Teachers in Wales


From the NUT for all teachers in Wales


Issue 40 Autumn term 2011


 






No minister! says NUT


The NUT has raised concerns about a 20-point plan for schools in Wales at a long-awaited meeting with Welsh Government Education Minister Leighton Andrews.


NUT officials met the Minister in September to discuss concerns about plans announced in February.


Areas of discussion included proposals for school banding, standardised reading and numeracy tests, CPD opportunities, the new Schools Standards Unit, PISA- style assessments at 15, and changes to performance management provision for teachers in Wales.


Wales Secretary David Evans described the meeting as productive. “Reassurances were given about the future direction of policy but there are areas where we would like more discussion,” he said. “We welcome many proposed changes, such as the reorganisation of the Department for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning, and a commitment to cut the number of initiatives, but we oppose other aspects of the proposals. The real test will be in how this plan is delivered.”


The Minister and his department need to understand the real challenges facing teachers in Wales, David pointed out. The NUT will continue to consult members on the proposals.


With David at the meeting were NUT Executive members Neil Foden and Angela Davies and Wales Policy Officer Owen Hathway.






Sunshine and smiles


The NUT stand at this summer’s National Eisteddfod in Wrexham was busier than ever and visited by members old and new. First Minister Carwyn Jones popped in. All our visitors supported the Fair Pensions for All campaign, signing the petition (if you haven’t signed it, visit www.teachers.org.uk/pensions).


Many new members recruited during the Eisteddfod said they were joining because they supported the strike against proposed changes to our pensions.


A popular attraction was the NUT noughts and crosses game (pictured left), and more than 500 people tried their luck to win a digital camera by guessing how many chocolate coins were in a box. Kraig Davies from Flintshire won with his correct guess of 278.






Inside… Reading with Sam   Equality at heart of young NUT   Save a life   Become a school rep!

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