Agenda and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosureofinterests

In accordance with the code of conduct adopted by the City & County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

 

The Terms of Reference for the Committee were reported for information.

 

To approve and sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

Resolved that the Minutes of the Education & Skills Policy Development Committees held on 10 April and 9 May 2019 be agreed as correct records, subject to the minutes of the 10 April being amended as follows: Minute 44 paragraph 3, line 2 to read 3 years not 2 years.

The Chair reported that the Committees report on Pupil Development Grant had been reported to and agreed by Cabinet on 16 May 2019.

 

He indicated that the contents and recommendations contained in the report had been well received by the Cabinet Member for Education Improvement & Skills and Cabinet as a whole as a way of moving forward policy within the City and County of Swansea relating to the PDG.

 

The good examples of good practice currently in place need to be shared as widely as possible across Swansea schools.

The Chair followed on from the discussions held at the meeting held in April and confirmed the intention of the committee to look at the implications of and the preparation being undertaken for the introduction of the New Curriculum.

 

He indicated that the committee should be looking to inform, assist and influence schools in their preparation.

 

Nick Williams stated that a strategic overview would be needed. The proposal for the new curriculum which in not “content driven” were currently in the consultation stage, and open for comment from all parties. He indicated he was aware of some objections and tensions towards the changes.

 

He stated that there would be a significant move from the current testing regime to a skills based curriculum. As outlined in previous meetings the level of support and additional training for teachers would be a fundamental element to any success.

 

He indicated that the teacher training providers are part of the Skills Partnership, so are aware of the challenges ahead.

 

He stated that he would be meeting with ERW later in the week and ERW would also be holding a briefing session later in the week for schools.

 

Helen Morgan-Rees indicated that schools do have 3 years to prepare for the implementation and a lot of schools would not be “starting from scratch” due to the work previously undertaken, particularly by Pioneer Schools. Any strategic plan developed by the Local Authority would have to be developed in conjunction with, and following consultation with schools. Schools will need to be supported in the key elements and areas of the reforms highlighted in the April meeting.

 

The aim of the reforms were to move away from a rigid national curriculum and allow schools to develop and become more autonomous and stand on their own and develop a curriculum that suits their own needs.

 

She indicated that an officer working party on the new curriculum will hold its first meeting in July. The Leaders of both primary and secondary phases would both be involved in the group. The relevant officers could also attend future meetings of the PDC and report back on issues raised/progress made etc.

 

She indicated that she felt that as expected there were mixed responses from schools to the consultation with non pioneer schools feeling more exposed to the proposals.

 

Members discussed the issues and areas detailed above and asked questions of the officers who responded accordingly.

 

The input and opinion of ERW into the proposals could also be sought at a future meeting.

 

The issue of the suitability and design of current school buildings to be able deliver the new curriculum was outlined as an area that would need further examination.

 

Resolved that

 

1)    The implications of the new curriculum be the main focus of the committees work for the forthcoming municipal year;

2)    That representatives from various schools(both pioneer & and non pioneer) be invited to the July meeting to put forward their views on the proposals;

3)    Representatives from ERW be invited to a future meeting;

4)    Relevant officers and members of the working party be invited to attend future meetings.