This session will focus on where schools are, and what needs to continue and to change, in relation to the Curriculum for Wales (Primary context)
- What the new curriculum is, and how it is organised
- How topics and themes are being developed
- Things you need to consider
- Key parts of your role to maintain, adjust or change
About Gareth Coombes
Gareth has been involved in education all his life! For the past forty years he has been a teacher, deputy-head and primary head across a range of very different settings. He was a headteacher in Pontypool. That was followed by 14 years advisory experience including, as he describes, the pleasure of learning in a great LA, Newport where he was lead adviser. He is currently a private consultant where he undertakes the role that he most enjoys: supporting schools in overcoming the challenges that they face. To this end, he has created many educational resources to support teachers and schools.
Roles:
- An Estyn Inspector of both Key Stage 2 and Foundation Phase,
- A chair of the South East Wales NPQH panel,
- A member of the National Leadership Board (Wales).
He is experienced with international working. Most recently he worked extensively in Pakistan developing leaders in the north of the country, so he is well acquainted with challenging situations! He describes this as the time in his life when he ‘learned most.’
Outside of his professional role Gareth, like most parents, runs a taxi service for four children. He therefore has little time pursuing his hobbies of diving, skiing, Welsh rugby and seeing Bruce Springsteen perform as often as possible!
