Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Education

QNR – in the Senedd on 11 January 2017.

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Photo of David Rees David Rees Labour

(Translated) What progress is being made regarding the introduction of a new computer science curriculum?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

Work on developing a new curriculum for Wales is well under way. The first part of this, the digital competence framework, was made available last September. Computer science will form a key element of the science and technology area of learning and experience.

Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative

(Translated) Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on plans to improve educational attainment in Wales?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

I have set out our national mission to improve education attainment through a programme of education reforms. These include the development of a new curriculum and assessment reform, improved initial teacher education, teacher’s professional development, building leadership capacity and reducing the attainment gap.

Photo of Nick Ramsay Nick Ramsay Conservative

(Translated) Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on her priorities for education spending in 2017?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

The education budget for 2017-18 supports my priorities as Cabinet Secretary—a relentless focus on raising standards, reducing the attainment gap between the most disadvantaged pupils and their peers, promoting teaching excellence, and my national and international ambitions for our higher education institutions in Wales.

Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP

(Translated) What is the Welsh Government doing to increase the number of Welsh students studying medicine at Welsh universities?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

Universities are autonomous bodies responsible for their own student admissions. However, Cabinet colleagues and officials have been discussing with representatives from Cardiff and Swansea medical schools how they can encourage Welsh students to choose to study in Wales and how we can overcome barriers that might discourage them from applying.

Photo of Jenny Rathbone Jenny Rathbone Labour

(Translated) In light of Schools Challenge Cymru coming to an end, what measures are now in place to assist schools to strengthen networking and collaborate on good practice?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

Today, I published a written statement on Schools Challenge Cymru. The final evaluation report will be available later during the spring term. In the meantime, my officials will continue to work with the education consortia to ensure we fully capitalise on the learning emerging from the programme.

Photo of Rhianon Passmore Rhianon Passmore Labour

(Translated) Will the Cabinet Secretary outline the educational support the Welsh Government is providing to pupils in areas of economic deprivation within Islwyn?

Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat

The impact of the pupil deprivation grant, and our focus on school improvement, is making a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged learners. We are starting to break the very stubborn link between poverty and educational attainment.