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

Welsh and bilingual educational resources for schools and colleges – needs identification – deadline 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.

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

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.

• Tuesday 24 March 2015 – Venue Cymru, Llandudno
• Wednesday 25 March 2015 – Millennium Stadium, Cardiff;
• Consultation

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. 

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. 

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

Big Bang Cymru Events – Register today!

The events aim to Inspire young people from all backgrounds to study science, technology, engineering and maths.  There will be exhibitions, competitions and numerous interactive activities.  Students, teachers and science clubs also have an opportunity to bring along and showcase the great projects they’ve been working on.  

• Big Bang Cymru South Wales - 16 March, Celtic Manor Convention Centre, Newport
• Big Bang Cymru North Wales - 25 March, Venue Cymru, Llandudno

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.

Pi Day Cymru

Celebrate Wales’ π 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.

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:

• Mapping tools for ESDGC and the Literacy and Numeracy Framework for year 2, year 6 and year 9 now available on Hwb.
• David Lloyd George resource package for KS2 and KS3.

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. 

It’s our Wales – Let’s look after it! Poster Compeition

A competition for primary schools to design a poster that introduces a new Environmental Law in Wales.  Win up to £250 for your Eco Committee!  Notes for teachers.  Enter now! Closing date 27 March.  

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.