“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. But with vision and action you can change the world” – Jane Davidson (2001)
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Minister for Education in Wales for 7 years, Davidson (2012) discussed the changes within education over the past years. She stated that Margaret Thatcher introduced the National Curriculum in the mid 1980’s. . It ensured that everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland received the same Education (excluding Private Schools). This led to controversy between teachers as their creativity were restricted. The National Curriculum allows standardisation which enables assessment to take place. Assessments lead to school leagues which parents can access and judge which school to send their child to. Key Education Statistics Wales 2009 states that the curriculum focuses largely upon inclusion actively and developing each child’s: Personal, Social and Physical wellbeing. During Secondary School, pupils take GCSE’s when they are 16 – 18.
Davidson stated that when children were 11 they are split into specific groups depending on ability. You were either categorised into doing OCR’s or GSC’s. She explained that if you were under the CSC ‘category you were less likely to go onto higher education. In 1991 SAT tests were advocated for 7 year olds. The benefit of this meant the education system ensured that all children across the board experienced a likewise education.
1997 brought a new labour government. Tony Blair in his famous public speech announced ‘"Education, Education, and Education".
He recognised the restrictions of the National Curriculum and advocated change. With the introduction of the Welsh National Assembly, Education in Wales differed from that of England. (Whereas in the past it was the same)
Davidson briefly mentioned her introduction of the Foundation Phase which is very much underway presently. Davidson directed us towards the Learning Country, a document she assisted in 2001.
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