The Curriculum For Wales
The programme covers the key ‘What Matters’ statements and the twelve pedagogical principles of the Curriculum for Wales. It has been key in helping several schools to plan and develop the Curriculum for Wales.
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Pupils are encouraged to work together and not only work towards becoming healthy, confident individuals but learn to think creatively, conquer problems and communicate effectively to support each other; through focussed tasks and challenges.
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When considering opportunities for pupils to build on skills learnt in class, each CELS session focuses on different aspects of the 12 Pedagogical Principles.
Health & Wellbeing- 5 What Matters Statements?
1. Developing physical health and well-being has lifelong benefits
Our programme includes engaging outdoor activities that promote physical fitness and teamwork, encouraging pupils to stay active while building resilience and healthy habits that last a lifetime.
2. How we process and respond to our experiences affects our mental health and emotional well-being
Weekly reflection sessions help pupils process their achievements and challenges, fostering emotional intelligence and equipping them to respond constructively to future experiences.
3. Our decision-making impacts the quality of our lives and the lives of others
Through problem-solving challenges and group tasks, pupils learn to make thoughtful decisions, understanding how their choices affect themselves and their peers
4. How we engage with social influences shapes who we are and our health and well-being
Pupils participate in structured, positive social interactions that build confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of identity, enabling them to navigate wider social influences effectively.
5. Healthy relationships are fundamental to our sense of well-being
Teamwork activities and collaborative tasks are at the core of our programme, teaching pupils how to build and maintain supportive, healthy relationships.
12 Pedagogical Principles
1
Challenge all learners, encouraging sustained effort to reach high but achievable expectations
Pupils are encouraged to show grit and determination within team tasks to achieve goals together
2
Employ a blend of approaches including direct teaching
As well as instructor led activities, pupils are often encouraged to take the lead and deliver their ideas and views
3
Promote problem-solving, creative and critical thinking
Specific tasks are set to encourage independent thinking and collaborating to create a plan whilst monitoring their progress towards the goal throughout the task
4
Create authentic contexts for learning
Tasks are focused on and related to real life examples. At the end of each session, pupils discuss how the qualities used can be taken outside the classroom and applied elsewhere
5
Employ assessment for learning principles
Pupils are encouraged to analyse and break down their performance. Reviewing activities is a major part of the programme giving pupils opportunities to discuss what went well and what could be improved during the task and at the end of it
6
Re-inforce cross curricular skills, providing opportunities to practise them
Literacy and numeracy skills are used throughout the programme in all sessions
7
Encourage learners to take responsibility for their own learning
Encouraging using their initiative throughout the programme builds up to a level where pupils become responsible for planning their own lessons and priorities during the social action project
8
Support social and emotional development and positive relationships
Through difficult situations and stress being put on challenges, pupils develop the life skills and values of supporting each other to succeed
9
Encourage collaboration
The class will collaborate throughout the programme with a big emphasis of working outside of their comfort zone with different people promoting a happy collaborative class going forward