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School Bulletin: 7 January 2021

Cliciwch yma i ddarllen y fersiwn Gymraeg

Happy New Year!

I hope that you have all managed to get some rest over the holidays, it was definitely a very different Christmas to what we are used to. There is no doubt that 2021 will bring a new round of challenges
to all of our school staff, learners and their families.

As we move through yet another period of lockdown and uncertainty I want to reassure you that the CSC teams are here to support you. Our Direct Teaching Repository continues to grow and is a useful source of direct teaching resources to help plan distance learning activities for your pupils. This resource is a fantastic example of teachers helping teachers across the region, please do share any resources that you have produced to help other teachers.

Our Improvement partners and strategic advisors are here to support you over the coming weeks, please do talk to us if you have any comments, concerns or queries. Together we can make a difference to our learners.

Wishing you a safe and successful 2021.

Clara Seery
Managing Director


Please share our bulletin with your whole staff team in your school and encourage your colleagues to subscribe to our mailing list

We welcome contributions to all our communications channels: blog, newsletter, bulletins and social media. Please share your news and successes with us communications@cscjes.org.uk 

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Thank You
This message and appreciation is as important as ever! 
The cross-regional consortia online social media thank you campaign was launched just before Christmas to thank teachers and the school staff community for all their hard work in opening schools during the pandemic and for doing their best for the pupils
 
The links to the four articles and videos which include contributions from pupils across Wales and a host of Welsh celebrities, can be found below, please share and like with your contacts via email and on your social media channels.  
   
Article One
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/special-features/children-say-thank-you-school-19456796

Article Two
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/special-features/welsh-schools-praised-tv-star-19484588

Article Three
 https://www.walesonline.co.uk/special-features/rugby-star-turned-author-james-19484617

Article Four

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/special-features/how-school-staff-put-themselves-19484629
 

CSC Direct Teaching Resources
Please refer to our website for guidance and resources:

Please also note that the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has published the following guidance for schools:

WESP update: On behalf of Bethan Webb, Deputy Director, Welsh Language Division, Welsh Government
Further to my WESP update to you in November, I would like to let you know that the consultation on the non-statutory guidance on school categories according to Welsh-medium provision has been launched today.

The consultation period will be open between 14 December 2020 – 26 March 2021.

We are consulting on a non-statutory guidance document, the purpose of which is to:

  • set out new arrangements for categorising schools according to the amount of Welsh-medium provision in the school
  • provide a clear and consistent national framework for categorising schools according to the amount of Welsh-medium provision
  • support local authorities and schools to communicate the types of schools and Welsh-medium provision available to parents/carers

I look forward to receiving your comments.

Covid 19 Education, Childcare & Work Based Learning Update
Click on the links below for further information

Return to school and college arrangements - Kirsty Williams MS, Minister for Education
Video message from Kirsty Williams

FAQs

Latest advice on Coronavirus from Welsh Government: https://gov.wales/coronavirus

Announcement by the Minister for Exams 2021 and WJEC and QW updates
Welsh Government 
Minister’s announcement – “Education Minister Kirsty Williams provides further clarity on system to replace exams for general qualifications in 2021”

https://gov.wales/education-minister-kirsty-williams-provides-further-clarity-system-replace-exams-general

“Design and Delivery Advisory Board letter to the minister”
https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2020-12/letter_from_design_delivery_board.pdf

Design and Delivery Group” – “Consensus Document – December 2020”
https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2020-12/design-delivery-advisory-group-consensus-document_0.pdf

WJEC
WJEC – “GCSEs and A Levels: Welsh Government’s plan for assessment 2021”
https://www.wjec.co.uk/articles/gcses-and-a-levels-welsh-government-s-plan-for-assessments-2021/

“WJEC - Timeline for teachers”
https://www.wjec.co.uk/media/o53anvkg/timeline-for-teachers-2021.pdf

“NEA adaptations and submissions dates for 2021”
https://www.wjec.co.uk/umbraco/surface/blobstorage/download?nodeId=32943

Qualifications Wales
https://www.qualificationswales.org/english/covid-19-awarding-2021/statements/qualifications-wales-confirms-assessment-approach-for-summer-2021/


Welsh Government Update 
COVID-19 Modification of Curriculum and Assessment Requirements for January 2021
Curriculum and assessment requirements will continue to be modified to a reasonable endeavours basis for the month of January 2021.The Minister for Education has decided to issue a further modification notice providing schools with continued flexibility while responding to the ongoing issues and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notices to modify curriculum and assessment requirements may only apply for a specified period of time, which must not exceed one month. The intention is to resume full curriculum and assessment requirements as soon as appropriate and we continue to keep the situation under review

Consultation: School categories according to Welsh-medium provision Closing date: 26 March 2021


Welsh Language Music Day – Dydd Miwsig Cymru primary school hip hop competition
Young hip hoppers encouraged to join battle of the beats and rhymes on Welsh Language Music Day 2021.

The competition asks primary school children to come up with a rap song as a class or smaller groups and practice in the classroom and at home, where non-Welsh speaking parents could benefit from learning the words too. Closing date: Friday 29 January 2021.

Dwlu Darllen 2021
REMINDER:The Dwlu Darllen 2021 competition will take place virtually via Microsoft Teams on 9th  & 10th  March 2021.
The challenge for groups of year 5 and 6 pupils in English medium schools is to discuss a Welsh book or poem of their choice.  This is an excellent opportunity to develop pupils’ Welsh oracy and reading skills.  Further guidelines are available here.
The competition also supports schools as they work towards achieving the Cymraeg Campus bronze and silver awards.
To register, or for more information, contact Emma.Dermody@cscjes.org.uk by 29th January 2021.


Latest CSC Blog
Dwlu Darllen Reading Challenge 2020 by Bethan Davies, Early Years Leader at St John Lloyd RC Primary School, Cardiff We were delighted to be announced as winners of the ‘Dwlu Darllen 2020’ Welsh Second language reading challenge this year. The previous year we had been runner up and we were keen to provide a new group of pupils the opportunity to take part in the quiz, not only to demonstrate the school’s commitment to promoting the Welsh language but also our pupils enthusiasm for it.” Read the blog here

Reading Reconsidered: Linking non-fiction texts to visual literacy texts
by Evan Richards, Porthcawl Primary School, Bridgend, “At Porthcawl Primary school we have developed a whole school visual literacy approach which we have used and adapted over many years. The visual literacy approach involves using a powerful image or short film as the stimulus for the extended writing. We use this alongside a 5 day extended writing process in Key Stage 2 and a 10 day process in Foundation Phase.” Read blog here

Curriculum for Wales Poster Pack
Please find link here to a series of posters focusing on the various components of the new curriculum with links to further guidance on Hwb.
Latest information on the Curriculum for Wales can be found on our website  here. 

REMINDER: National Strategy for Educational Research and Enquiry Research Seminar Series
These seminars are being arranged to support capacity building and networking as part of the National Strategy for Educational Research and Enquiry (NSERE). They will be open to researchers, practitioners and policymakers.The seminars will be held on a monthly basis (usually on the last Wednesday of each month) between 3 and 4.30pm via TEAMS.

The programme for the spring and summer terms of 2021 is shown below:
Wednesday 20 January 2021
The Schools Health Research Network: supporting research, policy and practice around young people’s health and wellbeing. Professor Simon Murphy and Joan Roberts; Decipher, Cardiff University

Wednesday 24 February 2021
Developing Evidence-Informed Schools in Wales Teachers/School Leaders from the Rhyl Research School Cluster and Olchfa School, Swansea.

Wednesday 24 March 2021
The CAMAU Project: schools and universities working together to support learner progression in the context of the Curriculum for Wales. Dave Stacey, Nanna Ryder and Dr Sioned Hughes, UWTSD and Professor Louise Haywood, University of Glasgow

Wednesday 21 April 2021
Bringing Evidence ‘To Life’- the Role of Practitioners in Bridging Between Research and Practice. Professor Jonathan Sharples, Education Endowment Foundation and an EEF Research School Director

Wednesday 26 May 2021
Assessment Paradigms? Messages for Wales. Professor Jo-Anne Baird, University of Oxford Department of Education

Wednesday 23 June 2021
‘Leading and Transforming Education Systems’: Evidence, Insight, Critique and Reflection. Professor Alma Harris and Dr Michelle Jones, Swansea University
To reserve your place for these seminars please contact Joanne.Smith013@gov.wales



UK German Connection - Calling all schools hosting a German Language Assistant! 
Boost German and intercultural learning in your school with a Cultural Exchange Ambassador
We’re expanding our network of Cultural Exchange Ambassadors - Language Assistants can apply now to join a dynamic group, already running fun UK-German projects with their pupils!

While travel is out of bounds, give your pupils an authentic taste of Germany: encourage your German Language Assistant to become a Cultural Exchange Ambassador, join a UK-German network and run a class-to-class project with a German school. 

This programme, offered by UK-German Connection, has wide-reaching benefits:
  • Pupils gain an authentic connection to their German peers, helping improve both their linguistic and cultural understanding and increase their motivation
  • Language Assistants learn & strengthen valuable skills, including project management, teamwork & communication, and benefit from peer-to-peer exchange
  • Schools benefit from curricular-focused projects, which connect their pupils with another country, culture & language
  • A brilliant initiative by our FLA, thoroughly enjoyed by all participants, most of whom have now opted for GCSE German.” (Head of German department)
  • For more information about the programme, visit: www.ukgermanconnection.org/cultural-exchange-ambassadors 
You can also sign up for an online Q&A session via the above web page.
Deadline: Monday, 18 January 2021
For questions and further information, please contact ambassadors@ukgermanconnection.org

 

Curriculum for Wales Professional Learning Programme: Vision Workshops for Headteachers & Senior Leaders
What will the Vision Workshop cover?
As the Curriculum for Wales reform journey continues, it is essential that all schools develop a vision for curriculum and the learning and teaching that supports it. This part of the programme will link the visioning process to the educational practices in schools to support the implementation of reform.
 
Event Dates
12/01/2021 – 13.00 – 15.00
Event Code – 20/1179
https://www.cscjes-cronfa.co.uk/repository/resource/74ceb69b-6094-4e16-b683-c431fdafbad8/en
 
13/01/2021 – 09.30 – 11.30
Event Code – 20/1180
https://www.cscjes-cronfa.co.uk/repository/resource/acc396e5-943e-482a-b46d-f0a5e1405061/en
 
13/01/2021 – 15.30 – 17.30
Event Code – 20/1181
https://www.cscjes-cronfa.co.uk/repository/resource/e42d6dea-de1e-4374-82d2-72fe5040c7a9/en
 
20/01/2021 – 09.30 – 11.30
Event Code – 20/1182
https://www.cscjes-cronfa.co.uk/repository/resource/d6f6e704-9d03-43db-b58c-4c5bc6fbf91d/en
 
20/01/2021 – 13.00 – 15.00
Event Code – 20/1183
https://www.cscjes-cronfa.co.uk/repository/resource/c1225dce-cd83-40e5-a673-c36ed418c7c5/en
 
21/01/2021 – 10.00 – 12.00
Event Code – 20/1184
https://www.cscjes-cronfa.co.uk/repository/resource/a865218b-2905-4c56-bf7a-f1e5ea2931fa/en
 
25/01/2021 – 11.30 – 13.30 WELSH MEDIUM
Event Code – 20/1185
https://www.cscjes-cronfa.co.uk/repository/resource/cf40c885-03f0-463e-9e7f-076d29cec6ce/en
 
25/01/2021 – 15.30 – 17.30
Event Code – 20/1186
https://www.cscjes-cronfa.co.uk/repository/resource/83753534-aa7d-4c3e-8a41-3c6f335508b8/en


Induction Mentors for NQTs: Key Messages for January 2021 

  • At this time of year most NQTs will have had or are ready for their first formal review meeting which enables you to complete the review box under step 2 of the online profile and then set new or continuing developmental priorities 

  • Please ensure your school have completed the funding claim form for last term and emailed it to EWC professionaldevelopment@ewc.wales 

  • You should have received an email with all e-Aspire! / e-Anelu dates for the remainder of the programme – please support your NQTs to book cover well in advance and attend all sessions this term 

REMINDER: Primary International Languages Network Meeting
The session will offer opportunities for schools to collaborate and share effective practice. There will be a specific focus on:
  • Facilitated opportunities for school to school working and collaboration
  • A good overview of research informed practice for International Languages Language
  • Improved understanding of effective practice
Event Code: 20/1167
13 January 2021
More information and to book click here 

Show Racism the Red Card Creative Competition
Show Racism the Red Card Creative Competition is now open and the deadline for entries is 12th March 2021. 
The Competition is an extremely useful way of encouraging young peoples’ interest in anti-racism and provides
an opportunity for pupils to express their feelings about racism by showcasing their work. Prizes include kindles,
Amazon vouchers, trophies and a framed certificate. 

The competition is funded by the National Education Union Cymru.
 Guidelines for the competition can be founhere.

Further details can be found at this link https://www.theredcard.org/competitions

A2 Connect Wales Suite of CPD Opportunities
A2 Connect runs high quality training for teachers and artists to support you to develop and enhance skills in the teaching of Expressive Arts in line with the Curriculum for Wales framework

See the news section for information, advice and resources, many themed around the events or visit our Eventbrite page to book and see the full listings.

Education Workforce Council (EWC)
The Education Workforce Council (EWC), in partnership with Swansea University School of Education, is hosting its annual lecture, Professionally Speaking 2021.
Professionally Speaking 2021: Growing up digital26 January, 7:00-8:30pm Zoom webinar
More information can be found here 

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