School leaders from Pakistan have visited two schools in Wales to
learn about Community Focused Schools, family engagement and
school governance.
Community Focused Schools aim to tackle the impact poverty has on
educational attainment. They offer support to children by
creating a strong link between the school, families and local
community through collaboration.
Engagement with families has been shown to improve the
attendance, attainment and the behaviour and wellbeing of
children and learners. Community engagement also provides
benefits for learners and their families and create empowered and
connected communities.
The Welsh Government's ambition is for all schools in Wales to be
Community Focused Schools.
As part of a three-day programme organised by the British
Council, the delegation of 10 senior education officials from
Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, visited Adamsdown Primary School
in Cardiff, where they were shown a Families Learning
Together session and a football lesson led by the schools'
partners at Cardiff City FC. Today they will also visit Pencoed
Comprehensive School in Bridgend, where they will learn about the
school's innovative approaches to supporting pupils and their
families transition from primary into secondary school. These
include opportunities for family members to attend cookery and
woodwork sessions.
Members of the delegation, reflecting on their visit, said: “This
has been a rich learning experience that will push us to grow,
connect us with fellow leaders, and inspire us to innovate in our
own educational practices.
“This visit shall contribute to improving the education sector in
Punjab in matters such as school management councils, community
engagement, teacher registration and certification.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education, said: “It is always pleasing
to welcome international visitors to Wales, and I am thrilled
that we are able to showcase our Community Focused Schools. They
are vital in supporting our families and communities and make
them feel valued and respected.
Improving attendance and attainment are priorities of mine and
the Welsh Government, and Community Focused Schools are an
extremely significant part of this. I am delighted that the good
policy we have here in Wales is inspiring educational policies
elsewhere.”
The British Council in Pakistan and in Wales facilitated the
delegation from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this week, which is
part of a wider UK visit to look at leadership and governance in
UK schools.
Ruth Cocks, Director of British Council Wales, said: "We're
delighted to have connected Welsh education leaders and their
counterparts in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to look at best
practice in school leadership here in Wales. We work with over
200 countries worldwide and that network can open doors to
international learning for Wales and the world.
"This visit showcases Wales's policy development in the
Community-Focussed Schools initiative, which brings families,
schools and community services together to benefit learners,
leadership and whole school well-being. Our work with Welsh
Government and Community-Focussed Schools started in 2012 with
professional development visits to the USA to observe their work
with schools and the local community. So it's lovely to see this
come full circle and Wales supporting other nations' learning on
the subject.
"I'm certain this exchange will generate valuable insights for
all educators involved, and ultimately, it will enhance learning
experiences and strengthen communities in both countries."
