Celebrating 75 years of WJEC and looking forward to a bright future
Message from our Chief Executive, Ian Morgan:
As we come to the end of our 75th anniversary year, not only do we reflect on our past successes, we also embrace the next chapter of collaboration and change in 2024 and beyond.
The key theme of the year has been collaboration, which I feel has truly been exemplified in our approach to developing a new suite of ‘Made for Wales’ GCSEs and related qualifications. Our teams have worked tirelessly to adopt a co-construction approach to their development, providing opportunities to engage and feedback on the process, and allowing voices from across the education landscape to be heard.
We were thrilled by the enthusiasm and passion expressed in our recent consultations, and our teams are working hard to review the results and publish the qualification outlines in January. From here, the exciting work of developing the specifications begin, and we look forward to sharing these with you.
However, rest assured that our commitment to listening and actively engaging does not stop here, co-construction remains at the core of our development work and will continue throughout the new year and beyond. An important development has been the launch of our stakeholder groups, which provide us with a great opportunity to share ideas, and gain valuable feedback from our partners.
It was fantastic to see such great attendance and to have such meaningful discussion with all those who attended our Stakeholder Reference Group and Union Advisory Group. It was also refreshing to see such a diverse mixture of keen and enthusiastic learners from across Wales attend and make important contributions to our Learner Advisory Group. The voices of the next generation are vital in shaping the content of these new ‘Made for Wales’ qualifications, particularly if we’re to build a more prosperous and innovative future.
I was also grateful to meet members of the Senedd at our recent Breakfast briefing, which illustrated our commitment to engaging and sharing the positive work happening in the creation of these new qualifications. We aim to build upon this positive work and deliver similar activities in the new year.
In addition to the development of new qualifications, we were extremely grateful for the positive reception our Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales has met since teaching began in September. This new qualification is truly innovative and highlights the importance of creating and delivering qualifications that equip learners with the skills that are desired by employers.
Alongside the important work of developing and delivering qualifications, we recently had the opportunity to recognise and reward talented Design and Technology learners at our annual Innovation Awards, which was hosted at the Senedd in December. The event, which demonstrated the creativity of our talented learners, left us feeling excited and optimistic for the future. It was fantastic to meet the winners and discuss their inventions; and I wish them all the very best for the next steps in their journey.
This month has an extra special significance for us at WJEC, as we celebrate our 75th anniversary. We marked this achievement by showcasing our journey in the company of some of the stakeholders who have helped us reach this milestone. We would like to thank Jeremy Miles, Minister of Education and Welsh Language and Dr Llinos Jones from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin for their kind words during the ceremony, and to all those who attended our celebration event at Cardiff Bay’s iconic Norwegian Church.
Working with teachers is at the heart of what we do, and we continue to offer them our support all the way into the new year and beyond. Our team of subject specialists are available to assist with queries, as well as offering support through our free digital resources and an extensive range of Professional Learning opportunities.
As celebrations continue into the festive period, we would like to thank you for all your continued support and to wish you all a peaceful and harmonious Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Your sincerely,
Ian