£4 million funding boost for technology education in Wales

The Welsh education secretary, Kirsty Williams, has confirmed that the government will invest £4 million to improve technology education across Wales.

Last week, the politician unveiled a new Welsh science and technology education network at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm in Rhondda, which will roll out across the country.

The network, financed and managed by the government, is aimed at improving teachers’ skills in science and technology across Wales. It’ll transform pupils’ experience of learning STEM subjects.

Over the next few years, the network will support schools, colleges, universities and other educational organisations. It’ll “draw together cutting-edge knowledge for teaching practice in science and technology for 3 to 18 year olds”.

Kirsty Williams said the network is about revolutionising the quality of technology and science teaching in Wales, and supporting the people who deliver cutting-edge courses.

“The new science and technology network will play a crucial role in our national mission to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence,” she said.

“The PISA results were clear that we must improve the teaching of science in our schools. With new qualifications and the shift away from Science BTEC, we are confident that the new network will play a key role in driving up standards in the classroom.

“This new network will bring together higher education, colleges, regional education consortia and lead schools, capturing the best knowledge, expertise and experience for the benefit of our young people.”

Professor Tom Crick will chair the network. He said: “I am delighted to Chair the science and technology network for excellence.

“It provides the framework for universities and other key stakeholders to work with regional consortia and practitioners to ensure we embrace and adopt research informed and evidence-based practice from across Wales and internationally in support of Wales’ exciting education reforms.”