SIX local schools are among the 120 chosen by Education Minister Huw Lewis to help shape the future of education in Wales.

The Minister confirmed the 68 schools that will initially lead on the design and the development of the new curriculum for Wales which is due to be available to schools by 2018.

He also named the 60 schools selected to lead on the New Deal for the Education workforce which will ensure the teaching profession is supported and developed to deliver a new curriculum for Wales.

The newly-announced Pioneer Schools will work alongside those schools already selected to design and develop Wales’ new Digital Competence Framework which will help learners of all ages to widen and develop their digital skills.

Among the pioneer schools are Crickhowell High School, Brecon’s Mount Street Junior School and Radnor Valley CP School. The Pioneer Schools chosen to lead the New Deal include Priory Church in Wales School in Brecon, Crickhowell High School, Llangattock Church in Wales School and Brecon’s Penmaes School.

The selected schools include some of Wales’ best schools and practitioners and have been drawn from both urban and rural communities and are a mix of English medium, Welsh medium, primary, secondary, special and faith schools. In time they will work together and share practice and learning with the wider sector.

Education Minister Huw Lewis said: “I am determined that our new curriculum will embody higher standards and better learning for all.

“Just last month I published ‘A curriculum for Wales, a curriculum for life’, which sets out how we will work with the profession to develop our new broad, balanced, inclusive and challenging curriculum.

“Today I am delighted to announce the schools that will be part of Pioneer Schools Network. They will work alongside our already selected Digital Pioneers to design and develop our new curriculum, support schools in preparing for its implementation and ensure our practitioners are offered high quality, professional learning opportunities throughout their careers.

“All our pioneers schools will have a crucial role in ensuring that our ambitious and exciting future for education in Wales is realised.”

The Minister also announced that one key role for the Pioneers focussing on the New Deal would be to consider how teacher workload at this busy time could best be managed.

He said: “I have also asked those Pioneer schools focussing on the New Deal to consider the issue of workload within our schools at this time of radical change.

“I know it is an issue that is concerning many professionals and I will be looking for our Pioneers to develop innovative ideas that will reduce workload and avoid red tape for the profession as we move towards implementation of our new curriculum.”

David Evans, Wales Secretary of the NUT, said: “The NUT welcomes the decision to use Pioneer Schools to help shape the future of education in Wales. In particular we are delighted to note that the Minister has asked those schools charged with leading on the New Deal for the profession to consider specifically the issue of workload which is in urgent need of being addressed.

“ In giving opportunity to teachers themselves to find solutions to workload matters sends a clear signal that we have been listened to and action is being taken. We look forward to working with our members in these schools and with the Welsh Government to ensure that those solutions are realistic and will be implemented across Wales for the benefit of all.”

Tim Pratt, Acting Director of ASCL Cymru said: “We welcome the announcement of the Pioneer Schools, which will have such an important role in helping to shape the future of education in Wales. It is good that the expertise of the professionals is recognised as a critical part of this work. We look forward to continuing to work with the Welsh Government as this important initiative develops.”

Rex Phillips of NASUWT said: We welcome the emphasis the Minister is placing on looking at the workload implications for teachers and the wider education workforce at this time of great change.