The Learned Society of Wales awarded the inaugural Hugh Owen Medal, funded by the Welsh government, to WISERD’s Co-Director, Professor Chris Taylor in recognition of his outstanding contribution to educational research.

Implementing the new curriculum in Wales: lessons to learn?

Professor Chris Taylor, Wales Institute of Social & Economic Research, Data & Method

Since devolution Wales has seen a number of radical changes to its education system. However, the most significant is still to come. In 2015 the Welsh Government set out to introduce a new school curriculum for all 3-16 year olds, the largest curriculum reform ever seen in Wales.

The ambition to have a new curriculum in place by September 2021 has already been breached. This year Kirsty Williams AM, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, announced that there would be a one year delay in the introduction of the new curriculum, and that its final implementation would now be ‘phased’ in. This deceleration recognises the scale of the task, but it also provides a good opportunity to reflect on its implementation.

The Wales Institute of Social & Economic Research, Data & Methods (WISERD) has been heavily involved in evaluating and challenging many of the education reforms introduced by the Welsh Government in the last ten years. In this lecture I reflect on our experience of these reforms and consider what other lessons could be learnt to support the successful implementation of the new curriculum.

There will be a drinks reception after the public lecture to give those attending an opportunity to continue the discussion over a glass of wine.

Programme:

17:15-17:45 Registration and refreshments

17:45 Introduction by Sir Emyr Jones Parry, President of the Learned Society of Wales

17:55 “Implementing the new curriculum in Wales: lessons to learn?” Professor Chris Taylor, Wales Institute of Social & Economic Research, Data & Methods (WISERD), Cardiff University

18:40 Q&A session

19:00 Reception and networking

19:45 Close

This event is organised in partnership with the Learned Society of Wales.

The Learned Society of Wales / Cymdeithas Ddysgedig Cymru (LSW) celebrates and encourages excellence in all of the scholarly disciplines. A Royal Charter charity established in 2010, the LSW is an independent source of expert scholarly advice and commentary on matters affecting the wellbeing of Wales and its people. The Society draws upon the expertise of over 450 distinguished Fellows based in Wales, the UK and beyond. For more information, please visit: www.learnedsociety.wales

Hugh Owen Medal - The Hugh Owen Medal is named in honour of Sir Hugh Owen (1804-1881). The award is supported by Welsh Government and is awarded in recognition of significant contributions to educational research, or the application of research to produce significant innovations in education policy and/or professional educational practice in Wales