02 February 2011
Teaching makes a difference
On 2 February the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills gave an address entitled 'Teaching makes a Difference in which he set out a concerted programme of action to raise educational standards in Wales including 20 key actions to be taken immediately. For more information see the following link:
02 February 2011
Dr Brett Pugh appointed to lead Standards Unit
In his address 'Teaching Makes a Difference' on the 2 February 2011, the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills announced a 20 point plan to raise standards and performance in schools across Wales including the establishment of a Standards Unit to help drive education improvement in Wales. Dr Brett Pugh, Chief Education Officer at Newport County Council has been seconded to lead the unit. The unit will develop processes for monitoring, analysing and reporting on performance data and will provide both support and challenge to the system and will update the Minister on progress.
http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/educationandskills/2011/110321standards/?lang=en
01 October 2010
Short Papers & Case Studies
The SEF are releasing a series of short papers to help you understand the work being carried out under the 6 Key Drivers to support the National Priorities ( more…)
We are also publishing a number of case studies to give examples of good practice from schools across Wales with varying socio-economic circumstances ( more…)
These papers can be found under Key Documents. Alternatively use the links provided above.
01 Oct 2010
Developing Thinking and Assessment for Learning
In 2005, DCELLS set up and funded a programme for developing thinking and assessment for learning working in partnership with school clusters and Local Authority (LA) advisers. The programme focused on the development, implementation and dissemination of good practice in the teaching of developing thinking and assessment for learning strategies ( more…)
Introducing the All Wales Core Data Sets
The success of the SEF depends on a number of important principles. Among these are:
strong self evaluation
the use of data and management information to identify strengths and weaknesses; and
the need to work collaboratively and learn from one another.
To help us turn these principles into effective practice, we have developed a national core data set for primary and secondary schools. Individual data packs were released for the first time to schools over the autumn term 2009 to support self evaluation and target setting timetables. The packs included analyses of end of key stage 1, 2 and 3 teacher assessments, attendance, key stage 4 external examinations and Value Added (for secondary schools). The pack contents are largely pictorial with trends provided where possible.( Read on)
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
The SEF places a high value on creating and sustaining Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to bring about improvement for our children and young people. Working with a number of academics in the field of school effectiveness, especially Professor Alma Harris, we have developed a model of PLCs that best fits the aims of the SEF. We have also been working closely with Estyn, as they will be looking for evidence of PLCs in schools, under the new 2010 Common Inspection Framework. ( Read on)
Engaging Families
Evidence tells us that the more we involve parents in schools the more we can improve the wellbeing of our children and young people. This, in turn, leads to better outcomes in learning and greater opportunities later in life.
This means that there is a moral obligation on schools to find more new ways to involve families in the education of their children. ( Read on)
