Press Release: NEW CURRICULUM FOR NEATH'S SCHOOLS ANNOUNCED

-WELSH LABOUR FOCUSES ON KEY SKILLS

Neath's schoolchildren are set to benefit from a new and improved learning experience thanks to the Labour led Welsh Assembly Government’s new school curriculum.

Neath's Labour AM Gwenda Thomas has welcomed the announcement by the Assembly Government's Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Jane Hutt AM, that a distinctive Welsh curriculum for 3-19 year olds will be introduced in September 2008. It comes after four years of expert, public and local consultation.

The new curriculum will;

• Transform early years education through the Foundation Phase, 3 – 7 year olds will learn from interactive educational play inside and outside the classroom;
• Focus on developing children’s key skills in key subjects from the age of seven including communication, numeracy and information technology skills;
• Offer a full range of personal and social education to cover diet, health, sustainable living and active citizenship.

Gwenda Thomas AM said:

‘’I am delighted that once again Welsh Labour is taking the lead on transforming education for children in Neath.

‘’Welsh Labour is committed to meeting the aspirations of our young people and this new curriculum will equip our schoolchildren with the skills they will need later in life.

‘’This new education plan will transform early years education and will ensure that from the age of seven our children will be equipped with the personal, social and new technology skills they need for the twenty-first century.

‘’The Foundation phase will move early years education away from a rigid desk and blackboard style of teaching and will help young children to develop their speaking and listening skills.

‘’This new curriculum and Welsh Labour’s promise to end child poverty by 2020 proves that Welsh Labour has the ideas, vision and commitment to make sure every child in Neath reaches their full potential.’’