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Pedagogy

Pedagogy is at the heart of curriculum and together we all need to develop a deeper understanding of it as our thinking and practice shifts as we realise Curriculum for Wales.

Our understanding of pedagogy needs to be shaped by the values and attitudes that arise from a purpose driven curriculum. This will affect how we think about teaching, learning and progression and provide a strong foundation for innovation and continued improvement.

This page provides information on how we are working collaboratively across clusters and our networks across Wales to develop our understanding of pedagogy. It highlights what is available to support us as we take our next steps.

Welsh Government, Regional Consortia, Universities and the National Academy for Educational Leadership work collaboratively to support schools and settings in investing in the effective enquiry and pedagogic skills of all staff. This includes providing opportunities to ‘talk pedagogy’, explore learning and deepen their understanding of the 12 pedagogical principles. In collaboration with schools and settings we are working together to:

Establish and develop networks to build relationships and support interaction

  • Regional networks and local cluster working provide opportunities for leaders and practitioners to engage in professional dialogue and enquiry to explore the pedagogical principles and specific aspects of practice tailored to identified needs.
  • Nationally, opportunities are provided for leaders and practitioners to work with others from across Wales through collaborative events and workshops.
  • The Talk Pedagogy space provides a central place that provides access to resources that can stimulate conversation, shared thinking and support enquiry.

Conduct research and enquiry to support an evidence informed development of pedagogy, teaching and learning

  • A national approach is developing that brings together universities, regional consortia, the leadership academy and schools to shape and curate pedagogy related research and enquiry to understand the shift in pedagogy within the context of Curriculum for Wales.
  • This approach will help to capture the story of pedagogy in Wales as we realise the new curriculum and develop resources to directly support reflection and enquiry in schools.

Facilitate professional learning to develop our understanding of pedagogy and support our transformational journey

  • Programmes and opportunities are developed in collaboration between regional consortia, local authorities, universities, the leadership academy and other partners to ensure a shared approach to pedagogy related PL whilst recognising the diversity of local and regional needs.

The table in the attachment below provides a number of prompts to support schools to reflect on their understanding of pedagogy. It can be used to discuss internally with staff and with improvement officers to help identify the appropriate activities and resources to further develop their understanding of pedagogy.

Reflecting on pedagogy: prompts to consider

    • Has your school got a shared understanding of pedagogy that helps support the design and planning of learning experiences?
    • Does your vision for pedagogy shape the social, emotional and physical environment for learning across your school?
    • Is there a shared understanding of how the 12 Pedagogical Principles support thinking and are used to shape effective teaching over time in line with your vision?
    • Is there a shared language of learning across your school?

  • Is time and space for professional learning prioritised to invest in the pedagogic and enquiry skills of staff to:

    • develop learning experiences that turn your vision for pedagogy into practice?
    • deepen understanding of the 12 pedagogical principles?
    • explore how the school’s vision for pedagogy and learning translates into each AoLE?
    • explore teaching approaches relevant to the integral skills?
    • promote a learning environment that supports your vision for learning?

    • Are opportunities provided for pedagogy related professional dialogue and the sharing of thinking?
    • Are staff provided with opportunities to engage in collaborative professional enquiry as appropriate?
    • Do the strategies utilised at different stages in learning lead to progression?

    • How do staff collaborate and share how their pedagogical thinking is developing with other colleagues across the school?
    • Are there systems for sharing thinking and practice in relation to pedagogy?
    • Is purposeful conversation and sharing of thinking and practice built into meetings and professional learning time?

    • To what extent is there a developing shared understanding of pedagogy within the context of curriculum for Wales across your local cluster of schools?
    • Do individuals across the school have opportunity to engage with regional networks and pedagogy focused programmes as and when appropriate?
    • Are you aware of what is available to stimulate discussion and promote enquiry in Talk Pedagogy area

    • How are leaders across the school supported in the strategic leadership of pedagogy?
    • Do leaders support an environment where shared learning is supported?
    • Is there a culture of trust that supports professional agency?
    • Is enquiry used to support deeper evaluation in order to understand what works for your learners and what developments are needed?
    • Reflect on the questions outlined in the NR:EI, for example how well does leadership influence and improve learning and teaching?
  • Last updated 22 September 2022