The new Curriculum for Wales will be organised in 6 Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLE) (replacing the current 13 National Curriculum subjects), underpinned by the Cross Curricular Responsibilities of Literacy, Numeracy, Digital Competence and the Wider Skills. Within each AoLE there will be statements of ‘What Matters’, with a supporting rationale. These ‘What Matters’ (with supporting supplementary guidance) will help schools to identify the key knowledge, skills and experiences that young people should have across the continuum.  

Each AoLE will contain a progression narrative, with ‘descriptions of learning’ to support schools to plan for learner progress at each progression step (at age 5, 8, 11, 14 and 16) across the continuum. If will be from these descriptions of learning that each school’s approach to assessment will be developed. 

There will also be guidance to support the development of the curriculum in schools. 

Misconceptions

A number of misconceptions have emerged as the curriculum has evolved. The following blogs, written by our staff are helpful in attempting to dispel these myths:

Dispelling the Myths – Part 1

Dispelling the Myths – Part 2 

Professional Learning

The realisation of the Curriculum for Wales will require a significant and ongoing professional learning programme across the region between January 2020 and September 2022 to support schools to prepare. A common national programme of professional learning is being developed by the Wales’ four regional Consortia, in partnership with school leaders, teachers and our link HEIs.

All professional learning materials will also be available via e-learning on our regional Thinqi platform.   

School Development Planning Guidance

We have developed the guidance to support Headteachers.