WIREDGOV

With less than a week before the first phase of the Great Debate on the future of the curriculum in Wales draws to a close, Education Minister, Huw Lewis, has urged people who have not had their say, to get involved.

The Great Debate was initiated in response to Successful Futures, Professor Graham Donaldson’s independent, comprehensive review of curriculum and assessment arrangements in Wales. Following the report’s publication, in February, the Minister was keen for a nationwide public debate to take place to find out if people across Wales think the report’s suggested vision and purposes of education are right for our children and young people.

Three public events have taken place over recent weeks in Bangor, Swansea and Nantgarw, all attended by Professor Donaldson. The event at Coleg y Cymoedd, Nantgarw saw the Professor present via webinar.

In addition to the public events, people have been able to find out more by accessing a variety of online resources on the Welsh Government website, which are designed to help them start their own debate. Views can be submitted to Welsh Government by completing an online survey.

The first phase of the Great Debate will reach its conclusion on Friday 8 May. Following consideration of all responses received the Minister will then make a formal statement on the next steps.  The Minister will respond formally to Successful Futures later in the summer.

The Minister said:

“It is now nearly ten weeks since the publication of Successful Futures. I said at the time, and it is still my opinion, that it has the potential to transform what and how young people learn in Welsh classrooms. But I was keen to hear the views of the people of Wales. What did they think about Professor Donaldson’s recommendations?

“In the time that has passed I am pleased that people across Wales have engaged in the Great Debate with such enthusiasm. All views expressed are being taken on board and will help inform our final response.  

“This is not a one-off exercise, however. To get this right everyone must play their part in building our new school system. I will continue to consult with interested parties, and test and refine our proposals to make sure that Welsh education is seen as leading the way.”

“I thank everyone that has contributed so far but I also urge anyone who has not yet had their say to do so by going online and play their part in shaping the Welsh curriculum of the future”.

Successful Futures can be viewed at:

http://gov.wales/docs/dcells/publications/150317-successful-futures-en.pdf

More information on the Great Debate, including online resources and a survey can be viewed at:

http://gov.wales/topics/educationandskills/great-debate/?lang=en

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/great-debate