An analysis of the changing shape of initial teacher education and training in Wales since devolution

Abstract

After a sustained period of relative calm, initial teacher education and training (ITET) in Wales has seen much change in recent times since devolution and all the indications are that this change agenda is likely to escalate in both the short and long term. In order to understand what has been happening in the ITET field in Wales, our paper sets out to achieve three things: first, it has contextualised the changing ITET, political, social and economic climate within Wales. Second, it has presented ITET data for Wales from the onset of devolution to the present time. Thereafter, these data have been compared and contrasted. Third, we have attempted to project our findings forward, albeit in an era which is increasingly difficult to predict given both the financial climate and “cuts” agenda. These latter aspects may result in the longer term, at best, to ITET in Wales becoming even further fragmented or reduced in numbers to, at worst, being decimated or changed forever from the more traditional scene which was apparent in both Wales and the rest of the UK since the Robbins Report aftermath in the late 1960s.

Keywords:

• initial teacher education
• Welsh education system
• teacher education in Wales
• PGCE programmes
• devolution in Wales

Notes

aIn 1999/2000, HEFCW allocated a total of 2405 ITT places. By 2011/2012, this figure had reduced to 1780 funded places; a reduction of 26% of the 1999/2000 levels.

bThe 2011/2012 total includes 935 secondary PGCE subject places plus 95 secondary undergraduate places (see Tables 4 and 5).

aIn 1999/2000, “English & Drama” were given a combined allocation. By 2011/2012, these two subjects received separate allocations, “English” (n = 97) and “Drama” (n = 25). For comparative purposes, these latter two totals were combined.

bIn 1999/2000, the science allocation was made under the generic title of “Science”. In 2011/2012, the science allocations had been divided into “Chemistry and Physics” (n = 81) and “Biology and Integrated Science” (n = 85). For comparative purposes, the latter numbers were combined.

cIn 1999/2000, “Technology” was allocated as a single subject. In 2011/2012, the “Technology allocations include the totals for “Design and Technology (n = 63) and “Information Technology” (n = 48).

dOther subjects include business studies and outdoor activities.

1. HEFCW CIRCULARS on ITT allocations and targets published between 1999 and 2011, including Circulars W99/5HE, W11/04HE and WII/06HE, Cardiff: Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.