An ambitious vision and strong teaching and learning are fundamental to schools’ Curriculum for Wales journey

Inspectors visited a mix of secondary, all-age and special schools – from those working with the national curriculum development groups to others less involved. Understandably, schools that led the reform process are more confident to innovate and manage change. Today’s report highlights emerging practice to help support Welsh schools to plan for the new curriculum.

Meilyr Rowlands, Chief Inspector, says,

During this challenging time, some schools have taken the opportunity to adapt their curriculum. The flexibility encouraged by the Curriculum for Wales has helped these schools as they respond to the pandemic.

Winning the hearts and minds of all staff is a key stage for schools on their curriculum journey. School leaders who trust staff and encourage creativity to improve curriculum design, planning and outcomes say this has been a ‘game changer.

Today’s report and its case studies are intended to support schools at all stages of curriculum design, at a time when they may feel concerned about making progress.

The report features Bishop Vaughan Catholic School, Swansea, where leaders have worked effectively with all their staff to develop a common vision – an essential step for every school in Wales to realise the curriculum.

Ensuring strong teaching and learning is another important element to successful curriculum reform. Crownbridge Special Day School in Torfaen involved all staff in reviewing what mattered most to pupils. This process revealed the ‘non-negotiable’ elements of the curriculum that formed the school’s approach to curriculum and pedagogy.