They learn how to resolve disagreements humanely. They learn the moral attitudes to work and life like generosity, commitment, determination and responsibility on which a successful democratic society in Wales depends. Of course, for many children, these important lessons will be learnt and reinforced elsewhere - in voluntary and community activity, in their religious lives and certainly in their families. But schools need a curriculum designed to support these objectives to help create strong, caring, communities. In our approach to the National Curriculum for Wales, we shall learn the lessons of the recent past and avoid unnecessary change and interference.
Key priorities lie in literacy and numeracy.
But we remain committed to a balanced and broadly based curriculum, promoting the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs, and to preparing pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult and working life. Schools must be places of hope and opportunity for them, just as they must provide opportunities which stretch the gifted and well supported. Schools must stand for the needs of all pupils and help them achieve the best of which they are capable. We do not underestimate the challenge this presents. It cannot be met without close partnership between all those interested in education, especially parents, governors, teachers and the wider community, including business people.