Next steps for establishing Wales' new curriculum

Education Minister Kirsty Williams has published an updated action plan setting out the next steps in Wales’ reform journey, ahead of the introduction of the new Curriculum for Wales in 2022.

The action plan, known as Our National Mission, shows the steps the Welsh Government has taken in response to the coronavirus pandemic and its response to the independent report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) last week.

The document highlights the progress made since 2017 when the first iteration of the action plan was first published, which includes the fact that Wales was the only nation in the UK to improve PISA score across all three domains. It also shows  that the number of pupils from the most disadvantaged backgrounds achieving at least one Grade C in a Science GCSE has increased by 30%.

It also showed initial teacher education (ITE) has successfully been reformed, with 50% increase in applications, and there has been record investment in teacher professional learning and starting salary increases. What's more, 100% of schools now access super-fast broadband, compared to 37% in 2016.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: "We could not have anticipated that we would be turning this page of history in Welsh education under these circumstances.

"The national effort against coronavirus has involved a team of 3.2 million and the education family has met the challenge together, ensuring that our young people are supported with their wellbeing, and with their ability to learn.

"The update to Our National Mission that we are publishing recognises the collective efforts and achievements made so far, takes into consideration the OECD recommendations, and maps the next stage of the journey.

"Our continuing education reforms, with Curriculum for Wales at the centre, is truly a shared, national endeavour."