Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Education

QNR – in the Senedd on 6 July 2016.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Bethan Sayed Bethan Sayed Plaid Cymru

(Translated) Will the Minister make a statement on the provision of financial education?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

Financial education has been embedded in the school curriculum in Wales since 2008. It features in the statutory mathematics programme of study and the national literacy and numeracy framework. We have also asked Estyn to review the quality of schools’ financial education provision to inform development of our new curriculum.

Photo of Dawn Bowden Dawn Bowden Labour

(Translated) Will the Minister provide an update on local education authorities that have recently been lifted from special measures?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

Estyn has judged those local authorities recently removed from special measures to have made sufficient progress, and previous ministerial interventions have come to an end. My officials continue to work closely with the Welsh Local Government Association and the authorities to consider how best to ensure that improvements continue and are sustainable.

Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru

(Translated) Will the Minister make a statement on promoting citizenship in schools?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

(Translated)

The current national curriculum supports the teaching of citizenship and provides opportunities that prepare learners for life as global citizens. Specifically, citizenship lies within areas of personal and social education and through the new Welsh baccalaureate, which was introduced for first teaching last September.

Photo of Jayne Bryant Jayne Bryant Labour

(Translated) What is the Welsh Government doing to develop critical thinking amongst school children in Wales?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

The development of critical thinking skills is an essential element within our current school curriculum. We will also ensure that skills such as critical thinking and problem solving are embedded within the six areas of learning and experience in the new curriculum for Wales.

Photo of Mike Hedges Mike Hedges Labour

(Translated) What is the Welsh Government's position on the optimum size for key stage 1 classes?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

Whilst there is no definitive view on the optimum size, I am considering options for the reduction of the largest infant classes, in order to respond to the concerns of parents and teachers.

Photo of Neil McEvoy Neil McEvoy Plaid Cymru

(Translated) Is closing the attainment gap between disadvantaged and more advantaged pupils a priority for the Minister?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

I have always been very clear that it is totally unacceptable for a child’s future to be determined by their background or personal circumstances, and not their own abilities.

Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative

(Translated) Will the Minister outline her funding priorities for education in the fifth Assembly for South Wales Central?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

My priorities for education, agreed with the First Minister, were set out in his published letter of 15 June. These priorities cover all areas of Wales equally. The funding of my priorities will form part of the 2017-18 budget considerations.