There are lessons to be learned from Scotland over the introduction of the new curriculum, according to the new head of Wales’ biggest exam board. The BBC reports.
Initially lauded as a blueprint for the new Welsh curriculum, more recently concerns have emerged about the implementation of the Scottish reforms.
In an interview with BBC Wales, Roderic Gillespie, the new head of WJEC also said many reforms had been introduced in Scotland at the same time.
The overhaul of Wales’ curriculum is based on the recommendations of Professor Graham Donaldson who was also involved in the development of the Scottish curriculum.
The new Welsh curriculum sets broad areas of learning rather than specific subjects and puts the same importance on computer skills as literacy and numeracy.
It will be introduced in 2022 for all primary school pupils and the first year of secondary school and then continue to be rolled out as children move through their schooling.
“Teachers do want some autonomy but they want very very clear guidance in terms of the expectations – what do we expect of teachers and clarity of that guidance for teachers in the classroom – that should be the starting point”.
He said Wales like Scotland was clear about the purpose of education and “it’s not about exams”.
Read more Curriculum reform: ‘Lessons to be learned from Scotland’
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