Welsh Government Dysg eNewsletter: 2 March 2015 (Issue 411)

2 March 2015 • Issue 411

Welsh education news

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Launch of Creative Learning through the Arts – an Action Plan for Wales

The plan is the response of Welsh Government and the Arts Council of Wales to Professor Dai Smith’s independent report, Arts in Education in the Schools of Wales.  Keep an eye out for the report which is due to published tomorrow (3 March) and will be available via the Welsh Government website.

More welsh education news

Changes to KS4 school performances measures from 2017 and 2018 onwards      

Following recent announcements about changes to KS4 school performance measures for reporting from 2017 and 2018 onwards, attached is a communication to Regional Education Consortium Managing Directors to clarify the position on discounting of qualifications

Now available – New 2015 Essential Skills Design Principles

Following months of collaborative working with stakeholders, a key draft document for the new 2015 Essential Skills Suite is now available.

These include:

  • Essential Digital Literacy Skills Design Principles
  • Essential Application of Number Skills Design Principles
  • Essential Communication Skills Design Principles

Power to innovate

From 27 February, maintained schools, further education colleges and local authorities can apply to Welsh Ministers to temporarily suspend or modify requirements of education legislation for the purpose of implementing innovative projects that may contribute to raising standards under the new 'power to innovate'.  Written statement

‘Real Conversation Event – Apprenticeships for young people – equality & diversity’ – Thursday 19 March 2015

Come along and take part in the next Real Conversation Event. It’s a chance for employers and young people to come together to discuss issues on the barriers experienced in training and education. Places are limited, so please book today!

Awards ceremony recognises the work of youth workers

The Youth Work Excellence Awards, showcasing outstanding achievements by youth workers, were handed out at a ceremony in Cardiff’s Mercure Holland House Hotel.

FE and Workbased Learning Updates

The Programmes Directory

The latest version of the programmes directory has been updated and lists the programmes which will be eligible for funding and sets out the requirements for each eligible programme.

Apprenticeship Week (9-13 March 2015)

Is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.  Being an apprentice gives you the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification and develop professional skills, while earning a salary.  Follow us on Twitter @apprenticewales and like us on Facebook

WorldSkills UK Competitions

An online campaign encouraging entries to WorldSkills UK competitions by the 20 March is currently underway. WorldSkills UK is the name given for a series of around 60 skills competitions that take place annually across the UK, ranging from Carpentry, Floristry, Industrial Electronics to Web Design and Beauty Therapy. 

Confirmation of Key Stage 4 and 16-18 Local Curriculum Offers for 2015/16

Careers Wales Online is now open for schools and FE colleges to upload their Key Stage 4 and 16-18 local curriculum offer course information. Please ensure that this process is completed and all local curriculum offers have been confirmed by Friday 20 March using The Careers Wales Online system

Further Education Leadership Programme Application Process Now Open!

You have until 13 March 2015 to apply for a place on the new strategic leadership programme, Leading Wales, which has been designed specifically for senior leaders in further education (FE) colleges.

Across Wales young people find work thanks to Jobs Growth Wales

Young people are continuing to find high-quality work opportunities through the Welsh Government’s youth unemployment programme, Jobs Growth Wales.

Key dates for your diary / Have your say

Future qualification requirements for learning support workers in schools questionnaire

A commitment was made in our action plan to promote the role and development of support staff in schools to consider the qualifications school support staff should require

Pi Day Cymru

Celebrate Wales’ Π (Pi) heritage by helping to launch Pi Day Cymru on Saturday 14th March. A range of fun activities to mark Pi Day Cymru will be available on the news section of the Learning Wales website soon. If your school would like to take part in Pi Day Cymru in the week leading up to 14/03 please contact caroline.holmes@workingword.co.uk for help with promote your activities.

Welsh and bilingual educational resources for schools and colleges – needs identificationdeadline 13 March 2015

Do you have any ideas for new resources or suggestions for the type of resources that you would like to see being commissioned?  If so, please let us know.

Consultation workshops - Raising the ambitions and educational attainment of children who are looked after in Wales

We invite all those whose work responsibilities and lives bring them into contact with children who are looked after to attend.

Teacher assessment: strengthening arrangements to improve reliability, consistency and confidence

We are proposing changes that are designed to strengthen the teacher assessment arrangements.  Consultation closes 6 March 2015

Good practice in mathematics at key stage 3 - February 2015 (Estyn)

This report is published in response to a request for advice from the Welsh Government in the Minister’s annual remit to Estyn for 2013-2014. The report examines standards in mathematics at key stage 3 and the factors affecting achievement, and includes case studies of best practice.

GWE Towards Excellence - National Conference – 26 March Venue Cymru, Llandudno

GwE, the Regional School Effectiveness & Improvement Service for North Wales, is proud to announce its intention to hold a National Conference, supported by Welsh Government, at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, North Wales.

MARCH ONLY! –  FREE Caernarfon, Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech Castles - World Heritage Site Facilitated Sessions.

Free ‘World Heritage Wonders’ education programme now available

A bespoke education programme focussing on the World Heritage Site of the Castles and Town Walls of Edward I is now available free of charge.

Book now for Closing the Literacy Gap for Boys 2015 Conference - 17 March Llandudno

A closer look at ways of closing the literacy gap for boys with a selection of practical and innovative workshops to inspire, inform and equip on offer. 

Do you have pupils who are interested in going to Germany this summer?

UK-German Connection has two fantastic courses that might be of interest to them.  German Pupil Courses and the German Scholarship Programme. There are also opportunities for teachers to act as Group Leaders. The application deadline for both courses is 10 March 2015.  Please contact Carla Johnson, for all queries.

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.

Credit unions

With a credit union, you’re at the front of the queue for savings and loans. Unlike with the banks, there are no third-party shareholders demanding profits before customer benefits.

Brain Games – 8 March, National Museum Wales

The "Brain Games" a day will again take place at the National Museum on Sunday 8 March.  It is part of a series of free events created by neuroscientists at Cardiff University that allow children and parents to find out more about how their brain works. 

Qualified for Life – Focus on Science

British Science Week, 13 – 22 March

Formerly National Science and Engineering Week. 10 days of events promoting an celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. The British Science Week website has resources and ideas to help you plan your events (grants may be available). You can request a STEM Ambassador to help with your British Science Week events

Spring 2015 Science planner for teachers

As part of the Welsh Government science campaign we have worked with science providers and organisations in Wales to produce a series of planners for each school term. The latest Spring 2015 Science planner for teachers includes information on resources, events and competitions.  

Big Bang Cymru South Wales, 16 March - Event

Big Bang South Wales takes place at the Celtic Manor Convention Centre, Newport on 16 March. 10:30am – 3:30pm. Exhibitions, competitions and interactive activities; including Mark Lewney,  the Rock Guitarist and the Bloodhound SSC.  Students will be showcasing their STEM projects too. 

Big Bang Cymru North Wales  25 March - Event

Big Bang North Wales takes place at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on 25 March. 10:30am – 3:30pm. Exhibitions, interactive activities and competitions, including the ICE bridge and the Bloodhound SSC. Students will be showcasing their STEM projects too. 

Hwb

Cowbridge HwbMeet 10 March 2015 4.30pm- 6.00pm: Reserve your ticket now

As usual, we have lots of different table hosts, and  our guest speakers will be Aled Williams, deputy head at All Saints Primary School, and Non Stevens from Intofilm - they will be speaking about inspiring and achieving through film.

Hwb resource update:

Hwb+

Hwb+ training continues this term with teachers invited to select from modules covering a wide range of topics including getting started, supporting literacy and numeracy with Hwb tools, Office365 and strategic approaches for school leaders. For more information and to reserve your space visit Hwb

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