Addressing Pandemic Impacts on Education
Prior to the pandemic, Wales was making notable strides in literacy and numeracy. Unfortunately, the pandemic has reversed some of these advancements, as highlighted in a recent Welsh Government report on reading and numeracy attainment. This setback necessitates new strategies to regain and further progress in these crucial areas.
Launching New Initiatives in Maths Education
A fresh maths plan has been introduced to elevate educational standards. This includes the development of innovative learning methods within the new curriculum designed to boost learner confidence. Additionally, a new evidence, advice, and research group composed of mathematics experts from Wales, the UK, and internationally will be formed to provide guidance for a bespoke professional learning package tailored for Wales.
Engaging Financial Literacy Education
At Ysgol Coedcae in Llanelli, financial literacy is being taught in captivating ways. Education Minister Jeremy Miles recently observed a lesson focusing on financial education, where students learned to calculate percentages and apply this knowledge to real-life scenarios like loan repayments. Sam Terry, Head of Maths at Coedcae School, emphasized the importance of preparing students for financial challenges outside the classroom.
Enhancing Reading Skills with Updated Resources
The oracy and reading toolkit, released earlier this year, has been updated to emphasize early communication skills and systematic phonics as effective strategies for developing essential reading skills. This comprehensive toolkit offers resources to help schools create and integrate their own reading and oracy programs. Education Minister Jeremy Miles underscored the necessity of supporting young people’s literacy and numeracy to maximize the benefits of the curriculum.
Comprehensive Support for Schools
Efforts such as the Recruit, Recover and Raise Standards (RRRS) Programme have been implemented to mitigate the pandemic’s effects on education. Evaluations of the programme indicate a positive impact, particularly in increasing staff capacity in early years and school settings, ensuring all learners receive quality education despite the challenges posed by Covid.