8. Statement by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language: Adnodd — Supporting the Curriculum for Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:31 pm on 28 March 2023.

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Photo of Heledd Fychan Heledd Fychan Plaid Cymru 5:31, 28 March 2023

(Translated)

Thank you, Llywydd, and thank you for this afternoon's statement, Minister. Clearly, this is to be warmly welcomed, and I think that the benefits that you've outlined will certainly be welcomed by teachers. One of the things that you will have heard, as have I, in speaking to teachers, is that they welcome the new curriculum but that the issue of resources and that we don't have the necessary materials, particularly in Welsh, is a concern for them. Certainly, from some of the visits that I've undertaken to Welsh schools in my region recently, I've seen teachers who are delighted by the new curriculum, but also are spending a great deal of time translating materials in the evenings and during holiday times, to ensure that there is new and appropriate material available, and that, of course, adds to their workload. So, I think that this is to be very warmly welcomed indeed.

I also welcome the announcement through the co-operation agreement on the issue of Welsh history. There's certainly a deficiency there. I remember when I was in school, many years ago now, but there was a problem then, and seeing that it's the same materials that are still used today in schools, and that's the reason why schools haven't been choosing to teach Welsh history, because of a lack of resources. That has had an impact on a number of subjects, including the sciences and so on, because of the unavailability of resources. As you've emphasised, having bilingual and high-quality resources is the issue that we're trying to solve.

Some practical questions from me—two specifically: first, on the timetable in ensuring when the resources will be available. I know that you're announcing the establishment today, and that there will be some consultation, but for those teachers who are implementing the new curriculum and are perhaps having to use other materials at the moment and having to translate for themselves, what kind of support will be available in the interim? Because it will take time to get the necessary resources in place, and I fully understand that.

Also, in terms of the availability of resources for those home teaching. Of course, Hwb does provide some materials, but is it intended that these materials will be available through Hwb for them too? Hopefully, there will be a positive response. I look forward to seeing how things develop. But just to understand between now and when the resources become available how we will ensure that that support is available.