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.
Supporting documents: