Contents

Foreword by The Secretary of State for Wales

Chapter 1: New Horizons: New Vision
New commitment
The policy principles
The role of the Welsh Office
Summary and Consultation

Chapter 2: Education Standards
An overview
Strengths
Weaknesses
Action

Chapter 3: Sound Foundations
Early years education
Assessment when starting school
Raising standards in literacy and numeracy in the round
Smaller classes
Summary and Consultation

Chapter 4: Standards, Results and Accountability
Measuring performance to raise standards and expectations
Performance data
The balance of pressure and support
Failing schools
Review of the independent inspection system
The Welsh Office: drawing the threads together
Summary and Consultation

Chapter 5: Welsh
Welsh in the National Curriculum
Welsh-medium education
Summary and Consultation

Chapter 6: Special Educational Needs
Summary

Chapter 7: Preparing for the 21st Century
Setting, targets and accelerated learning
Realising the potential of new technology
Schools and specialisms
Education Action Zones (EAZs)
Research and development on schools of the future
Summary and Consultation

Chapter 8: Teaching: Standards, Leadership and a Valued Profession
Training new teachers
Training existing teachers
Performance management
A voice for teachers
Summary and Consultation

Chapter 9: Parents, Pupils and Achievement
Parents and their children's learning
Tackling behaviour problems
Summary and Consultation

Chapter 10: Preparation for Working and Adult Life
Life skills
Young people, self-belief and motivation
Broader qualifications
Overcoming obstacles to success
Lifelong learning
A University for Industry
Summary and Consultation

Chapter 11: Fairness for the Future
Community, aided and foundation schools
School governors
The role of LEAs
Funding and organisation
Summary and Consultation

Chapter 12: An Education and Training Action Group for Wales
Conclusion