Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2020

31 July 2019

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2020

This year, like every year, UCAC will have a presence on the National Eisteddfod field and we’re really looking forward to the Conwy County Eisteddfod in Llanrwst
 
UCAC officers and members will be at our stall (Stand 117) throughout the week and there will be an opportunity for conversation and discussion and to hear more about the inter-union School Cuts campaign.
 
We look forward to welcoming our members.
 

Discussions with the Treasury at Westmister

29 July 2019

Discussions with the Treasury ar Westminster

On Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019 General Secretary Dilwyn Roberts-Young attended an inter-union meeting with the Treasury at Westminster. The meeting was organised by the TUC, in order to ensure an opportunity to consider the judgment of the court case relating to pensions of firefighters. 
 
Although the judgment is specific to that profession there may be far-reaching implications for all those working in the public sector including teachers, lecturers and leaders.
 
Co-incidentally, a written statement was received from Hannah Blythyn, Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Welsh Government on the morning of the meeting. 
 
This statement can be read here:

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Who will fund teachers’ pay rise?

22 July 2019

Who will fund teachers' pay rise?

In response to Welsh Government’s announcement today (22 July) on teachers’ salaries for the school year 2019-20, UCAC education union has raised concerns about who will fund the pay rise.
 
Dilwyn Roberts-Young, UCAC’s General Secretary said “Today is a historic day – the first time that Wales has determined the salaries of its own schoolteachers. That is a major, positive step in acknowledging that Wales should take responsibility for its teaching profession.
 
“UCAC welcomes the recommendations made by the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body (IWPRB) which has published its report today. If implemented in full, these will reinstate a truly national pay system for schoolteachers, which will provide clarity, consistency and equity across the board.
 

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‘Overwhelming evidence’ of school funding problems across Wales

9 July 2019

‘Overwhelming evidence’ of school funding problems across Wales

UCAC education union has welcomed the publication today (10/07/19) of the 'School Funding in Wales' report by the National Assembly for Wales’s Children, Young People and Education Committee.

Dilwyn Roberts-Young, UCAC’s General Secretary said “The Committee has conducted its research, has received a deluge of evidence, and has come to the conclusion that ‘there is not enough money going into the education system in Wales and not enough finding its way to schools’. UCAC agrees whole-heartedly with that conclusion.

“Schools are unable to afford the numbers of staff that they require to provide a high-quality education. In turn, that means increasing class sizes, fewer teaching support staff and less support for vulnerable learners.

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Launch of Centre for Education Policy Review and Analysis (CEPRA)

23 May 2019

Launch of Centre for Education Policy Review and Analysis (CEPRA)

The launch of the Education Policy Review and Analysis Center (PASS) was held at the Tramshed in Cardiff on Monday 13th May.

CDAPA is a body that will conduct projects and research into education and the purpose of the opening evening was to ‘move the debate on education in Wales’.

The head teacher of a local primary school who had pioneered new areas of the curriculum gave an interesting presentation. At the school, themed work was important and the pupil's experience was at the heart of the learning process at all times.

It was good to welcome representatives from a Welsh-medium secondary school who have pioneered the new curriculum over recent years. The school had some specific examples, e.g. there has been collaboration across secondary subjects to create a project around climbing Pen y Fan. In the primary sector there was a successful project on healthy food packs for learners.

These projects, and many others, provide worthwhile opportunities for pupils. The next steps will be to develop wider learning opportunities and provide time for teachers to plan and work together.

To conclude the event, Education Minister Kirsty Williams said that regular dialogue with parents and pupils was crucial as the curriculum developed.

The biggest challenge, according to the Minister, is to ensure the nation's confidence - we can succeed together.

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