CYPE(6)-26-22 – Paper to note 1  

History of Wales and the Curriculum for Wales

Curriculum for Wales and the exciting opportunities it offers is now being implemented in Welsh schools. We very much welcome that the History of Wales in all its rich diversity should be central to every school’s curriculum within the Humanities Area of Learning and Experience

Nevertheless, previous experience of the lack of attention historically given to Welsh History in a number of schools is cause for concern. Schools have faced very significant challenges over the past few years which may have had an impact on their ability to plan and prepare for such fundamental changes. Furthermore, lack of expertise and lack of experience in delivering  Welsh History in some schools together with a lack of resources has been problematic.

We call on you to establish an independent chaired Working Group similar to the Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and experiences Working Group in order to be able to review the way Welsh history is presented.

Among the functions of this Working Group would be to

• identify a common body of basic knowledge that schools should include in their curriculum

• draw up a timeline to go along with this

• monitor the teaching of Welsh history in the schools to ensure that it is taught consistently across the country

• identify gaps in the resources available and advise on what resources would be needed

• offer advice on the nature of the training that schools would need

We realize that one of the basic principles of Curriculum for Wales is to allow schools to design their own curriculum to meet the needs of their pupils and local priorities. Designating a common body of knowledge would not limit the freedom of schools to do so but would give them a clear guide to ensure that the national history of Wales is delivered. As valuable as learning about local history is, focusing on that alone is not the same as learning about Welsh History.

We look forward to receiving your response.