Posted on 8 October 2014
Professor David Egan and Professor Sonia Blandford
The Wales Centre for Equity in Education was delighted to be a part of the official launch of Achievement for All’s Welsh programme, Achievement for All Cymru, last week. Supported by Christine Chapman AM, the event took place at the Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay on the 2nd of October.
The Wales Centre for Equity in Education was set up by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and University of Wales. It represents a commitment by the universities to develop policy, applied research and innovative practice that will contribute to improving equity within the Welsh education system.
Since January this year, Achievement for All Cymru has been successfully piloted with the Central South Consortium in 14 Pathfinder schools in the region, supported by the Welsh Government, the Wales Centre for Equity in Education, regional education consortia and Welsh schools.
Data from Pathfinder schools indicates significant progress in reading, writing and maths. Pupils on the programme made one sub-level of progress per term, which would lead to one National Curriculum level of progress per year – that’s higher progress than made in schools in England.
The Achievement for All programme runs over two years and is delivered in partnership by a school’s nominated ‘Champion’ and an ‘Achievement Coach’. The framework links four key elements of school improvement:
- Leadership – with a strong focus on school-led improvement to transform outcomes for vulnerable pupils
- Teaching and learning – including assessment and data tracking, planning and delivery
- Parental engagement – structured conversations with parents focusing on educational outcomes
- Wider outcomes and opportunities – improving behaviour, attendance and participation in school life
Sonia Blandford, founder and Chief Executive of Achievement for All said: “We are thrilled to be embarking on this exciting new chapter of our work to narrow the gap and improve outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people in Wales. Our Schools Programme has a profound impact on the children and schools involved, with many children making faster progress in reading, writing and maths than their counterparts in other schools. I’m delighted that we are introducing Achievement for All Cymru into schools in Wales to help improve childrens’ life chances.”
Thursday’s event celebrated the hard work of the pathfinder schools, and featured a musical performance from students from Barry Comprehensive and a film from Cadoxton Primary School. Brian Lamb OBE, Chair of Achievement for All, Sonia Blandford, and David Egan, Director of the Wales Centre for Equity in Education all spoke at the event. The audience also heard from Mary Davis, Assistant Head at Bryn Hafren School about how the programme has helped them improve outcomes for their pupils.
Primary, Secondary and Special schools and PRUs in Wales can register now to join the Achievement for All Cymru Programme. For further information, visit: www.afa3as.org.ukor email enquiries@afa3as.org.uk