National Initiatives
Thinking of videoconferencing? Think Welsh Video Network (WVN)!
The WVN, founded in 2000, is a centre of expertise dedicated to videoconferencing across the education community in Wales. The aim of the WVN Support Centre is to provide best practice advice and guidance on all elements of videoconferencing, both technical and pedagogical, making it easy for you to get started with videoconferencing.
The complete range of services on offer is designed to demystify this seemingly complex technical area so that schools and Unitary Authorities can deploy good quality videoconferencing, avoiding the pitfalls and any headaches along the way. The WVN Support Centre then continues to play an important role in training and supporting those interested in using the technology to its full advantage and in keeping your equipment functioning optimally.
The WVN is a not for profit service operated by the education community for the benefit of the community and is managed by JANET(UK). While the WVN does not sell videoconferencing equipment, an EU framework agreement is in place with a nominated supplier that may simplify the procurement process and help ensure best value for money.
For further details of the WVN, please contact the WVN Support Centre on
01792 295700 or email contracts@wvn.ac.uk. The WVN website can be found at www.wvn.ac.uk.
National Pedagogy Conference 2008
School Councils Wales
The School Councils Wales web-site is an exciting bilingual resource for pupils, teachers and governors in Wales, containing information, training activities and good practice examples helping pupils to participate fully in decisions that affect them in schools in Wales.
Evaluation of the Better Schools Fund
Guidance and information for the effective planning, management and evaluation of the Better Schools Fund (BSF) grant.
Microsoft Digital Literacy - The goal of Digital Literacy is to teach and assess basic computer concepts and skills so that people can use computer technology in everyday life to develop new social and economic opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities.
An ICT Strategy for Schools
This interim report sets out the conclusions which have been reached so far by the working group which was established in May 2006 to advise the Welsh Assembly Government on the development of an ICT Strategy for Schools for all learners aged 3-19.
Transforming Schools with ICT - Good Practice - Case Studies
ICT Self Review Framework
The Welsh Assembly Government are currently sponsoring an evaluation of the Becta ICT self review framework (SRF) and ICT Mark. The purpose of this pilot is to evaluate the framework and to determine if it is fit for purpose for Wales. Below are links to general guidance sheets, originally produced by Becta, and other materials to support staff.
ICT Mark Self-Review Framework (English)
ICT Mark Self-Review Framework (Cymraeg)
Element 1 - Leadership and Management
Element 3 - Learning and Teaching
Element 5 - Professional Development
Element 6 - Extending opportunities for learning
Element 8 - Impact on pupil outcomes
'Broadband - The New Language in Education' School Packs
Most of you now have broadband in your school and you will be aware of the benefits this brings to your school, your colleagues and your pupils. We hope that you will find this pack helpful in gaining the full benefit from broadband and the Internet throughout your school.
This School Pack has been developed following consultation with a number of ICT Advisers and teachers in Wales to provide support and suggested stimuli to maximise the benefits of broadband in your school. When teachers use broadband to its maximum potential, children are motivated, empowered and enthused about learning at school and at home.
The following links provide information for teachers (across maths, science, geography, history, art, music, PE, RE and design and technology), ICT Coordinators and parents. We hope they are of value to you. Should you require additional copies of the School Packs or would like to find out more about broadband in Wales please contact the Broadband Wales Programme at broadband@wales.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.broadband.wales.gov.uk
The pack includes:
Department for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills
Department for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills
Read all about ContinYou here
The Basic Skills Agency
is the national agency for basic skills in England and Wales and is supported and funded by the Government. The Basic Skills Agency is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the National Strategy for Basic Skills in Wales.
The Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate - or the Welsh Bac - is a new qualification, which recognises almost everything that young people do at school or college. It includes current, approved qualifications like A levels, GCSEs and NVQs, and adds breadth and balance through a Core programme of activities. It lets students develop and progress their key skills in line with their own abilities and interests. This will allow them to make greater progress, involving them in different learning opportunities and experiences. As a result, they will be better equipped for further and higher education and employment.
National Pedagogy Initiative - The aim of the pedagogy initiative is to improve the outcomes for learners by enhancing the pedagogical skills, knowledge and practice of practitioners.