First North Wales Welsh Baccalaureate Conference

Around 90 school teachers attended the first ever North Wales Welsh Baccalaureate Conference organised by Bangor University recently.

The event, held in the University’s Pontio building, focussed on the individual project component of the revised Welsh Baccalaureate qualification, which all schools and colleges in Wales have to deliver as part of their curriculum.

The day, organised by the University’s Marketing department in conjunction with the WJEC, brought together teachers and support staff from schools and colleges across North Wales for a day of workshops and presentations.

Sioned Hughes, Schools Liaison and Marketing Officer at Bangor University, explained: 

“We developed the conference programme in collaboration with the WJEC and several lecturers from Bangor University in order to give more guidance and support to teachers and help them deliver the new Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification successfully.

“The conference workshops will look at ways to support learners to plan, organise and deliver an effective research project as part of their WBQ.”

Sian Coathup, Regional Support Officer for WJEC, said that the conference’s focus on the individual project element of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced qualification was both timely and relevant.

“The individual project is a key part of the Welsh Baccalaureate, it counts towards 50% of the final grade,” said Sian Coathup. “The individual project can have a crucial impact on a pupil’s success, and it’s so useful to have input from colleagues in Higher Education in order to best prepare the learners for this key part of the qualification.”

The event was also attended by representatives from organisations such as Hope House, Sports Leaders, and Careers Wales, who can also support schools in their delivery of various elements of the Welsh Baccalaureate.

Peredur Williams who is a Lecturer in Education (Product Design and Technology) and had contributed by delivering a session entitled ‘Teaching Creativity and Innovation’ said:

“It was a pleasure to represent the School of Education and the Product Design and Technology department at the Welsh Baccalaureate conference this year. Opportunities like these are important, not only to share information and good practice but to build upon the relationship between schools and colleges and the University. I’m looking forward to next year’s conference already!”

Carys Roberts, Director of Marketing & Student Recruitment at Bangor University, said:

“Bangor University has already contributed to the development of the Welsh Baccalaureate by providing around 70 Individual Projects Proposals to the WJEC’s website – more than any other university in Wales.

“We’re pleased to see so many teachers at this conference, which has obviously fulfilled a need in terms of providing more guidance for the staff involved in the delivery of the revised Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.

“As a University, we place great emphasis on supporting students, during their time here as well as while they’re preparing for Higher Education. Our education liaison work involves providing advice and guidance to potential university students about the study opportunities available as well as how to apply and prepare for university life. This work also includes supporting the school and college teachers involved in preparing their learners for Higher Education, which is the rationale behind this conference today.”  

Delyth Williams BAC coordinator at Ysgol David Hughes commented:

‘It was a delight to be able to take advantage of Pontio’s resources, and the day’s provision was as wide ranging as the Baccalaureate itself. By means of five different lectures, we experienced several aspects of research principles from planning and organising a project to using numerical data and the essentials of creativity and innovation to the use of PESTLE in world-wide affairs. Thanks to Bangor University for their foresight in organising such a day. We now have a great deal to consider as we progress to presenting the Individual Project to  year 13 students. It’s also great to be able to have access local expertise though the medium of Welsh.” 

Publication date: 4 October 2016