Making the Most of Learning and Assessment, in Wales

Current position in Wales

Foundation Phase (ages 3-7) – learning through structured play – being phased in. Baseline and end of phase assessments under development.

Link: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/curriculumassessment/arevisedcurriculumforwales/foundationphase/?lang=en

Current position in WalesKey Stage 2 (ages 7-11) and Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) revised school curriculum - fully in placefrom September 2009.End of key stage assessment - teachers’ judgements supported by:

– cluster group KS2/3 moderation– external moderation of standards at KS3 (except PE

and music = end of key stage judgements).

Also:Optional Skills Assessment Materials (OSAMs) (Year 5). Development of Year 3 OSAMs over the next 2 years.

Link: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/curriculumassessment/arevisedcurriculumforwales/nationalcurriculum/makingthemostoflearningnc/?lang=en

Current position in Wales

• Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16) joint agreement with UK-wide bodies as to core curriculum.Assessments as UK plus piloting ofWelsh Baccalaureate (structure aspost-16)

• Post-16 joint agreement with UK-wide bodies as to assessment plus Welsh Baccalaureate.

What are the aims of the revised curriculum?

• Learner-focused• Ensures appropriate skills development• Focuses on continuity and progression• Offers reduced subject content• Flexible• Motivating and relevant to the 21st century• Promotes Curriculum Cymreig, equal

opportunities, food and fitness, the world of work and entrepreneurship, sustainable development and global citizenship.

Aim: Learner-focused

Include all learners to:• provide a meaningful, relevant and

motivating curriculum• meet the specific needs of learners• further learners’ all-round development.

Learner-focused - How?

Classroom practice:• assessment for learning (AfL)

methodology• use of learners’ prior skills, knowledge

and understanding to inform planning• collaborative work.

Curriculum provision:• relevant, meaningful content• fewer teachers.

Aim: Skills development

The revised curriculum is underpinned by the

non-statutory Skills framework, for 3-19 year olds

in Wales.• shows progression in developing thinking,

communication, number and ICT across the curriculum

• becomes a requirement when stated in the

Orders.Link:

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/curriculumassessment/arevisedcurriculumforwales/skillsdevelopment/?lang=en

Skills-focused - How?

Classroom practice:• ensure a focus on skills• give opportunities for learners to

progress skills• ensure learners can transfer these

skills from context to context.

Curriculum provision:Review the Skills section of Orders

– audit, identify contexts, map progression.

Aim: Flexibility

• Gives control and responsibility back to schools and learners

• Schools free to organise the curriculum to suit the school and their learners’ needs.

Flexibility – How?Classroom practice:• varied and enjoyable experiences for learners• appropriate differentiation of tasks• common approaches to pedagogy• common expectations• appropriate and formative assessment

Curriculum provision:• decisions on contexts• no gaps in statutory provision• continuity and progression• sharing of information by teachers• involvement of all teachers

Why develop thinking skills and assessment for learning in the

classroom?

ACCAC

Shifting pedagogy

The Welsh Assembly Government has a Pedagogy initiative to shift pedagogy and focus on reflective practices.

Previously…. a review of research evidence in the fields of developing thinking and assessment for learning indicated improvements in learners’ motivation and performance.

So…. between 2005 and 2008, DCELLS conducted a pilot programme combining developing thinking and assessment for learning – based on their shared pedagogy Ref: Skills framework, page 11.

Why develop thinking skills and assessment for learning in the

classroom?

ACCAC

Pilot programme

Partnership working over 5 school terms with:• 9 LEAs + 1 group of special schools (total of 42 schools, > 100 teachers).

Independent evaluation reported:• increased learner engagement / motivation• improved learner behaviour• improved performance• improvement in learner self esteem / confidence• improvement in the quality of speaking and listening• happier teachers and learners!Link: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/curriculumassessment/thinkingandassessmentforlearning/?lang=en

Extension programme

Aim: to continue the shift in pedagogy required to

ensure that all learners receive the full benefits

of the revised curriculum.• commenced in April 2009• 3 year programme• partnership working with LEAs• 50 teachers per LEA per year involved (total of

>1,000 per year)• ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

Contact details

Julie AddisDCELLSWelsh Assembly GovernmentFloor 3, Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ

Tel: 029 20 826553E-mail: julie.addis@wales.gsi.gov.uk