Coming together at the Urdd Eisteddfod to support the ambition of the Curriculum for Wales

Qualifications Wales, Estyn and the National Academy for Educational Leadership Wales are proud to be working together to show the innovative ways they’re contributing to education in Wales.

The three organisations will have a joint presence at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire and will host an event with the Minister for Education and Welsh Language Jeremy Miles MS during the Eisteddfod week, to discuss the varied work each organisation is carrying out to achieve the ambition of the Curriculum for Wales.

Jeremy Miles, the Minister for Education and Welsh language said:

“I’m looking forward to hearing more from organisations about their work supporting the Curriculum for Wales, and to answering their questions. The Curriculum exists because of good partnership working. We should celebrate this, it’s a fantastic example of lots of organisations and stakeholders working together to achieve our shared goals.”

Emyr George, Director of Policy and Reform at Qualifications Wales said:

“It’s great to have an opportunity to talk to our stakeholders and partners at the Urdd Eisteddfod.

“We are redesigning qualifications for learners aged 14- to 16 to help them achieve as part of the Curriculum for Wales, which was introduced last year.

“At the moment, we are consulting on the Full 14-16 Qualifications Offer. We’re asking learners, teachers, school and college leaders, employers and wider stakeholders to give their views on our proposals. Where better to receive feedback from learners and teachers, than at the Urdd Eisteddfod?

“Cymraeg is such an integral part of the Urdd Eisteddfod. As an organisation, we’re fully committed to the Welsh language and proud to support this important event.

“We want learners to be able to take qualifications in the language of their choice. As part of these reforms we will require all qualifications for learners aged 14-16 to be available bilingually, in Welsh and English.”

Owen Evans, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training, said:

"Wales’s national mission to improve education and training for all learners is at the heart of our work. As we develop new inspection arrangements for 2024, we want to hear the views of those working in or interacting with education providers. The Urdd marks the start of our consultation with schools and pupil referral units as we seek their views about what and how we inspect.

“We’re looking forward to meeting as many education professionals, teachers, parents and learners as possible during this exciting annual Welsh-language youth festival of literature, music and performing arts. They can give us essential insights into how we can ensure inspection is a positive and professional experience for everyone involved.”

Tegwen Ellis, Chief Executive of the National Academy for Educational Leadership, said:

“We are pleased to once again attend the Urdd Eisteddfod and work in collaboration with our partners from the middle tier, Estyn and Qualifications Wales. The Urdd Eisteddfod is a hub for creativity and promotes inclusivity, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds from across Wales. Furthermore, it provides unique and invaluable opportunities for educationalists to engage in the vibrant Welsh culture and to network with colleagues across Wales. We are looking forward to speaking with headteachers, teachers, teaching assistants, youth workers and other practitioners throughout the week.”