Why a new curriculum?
The Welsh Government asked Professor Graham Donaldson to review the curriculum and assessment arrangements in Wales. Professor Donaldson published his findings in a document called “Successful Futures”.
- There were some strengths in the Welsh education system and he acknowledged that the government had tried to make modifications to the curriculum with, for example, the Skills Framework, but the overall recommendation was that, “To meet the needs of today and the challenges of tomorrow, there is a powerful case for curriculum change”.
- Donaldson believes that fulfilment of the purposes of the curriculum requires approaches that are more directly relevant to emerging personal, social and economic need.
The Four purposes of the new curriculum are more than slogans. They are at the heart of everything we do, developing pupils to become:
- Ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives.
- Enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work
- Ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the World
- Healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.
The report suggests there should be “Six areas of Learning Experience”. All six are important and will contribute in different ways to the Four purposes.
- Expressive Arts
- Health and Well-being
- Humanities
- Language, Literacy and Communication
- Mathematics and Numeracy
- Science and Technology
Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Competence are so important to thinking, learning and life that they should be developed and strengthened across the wider curriculum.
At Carreg Hirfaen we strive to ensure:
- Topics promote the 4 purposes
- Digital Competency Framework is used across the curriculum
- Independent learning takes place eg missions, challenges
- Collaborative learning
- Creative thinking and expression
- Outdoor learning
- Pupil led learning/pupil voice
- Staff and Pupil's Wellbeing is at the core.