Project to improve BAME education resources in Wales

A project that aims to improve the teaching of themes relating to Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities across all parts of the school curriculum in Wales has begun.

The working group, called the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnicities (BAME) Communities, Contributions and Cynefin in the new curriculum, is led by Charlotte Williams OBE.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams has confirmed the working group’s membership and set out the group’s objectives and key milestones for delivery.

The group will review the learning resources currently available to support the teaching of themes relating to BAME communities, their contributions and experiences; advise on the commission of new learning resources; and reviewing and report on professional development to support teaching in these areas of learning.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: "Today I am pleased to announce the publication of Terms of Reference for the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities, Contributions and Cynefin in the New Curriculum Working Group.

"The group will work in the spirit of the Curriculum for Wales guidance, considering the strategic and broad principles and direction required, ensuring what is important in delivering a broad and balanced education across each of the areas of learning and experience.

"I expect the group to report on their initial findings, including recommendations for new resources for the forthcoming academic year by mid-autumn, with a final report presented in spring 2021.

"I am also pleased to note that the members of the Working Group, chaired by Professor Charlotte Williams OBE, reflect a wide range of experiences and specialisms.

"The Group is well placed to take full account of the histories, contributions and experiences of BAME communities in their work, and to deliver recommendations which will result in both the commission of robust and meaningful learning resources and constructive support for teaching practitioners to increase their skills in this very important area of learning."

The full group includes the following people:

•     Abu-Bakr Madden Al-Shabazz, Cardiff University Centre for Lifelong Learning
•     Angela Heald, head teacher of St Joseph’s Cathedral Primary School, Swansea
•     Clara Seery, Managing Director of Central South Consortium
•     Humie Webbe, National Training Federation Wales
•     Dr Marian Gwyn of Bangor University
•     Professor Martin Johnes of Swansea University
•     Nia Williams of Ysgol y Preseli
•     Nicky Hagendyk, Humanities Lead, EAS Consortia
•     Rajvi Glasbrook Griffiths, deputy head at High Cross Primary School, Rogerstone
•     Dr Shehla Khan, a lecturer at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David