School curriculum to be reviewed

12 March 2014 Last updated at 11:50

School curriculum and assessment review to be led by Graham Donaldson

The international PISA tables show Wales behind the rest of the UK in reading, maths and science

A review of the school curriculum and assessment in Wales has been announced by the education minister.

Led by Prof Graham Donaldson of Glasgow University, it will be "comprehensive, wide ranging and independent", Huw Lewis said.

In January, school inspectors raised concerns about the "variable" quality of teaching and standards generally, especially in secondary schools.

The review will consider education from the age of three right through to 16.

Mr Lewis said Prof Donaldson had been "instrumental" in a curriculum reform programme for the Scottish government and had recently reviewed teacher education in Scotland.

Mr Donaldson, he said, had been asked to "articulate a clear, coherent vision for education in Wales".

'Important changes'

Schools inspectorate Estyn's annual report said: "Fewer than half of secondary schools are good or better [compared to the previous year] and the proportion that is unsatisfactory has increased from one in seven to one in four.

"One in seven is excellent. Over two-thirds of secondary schools will be monitored in 'follow-up' visits."

Responding to AMs questions on the report in January, First Minister Carwyn Jones said the Welsh government was now offering education a "clear way forward", but conceded that there had been a "blurring of the lines of accountability, in terms of leadership in schools [and] in terms of leadership in local education authorities" previously.

On Wednesday, Mr Lewis said: "Here in Wales we have already put in train important changes with the introduction of the Literacy and Numeracy Framework and our tests.

"Building on this, I recently consulted on proposals aimed at strengthening and supporting the teaching and learning of literacy and numeracy in schools - as well as setting out my intention to introduce a wider skills framework that will ensure alignment with, and progression towards the new Welsh Baccalaureate.

"I will be publishing my response to that consultation shortly."

"In agreeing to undertake this review, Professor Donaldson brings with him a wealth of experience, knowledge and skill, as well as a personal commitment to continuous improvement and attainment of the highest standards."

The minister added that Prof Donaldson would be "at the forefront of a truly transformational programme of work and a historic step forward in Welsh education history."

Mr Lewis is due to receive the report later this year.