🌟 Wales Needs Bold Action in Education! 🌟
Hey everyone! Let’s talk about something crucial: the future of education in Wales. 🏫
Since 1999, we’ve seen countless strategies and plans, but often we’ve shied away from making the tough calls to bring real change.
The Welsh Government’s recent paper on tertiary education outlines five big challenges, yet seems to fall into the same old pattern: great at describing problems, but not so great at solving them. 📄🔍
On the plus side, they’re viewing education as a holistic system rather than separate silos—definitely a step forward. However, there’s still too much comfort with ambiguity. When it comes to funding, we’re acting as if every subject holds equal value, and that’s a problem. 💸
Here’s the crux: if we truly care about educational outcomes, we need a clear action plan. Instead of endless consultations, it’s time to say, “Here’s what we prioritise, here’s what gets cut, and here’s how we’ll maintain opportunities.” 🎯
Our hesitancy to make choices over the years has only led to more pressure on already strained resources. This ‘more with less’ approach isn’t sustainable. We need decisive leadership, especially from Medr, the body overseeing tertiary education. 🤔
Financial sustainability is another hot topic. The number of overseas students has plummeted, highlighting a flawed business model at our universities. It’s time to stop tiptoeing around this and address the root issues. 🌍📉
Research and innovation need focus too. Rather than trying to be everything, our institutions should concentrate on their strengths and foster genuine collaboration. 🔬
Vocational education? It should be our economic backbone. Let’s build pathways that are co-owned with employers and reward skill development. 👩🏭👨💼
AI also plays a huge role in shaping the future. Will our institutions lead the charge or fall behind? 🤖
To truly make a difference, Wales needs to list its priorities and outcomes clearly and track them transparently. Without clear data, we’re rewarding the wrong behaviours. 📊
Wales doesn’t need another exercise in ‘understanding’—it needs the courage to act. The next government will face these educational challenges head-on. It’s time to say what stays, what goes, and how we rebuild trust and accountability in our education system. 🎓🔍
Let’s discuss and push for change together! 💬👇 #EducationReform #WalesEducation #FutureFocus #BoldChoices