Leighton Andrews, Minister for Education and Skills
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
On 9 July 2012, I announced a review of the Welsh for Adults programme to consider how to improve the provision and delivery structures. The main objective is to review the provision of Welsh for Adults in terms of learner attainment, curriculum content, delivery structures and value for money. The Group will be required to report to me by June 2013 and provide recommendations on the way forward.
On 9 July 2012, I announced that Dr Haydn Edwards, former Principal of Coleg Menai, has agreed to chair the Group. I am now in a position to announce the other members of the Group. I am pleased that the following have agreed to be members of the Group:
- Gareth Jones: Former Director of Education, Ceredigion
- Ashok Ahir: Runner-up of the learner of the year competition and Chief Executive of Mela-Media
- Rhian Huws Williams: Chief Executive of Care Council for Wales
- Merfyn Morgan: Former Head of Vocational Qualifications Standards and Sector Qualifications Strategy at the Welsh Government
- Dr Christine Jones: Head of School of Welsh, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
- Dr Eleri Wyn Williams: Former Head of Education and Learning, BBC Wales
- Meic Raymant: Head of Welsh Language Services Department, North Wales Police
The Group will be asked to consider:
- how best to develop learners' Welsh language skills so that they are able to use the language in the workplace, community and with their families, including:
- is the current curriculum suitable?
- what are the requirements in terms of course books / teaching and learning materials?
- what are the opportunities for increasing the use of e-learning within Welsh for Adults?
- what are the opportunities for increasing informal learning within Welsh for Adults?
- what are the training requirements for the workforce?
- the options for the future structure of Welsh for Adults development and delivery, including:
- is the current model achieving the objectives of the Welsh Government?
- is the balance of provision right?
- can the resources be used more effectively?
- how to address workforce planning issues to ensure the future capacity to provide quality Welsh for Adults provision;
- the relationship with private sector providers; and
- whether qualifications (currently available and/or other possible forms of accreditation/assessment) are a lever or a barrier with regard to developing transferable Welsh-language skills.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Assembly returns I would be happy to do so.