29 January 2021

In response to the announcement from the First Minister today that the youngest children could begin returning to school after the February half term if rates of coronavirus continue to fall, Dilwyn Roberts-Young, UCAC General Secretary said “Everyone wants to see a return to face-to-face learning as soon as it is safe to do so – the advantages for children, young people, families and staff are clear.

“We welcome the fact that the final decision about any possible phased and flexible return will be based on the latest scientific and medical evidence. We note the need to provide schools and colleges with sufficient notice to put the relevant arrangements in place, before half term.

20 January 2021

UCAC teachers’ union has welcomed today’s announcement by Welsh Government that learners in Wales will receive grades this summer determined by their school or college, based on work they’ve completed during their GCSE, AS or A level courses. However, the Union is concerned that many details remain to be determined.

Dilwyn Roberts-Young, General Secretary of UCAC said “It had become clear that grades determined by schools and colleges were the only realistic solution under the current circumstances, so we welcome the announcement. Learners and teachers will be hugely relieved that any element of mandatory external assessment has been cancelled.

“These arrangements should allow for more teaching time and therefore lead to learners being more thoroughly prepared for their next steps. They also show a high level of trust in teachers’ professionality and their ability to judge learners’ ability on the basis of a range of evidence.

15 January 2021

Yesterday, UCAC wrote to Qualifications Wales to express serious concerns about any attempt to administer external assessments instead of exams before the end of the school year.

UCAC strongly believes that an announcement is urgently needed to confirm this summer’s arrangements, following the cancellation last week of the internal assessment element. These new arrangements must be absolutely concrete, and able to withstand the worst case scenario in terms of school closures over the coming weeks and months.

15 January 2021

On 14 January, Rebecca Williams, UCAC’s Deputy General Secretary and Policy Officer presented evidence to the Senedd’s Children, Young People and Education Committee on the effect of Covid-19 on schools.

The online session, which involved representatives of 7 unions who represent school staff, examined:

• the short term: while schools are closed to most pupils
• the medium term: getting schools open
• the medium to long term: pupil well-being and academic progress

08 January 2021

UCAC teachers’ union has welcomed the decision announced today by Welsh Government that schools and colleges should not return to face-to-face teaching for the time being.

Dilwyn Roberts-Young, General Secretary of UCAC said “This decision is based on medical evidence, and keeps to the Education Minister’s key principle that ‘evidence and information’ is the only way to secure ‘the confidence of parents, staff and students’.