This research took place at a time when the education system in Wales was engaged in significant reform. There were two aims to the study:
1. To undertake exploratory research into the new curriculum as it is being developed; this will include the development of new insights and research questions that could provide the basis for further more detailed research. It will also provide the Welsh Government with insights into its development, including the challenges and opportunities that it will inevitably bring.
2. To build capacity in Welsh HEIs to conduct research into the new curriculum; this will include the mentoring of less experienced researchers alongside more experienced researchers to develop their research skills (e.g. methods and leadership). It will also help to develop knowledge and expertise of the new curriculum within Initial Teacher Education departments – critical for the development of new and existing teachers in Wales.
The study was organised around a hub project and five partner projects led by researchers from the following universities in Wales: Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David/ Swansea University, Aberystwyth University, Bangor University and University of South Wales.
Dr Helen Lewis was the UWTSD lead research, and as she moved to Swansea University School of Education she completed the project here. This allowed for some collaborative research with her colleague who remained at UWTSD. Their project looked at how Pioneer schools approached developing elements of the Health and Wellbeing Area of Learning and Experience.