Welsh Government Dysg eNewsletter: 16 ... - Learning Wales

Welsh Government Dysg eNewsletter: 16 September 2013
(Issue 349)
This newsletter aims to provide updates and developments affecting post-11
education and training sectors in Wales. Os hoffech chi ddarllen y cylchlythyr yn y
Gymraeg Cliciwch yma.
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Welsh Government updates
Minister for Education and Skills, Huw Lewis: letter to schools
‘With the new school term now underway I’d like to welcome you back, hopefully
invigorated after the summer break and ready, as I am, to face the challenges
ahead. As a former teacher myself, it is a huge honour to have been appointed as
Education Minister in the Welsh Government. Although it has been some time since
I last taught a class, I know first-hand all the pressure, excitement and opportunity
that comes with a new school year…’ More
Literacy and Numeracy Framework (LNF) exemplification materials – out now!
First tranche of new classroom practice and exemplar materials published on
Learning Wales.
From today, teachers looking for real classroom examples and assessment-related
guidance for the LNF can view a suite of supporting materials on Learning Wales.
More
Religious education
A guidance document- ‘People, Beliefs and Questions - Religious Education for 3 to
7 year-olds-in Wales’ has recently been published on line. It provides key messages
for planning learning and teaching in religious education for children aged 3 to 7
years old. It includes case studies showing good classroom practice, planning grids
and suggestions regarding assessment. The guidance is made up of two separate
documents – one containing English case studies and information, the other
containing Welsh case studies and information. More
The Healthy Eating in Schools (Wales) Measure 2009 and the Healthy Eating in Schools
(Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Wales) Regulations 2013
Provisions in the Healthy Eating in Schools (Wales) Measure 2009, and the Healthy
Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Wales) Regulations
2013 (‘the Regulations’) came into force on Monday 2 September 2013.The
Regulations set out requirements to improve the nutritional standards of food and
drink served in schools across Wales. Written statement, Measure and Regulations
Changes to performance measures resulting from Review of Qualifications -
REMINDER
This letter from Kate Crabtree, Head of Qualifications and Regulation Division at
the Welsh Government, outlines the changes to performance measures resulting
from the Review of Qualifications. This letter was sent in July. More

Teaching and teaching qualifications
This information document looks at two related issues.
Firstly who can carry out teaching work in maintained schools or non maintained
special schools in Wales As well as qualified teachers, a number of other persons
in particular circumstances may also teach. More
Improving Secondary Schools in Wales
Priority review: Band 1, and Band 4 and 5 schools that have continued to improve
This priority review identifies lessons learnt from Band 1 schools that have
maintained high levels of performance, and Band 4 and 5 schools that have
improved, to inform the improvement journey for other schools. The report of the
review identifies: What worked in the improving schools; Six interlinked and
interdependent themes for success – Leadership; Higher expectations for
learners; Pupil tracking and data; Planning for improvement; Curriculum; and
Parental engagement; Case studies; and Recommendations More
We’ve refreshed the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) element of
Learning Wales – take a look!
We have updated and added support material to the Professional Learning
Communities pages on Learning Wales. More
National Literacy and Numeracy Framework and National
Support Programme
The National Support Programme aims to help all schools to take a measured,
planned and effective approach towards fully implementing the LNF during 2013-
14. The NSP will add to support from regional consortia, to help all schools to meet
the September 2014 requirement to assess all learners in years 1-9 against the
literacy and numeracy expectations set out in the framework.
Numeracy across the curriculum – this does not mean that teachers have to
introduce aspects of numeracy artificially into every lesson. Estyn’s thematic
reports on numeracy across the curriculum are helpful in this regard. Estyn
The NSP will produce a series of film clips later this term. These will be based on
NSP professional development workshops being run this term on aspects of literacy,
numeracy, supporting dyslexic learners and curriculum review, reporting and
assessment. Your NSP partner or regional system leader may already have been in
contact with you about these.
Opportunities for teachers
School leadership programme evaluation project
Are you undertaking a school leadership development programme during 2013-
2014
Would you like to play an important role in developing school leadership
programmes in Wales and receive Welsh Government funding for your leadership
development For further information
National Leadership Development Board (NLDB) – Applications close at 1.00pm
on 24 September 2013
Applications are now open for the National Leadership Development Board (NLDB).
The NLDB is being established to provide advice and guidance on school leadership

development in Wales. Further information and details on how to apply, the full
advert and background information for applicants can be found on the Welsh
Government Public Appointments web page.
Recruitment of external mentors 2013/14
The Welsh Government is seeking applications from practitioners for the external
mentor role for the academic year 2013/14 supporting NQTs through their statutory
induction and the Masters in Educational Practice for those NQTs who have opted
to undertake the programme. More
Consultations
A new vision for a National Youth Work Strategy
The Welsh Government is seeking views on new proposals to support the
development of a new National Youth Work Strategy. More
Dates for your diary
Get on with science events – book your place NOW!
Science conferences targeting secondary school teachers are aiming to put the
‘fizz’ into Physics and other STEM subjects...
A series of 3 events highlighting opportunities to promote wider engagement of
young people in STEM subjects are taking place in North and South Wales this
October. More
Intelligent Support for Business: Thursday 26 September 2013, Liberty Stadium,
Swansea
Do you work with employers who want to expand their business, or provide advice
to people thinking of becoming self-employed Our lunchtime event, run by the
Labour Market Intelligence Team, will offer the opportunity to meet with key staff
and learn more about the Welsh Government's Skills Funding, Labour Market
Intelligence and the support that is available for businesses. Book your place by
Thursday 19 September More info.
The Real Conversation: Thursday 26 September 2013, Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Do you work with employers or young people (aged 16-24) They could benefit from
attending our next Real Conversation. Help us spread the word and maximise
attendance. This upcoming event will focus on young people’s views and
experiences of progressing through school, work and training. More info.
Apprenticeship Awards Cymru – Friday 18 October 2013 at the Celtic Manor
Resort, Newport
The Apprenticeship Awards Cymru celebrate the outstanding achievements of
learners, employers and providers involved in the delivery of quality
apprenticeships across Wales. Showcasing excellence in skills development in
Wales, the awards are organised jointly by the Welsh Government and the National
Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). More information and sponsorship
opportunities or email Karen Smith, NTfW
NTfW Annual Conference – Nurturing Talent: Building the Workforce of the
Future in Wales - Friday 18 October 2013 at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport
The conference will allow delegates the opportunity to hear from predominant
keynote speakers and debate the topical matters. The event is also seen as a prime
opportunity of networking with individuals and companies across the training sector

within Wales. More information and sponsorship opportunities or email Karen
Smith, NTfW
Nominations open for Wales’ outstanding youth workers and youth work
projects
Why not nominate YOUR choices for Wales’ top youth workers and youth projects
Some of Wales’ very best youth workers and very best youth work projects will be
recognised at the Youth Work Excellence Awards, set to take place in February
2014. The application process has already begun and the awards will both
recognise and celebrate the thousands of dedicated workers supporting and helping
young people in Wales. More
Resources and Competitions
Learner Voice Wales Branding Competition
Ipsos MORI, on behalf of DfES, has just launched a competition to current post-16
learners in Wales to design the promotional material for the 2014 Learner Voice
Wales survey. The winner will receive a £100 voucher and a visit to Ipsos MORI to
further develop and adapt the material to prepare it for the promotional
campaign. More
Become a Youth Mental Health First Aid (Wales) Trainer
Train as a Welsh Government Approved Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
Instructor and deliver this course to your organisation or as an independent training
consultant. The training will be in Cardiff on 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 26 th , 27th
November 2013 (all days compulsory, a fee applies). Find out more about YMHFA or
to arrange to attend a two day First-aiders course or email Claire Foster for an
application pack. Be quick places limited!
Hwyl y Limrigau Newydd
An entertaining collection of new limericks by Geraint Løvgreen, Dorothy Jones,
Arwel Pod, Dewi Prysor, Jôs Giatgoch and others, including a guide for limerick
creating workshops, with an interactive CD featuring live workshops at three
schools. Resource suitable for 7-11 year olds. More The Welsh Government has
commissioned this resource and many more. Please see the Educational Material
category at gwales.com for more information on these resources and to purchase
Latest statistics
• Absenteeism from secondary schools, 2012/13
UK Updates
Findings from research into the impact of non-teaching ambassadors (NFER)
NFER recently undertook a study to explore the impact of non-teaching Teach First
ambassadors on the Teach First vision that no child’s educational success should be
limited by their socio-economic background. More
An investigation of Headteachers' and teachers' views towards science-specific
CPD (NFER)
The aim of this research was to investigate the views of senior staff, with
responsibility for leading CPD strategy, towards science-specific CPD. Within the

study there was a particular focus on how schools and FE colleges were evaluating
CPD. More
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