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Agenda item

Report by Arwyn Thomas

Minutes:

DECISION

To accept the Report.

 

DISCUSSION

The report was presented, and it was noted that WG has made significant changes regarding how performance measures are reported.  Consequently, there is no comparative information on neither local authority level nor consortia level for the Foundation Phase, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.

The discussion commenced with the Foundation Phase and it was noted that although performance has decreased regionally, the decrease is lower than the national decrease across all areas.  The main reason to account for this is that schools, for the first time, are using new outcomes for language and mathematics from the FPh framework for assessment.   On looking at Key Stage 2 it was noted that performance is still strong in all subjects, and the region continues to be strong on both the expected level and higher levels.  It was noted that GwE will continue to further strengthen cluster working in order to promote collaboration and sharing good practice. It was noted that the Estyn profile for primary schools continues to improve year on year, and there has been an increase to 13.2% in the number of schools receiving higher judgements.  It was added there are only 3 schools in Estyn statutory category at present, which is 0.75% of the region's primary schools.

On looking at Key Stage 3, it was noted that performance is positive and that the region's performance continues to be above the national figure in the core subjects. The regional gender gap was discussed, and girls still perform better than the boys.

It was expressed that performance is disappointing overall in Key Stage 4. It was added that the Secondary Schools Improvement Strategy notes a direction for regional developments for the next three years. It was added that GwE has been working to improve the relationship with schools and that there is ongoing support. It was expressed that GwE is working to improve the effectiveness of middle leadership in terms of leading the teaching, assessment, tracking and robust evaluation, and it is hoped that these efforts will bear fruit in the coming years. It was added that work is ongoing to improve the performance of FSM learners by ensuring that schools receive clear guidance and support regarding effective strategies, learning and tracking.

It was noted that GwE is investing in KS3, which will roll out into KS4, and that there is a very strong relationship between GwE and secondary schools. It was added that steps have been taken, but that results are not evident as yet.  FSM pupils were discussed, noting there will be a possible impact when the Universal Credit is introduced. 

GCSE English results were discussed, and it was emphasised that it is difficult to move forward until there is an indicative explanation to what occurred. Inconsistent responses from Qualifications Wales was noted, and that pupils who have met the standard should be awarded a Grade C.  Raising the bar in terms of the marks required to achieve a Grade C in the summer means that a significant number of learners in the region cannot pursue the post-16 courses they had wished to study. 

It was expressed that Qualifications Wales has not managed the situation well, and that no apologies have been received.  It was noted that Kirsty Williams has said that the Government cannot commission a consultation as it is an independent board. 

On looking at KS5, it was noted that the delivery model varies within authorities and across the region.  Nevertheless, an increase was noted in A2 and AS, and it was added that the region is at the forefront nationally in some indicators, but behind in other measures.

 

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