As we approach the end of the feedback phase for the draft Curriculum for Wales, Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, confirms schools will receive an additional INSET day.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
An extra INSET day will take place each summer term for the next three years specifically to give teachers more time for their professional learning. This is part of a package of support to help schools prepare for the new Curriculum for Wales, which will be rolled out from 2022.
The Welsh Government recently invested £24 million in teachers through the National Approach to Professional Learning (NAPL) - the single biggest investment in teachers’ professional learning since devolution.
The minister will be writing to schools this week to highlight how valuable this extra time is and how it must be used effectively, and with parents’ interests in mind, to prepare for the new curriculum.
Kirsty Williams said:
“We want the best possible education for our pupils and to achieve this we need to make sure teachers are well prepared to do what they do best.
“This additional INSET day, alongside the unprecedented investment we’ve made in our teachers, shows how serious we are about giving them the time and support they need to teach the new curriculum.”
With just 4 days left to respond to the consultation on the draft curriculum, the minister is urging everyone to have their say before this Friday 19th of July:
“Thanks to everyone who’s come forward with their thoughts, ideas and feedback so far. For the first time in the history of this nation, we will have our own made in Wales curriculum, and it’s absolutely crucial that we get this right.
“Whether you’re a teacher, pupil, parent, lecturer or business owner; whoever you are, if you have a stake in education in Wales, I want you to have your say.”
Over the last few months, there has been over 100 Regional Workforce Engagement events by Regional Consortia to engage with the wider teaching workforce.
The minister has been all around the country to meet with current and future teachers, headteachers, classroom support staff, school governors, parents, and children and young people, to get their feedback.
Today she will be hosting a business engagement breakfast to engage with private sector employers about how the curriculum will work for them.