Written question WQ84198

The Curriculum for Wales will reflect the true diversity of our population and all young people will understand how history, language, diversity and culture have shaped Wales to become the proud and unique nation it is today.

Our statutory guidance is clear that promoting an understanding of the history of Wales in all of its diversity, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people and communities should be embedded across the Curriculum for Wales. Within the parameters set out in the guidance, teachers will have the flexibility to tailor the content of lessons, which will allow them to have the freedom to teach the many and diverse histories of Wales and the wider world by exploring the stories of the people and communities in their locality. Schools which have a stronger Romani population and community may wish to tailor their needs to include the history of the Welsh Romanus dialect and other schools can choose to do so if they wish.

In addition, within our Languages, Literacy and Communication Area of the Curriculum for Wales, learners can develop an understanding of the origins, evolution and features of a range of languages. The choice of which international languages to offer lies with the school or cluster. Schools may choose to offer different international languages – language learning skills are transferable, and learners can enhance their linguistic and intercultural awareness by being exposed to multiple languages. Settings and schools may also wish to collaborate with others, for example to offer continuity in the language offered from one progression step to the next or so that learners have more choice of international languages. They may choose to offer languages which are spoken by staff at the school or by the wider community. They should take advantage of opportunities globally, digitally and in the community to reinforce the learning and teaching of languages.

I have asked my officials to review, with practitioners, the e-learning programme developed by Lovell/Roberts-Woods Welsh Romani families to see how that could support teachers in delivering the new curriculum.