University of Glasgow and UWTSD Launch National Initiative to Support Curriculum Reform

Strategic Partnership Enhances Welsh Curriculum Implementation Through Educator Development

In a strategic endeavour to enhance educational practice and advance nationwide curriculum reform, the University of Glasgow and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) have joined forces to spearhead a major new initiative designed to strengthen the implementation of the Curriculum for Wales. Supported by £2 million in funding from the Welsh Government, the project seeks to empower schools across Wales by providing targeted professional development for educators at all levels.

With a strong emphasis on collaboration, practical classroom support, and sustainable curriculum design, the initiative represents a substantial investment in the future of Welsh education. According to both institutions, the programme aims to foster collaborative approaches to curriculum design, teaching, and assessment. In particular, it will support the development of “knowledgeable others” within school clusters, educators who will continue to guide curriculum development beyond the life of the programme.

To achieve these objectives, the initiative will establish curriculum design teams, organise workshops and twilight sessions, and facilitate school visits to promote locally responsive teaching. Furthermore, resource materials will be developed to disseminate best practices across the education sector. Dr David Morrison-Love and Dr Kara Makara Fuller, leading the project at the University of Glasgow, emphasised the importance of helping teachers adapt to the changes introduced by the Curriculum for Wales. They welcomed the ongoing collaboration with Welsh educators and underscored the need for practical support to enhance teachers’ knowledge and confidence as curriculum developers. Professor Elwen Evans KC, Vice-Chancellor of UWTSD, expressed appreciation for the funding, describing it as a significant investment by the Welsh Government. She affirmed the university’s commitment to working closely with schools and educators, and conveyed enthusiasm for contributing to the future of education in Wales.

The funding builds upon more than seven years of research conducted by UWTSD and its partners into the adoption of the Curriculum for Wales in schools. Jeremy Smith, Dean of Education and Humanities at UWTSD, noted that the project presents a valuable opportunity to translate this research into practical classroom support. He further remarked that collaboration with the University of Glasgow brings critical insight into how the curriculum is being interpreted and implemented across educational settings. This funding forms part of the Welsh Government’s broader Curriculum for Wales Grant Support Programme, which is intended to assist schools in meeting the requirements of the new national curriculum. This initiative marks a pivotal step in supporting educators and strengthening curriculum delivery across Wales. Through strategic collaboration, practical engagement, and sustained investment, it aims to ensure that the Curriculum for Wales is not only implemented effectively but also evolves in response to the needs of learners and communities.

Editor’s Note:

The new partnership between the University of Glasgow and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) marks an important step forward in improving education in Wales. Backed by £2 million from the Welsh Government, the project shows a strong national commitment to helping schools put the Curriculum for Wales into practice through better teacher training and long-term curriculum planning. The main goal is to support teachers by encouraging teamwork, improving classroom teaching, and building skills that last within school communities. The project will create curriculum design teams, hold workshops and school visits, and develop useful resources that fit the needs of local schools. This programme builds on over seven years of research and highlights the power of universities working with schools to turn education policy into real classroom support. 

Skoobuzz believes that as Wales continues to navigate the complexities of curriculum reform, such investments are essential to ensuring that educators are equipped to lead meaningful change in their classrooms and beyond.