and drive for adult learning, often in the face of difficult circumstances.  The closing date for entries is 6 February 2015.

   
 
 
 
 

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