Welsh Government

The NDLE brings together educators from across Wales to identify and share examples of good digital practice currently taking place in schools and colleges across Wales.

Changes to the Welsh curriculum mean digital skills are now developed and taught through all parts of a pupil’s schooling and not just isolated to specific ICT or computer science classes.

The Cabinet Secretary said this new approach means more than just using computers and she wants to equip pupils with the digital skills necessary to succeed in the modern world.

Kirsty Williams said, “I am determined to support learners in Wales so that not only are they competent users of technology, but that they become creative authors of technology also.

“I am clear we need to help both teachers and learners develop the skills and confidence to navigate this new world and make good use of the opportunities it provides.

“I am delighted to be here to celebrate the work of our finest practitioners and hope we can all learn something from the very best and brightest in our profession.”

The theme for NDLE 2017 is ‘Creative approaches to implementing the Digital Competence Framework’ building on the introduction of the Digital Competence Framework on 21 September 2016.

The Digital Competence Framework (DCF) was developed by Pioneer schools supported by external expertise and Welsh Government staff. At the beginning of this school year, the Digital Competence Framework was made available to schools in Wales, and this is the first element of the new curriculum to be introduced in Wales. 

The Cabinet Secretary was keen to praise the work of all schools in integrating the DCF and explained how her office had been inundated with positive comments, from the UK and around the world, about Wales’ commitment to and ambition for digital skills

This year’s National Digital Learning Awards recognises the best digital practice in four categories, and the winners for each of those categories were as follows:

• Digital Project Award – awarded jointly to Year 2 pupils at Cadoxton Primary School, Barry for their project ‘Challenging Pioneers’, and Ysgol Bro Banw, Ammanford, for their project ‘The Superheroes’.
• Online Safety Award – also Ysgol Bro Banw, for their project Developing Digital Competence through flip teaching.
• Hwb Community Resource Award – Alexandra Roe from Coedcae School, Llanelli, for the WJEC RS Judaism Playlist.
• National Digital Learning Council’s Pupil Award – Phillipstown Primary in New Tredegar, for Techno Tribe Teaches.
  

Information and Guidance on Domestic Abuse: Safeguarding Older People in Wales was developed in partnership with the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales. 

The guidance offers practical advice to professionals to ensure that older people who are experiencing or have experienced abuse, have access to the best support and advice available. 

It also aims to raise awareness of the issue and aid understanding of the complexities of working with older people who require care and support as a result of domestic abuse.  

The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children said:

“Some older victims experience abuse for twice as long as younger people before seeking help, and this cannot continue. It is not acceptable for older people to suffer alone without the help of exceptional support that can be provided to them by our specialist services.

“I’m committed to working closely with partners to protect victims of domestic abuse, and I’m pleased this guidance offers practical advice to help professionals to work effectively with older people.

“Since the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act came into force, we have built strong foundationsto create a stronger, more resilient sector to support individuals and families who are either at risk, or are struggling with the consequences of abuse, and we will continue to do so.”

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, said:

“I am pleased to have worked in collaboration with the Welsh Government to produce this much needed guidance on protecting older people from domestic abuse. 

“The guidance will assist front-line professionals working across health, social care and housing to better identify, and respond effectively to, domestic abuse against older people, which affects a significant number of people every year. 

“The guidance will contribute to a greater understanding of the issues faced by older people when they are the victims of domestic abuse, which is essential to ensure that the right services and support are available to them at such a traumatic time in their lives.”

The start of work was officially launched today (Thursday June 22) at a ground breaking event with Economy Secretary Ken Skates, Qioptiq MD Peter White and representatives from Read Construction which secured the design and build contract.

The Welsh Government is investing £1.7m to build the 24,900 sq. ft. secure facility on land it owns adjacent to Qioptiq’s existing premises on St Asaph Business Park. The development is due to be completed by the end of the year when Qioptiq will lease the building and invest c£2m in fit out, security and IT systems, bringing the total investment to £3.7m.

Ken Skates said: 

“Winning this key contract was a huge coup for the company and for Wales and reflects the expertise of its highly skilled workforce. It’s great to see work is now underway as this expansion will create on-going economic benefits for the region and secure the long term sustainable future of this advanced manufacturing company in Wales.

“Excelitas’ Qioptiq is a key Anchor company, a major employer in North Wales and one of the most innovative and dynamic businesses in Wales. The Welsh Government supported Qioptiq’s successful bid from the early pre-qualification stage and our continued support and investment in these new facilities will ensure the company has the capacity it needs to deliver such a significant contract.”

Under the six year MoD contract Qioptiq will be the sole strategic supplier for the MoD’s entire fleet of Surveillance and Target Acquisition equipment – it will supply and maintain more than 280,000 items of highly sensitive optical equipment.

Qioptiq MD Peter White said 

“A contract like this provides security and allows us to invest in the infrastructure and our people because we can take a long-term view. This in turn helps the local economy and our supply chain.”

He went on to say: 

“Sometimes you can take for granted the sense of community that we have at Qioptiq. When customers visit, they always comment on the passion and dedication that the workforce shows and that is an important factor in winning contracts such as this.”

Read Construction aim to ensure maximum spend within the local area through the appointment of local design team members, suppliers and subcontractors and will also be providing training opportunities for local people.

Dawid Cloete, Construction Director, said: 

“We are delighted to be delivering this significant project for the region, in conjunction with Welsh Government and Qioptiq. Throughout the project we will endeavour to promote local employment opportunities and deliver added value through the employment of a local supply chain.” 

The start of work was officially launched today (Thursday June 22) at a ground breaking event with Economy Secretary Ken Skates, Qioptiq MD Peter White and representatives from Read Construction which secured the design and build contract.

The Welsh Government is investing £1.7m to build the 24,900 sq. ft. secure facility on land it owns adjacent to Qioptiq’s existing premises on St Asaph Business Park. The development is due to be completed by the end of the year when Qioptiq will lease the building and invest c£2m in fit out, security and IT systems, bringing the total investment to £3.7m.

Ken Skates said: 

“Winning this key contract was a huge coup for the company and for Wales and reflects the expertise of its highly skilled workforce. It’s great to see work is now underway as this expansion will create on-going economic benefits for the region and secure the long term sustainable future of this advanced manufacturing company in Wales.

“Excelitas’ Qioptiq is a key Anchor company, a major employer in North Wales and one of the most innovative and dynamic businesses in Wales. The Welsh Government supported Qioptiq’s successful bid from the early pre-qualification stage and our continued support and investment in these new facilities will ensure the company has the capacity it needs to deliver such a significant contract.”

Under the six year MoD contract Qioptiq will be the sole strategic supplier for the MoD’s entire fleet of Surveillance and Target Acquisition equipment – it will supply and maintain more than 280,000 items of highly sensitive optical equipment.

Qioptiq MD Peter White said 

“A contract like this provides security and allows us to invest in the infrastructure and our people because we can take a long-term view. This in turn helps the local economy and our supply chain.”

He went on to say: 

“Sometimes you can take for granted the sense of community that we have at Qioptiq. When customers visit, they always comment on the passion and dedication that the workforce shows and that is an important factor in winning contracts such as this.”

Read Construction aim to ensure maximum spend within the local area through the appointment of local design team members, suppliers and subcontractors and will also be providing training opportunities for local people.

Dawid Cloete, Construction Director, said: 

“We are delighted to be delivering this significant project for the region, in conjunction with Welsh Government and Qioptiq. Throughout the project we will endeavour to promote local employment opportunities and deliver added value through the employment of a local supply chain.”