Wales is set to become the first country in the UK to make teaching the stories and experiences of Blacks, Asians and ethnic minorities compulsory in the school curriculum.

Subject to the final approval of the Senedd next month, the Welsh government has added learning about the diversity of communities, particularly the histories of blacks, Asians and ethnic minorities, in the country’s new orientation program. of Wales, coinciding with the start of Black History Month.

The new curriculum framework is expected to be introduced from September 2022, after years of work by teachers and other education professionals in its development.

It will include six areas of learning and experience. Each domain has mandatory elements called “statements of what matters,” described as the “big ideas” and key principles of each domain.

One of the 27 statements is that “human societies are complex and diverse, and shaped by human actions and beliefs”.

The Declaration will now include an expectation that learners “can develop an understanding of the complex, pluralistic and diverse nature of societies, past and present. These stories are diverse, covering different communities as well as particularly the stories of black, Asian and ethnic minority people. “

Last year, a task force, led by Professor Charlotte Williams OBE, was formed to improve education on black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, including developing new educational materials and training teachers and students. trainee teachers. The group’s work is supported by £ 500,000 from the Welsh government.

Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and Welsh Language, said the decision “will help enrich the new curriculum, and therefore education in Wales, for years to come”.

He said: “It is vitally important that our education system enables our young people to understand and respect their history, culture and traditions as well as those of others.

“The new Wales Curriculum will allow teachers and educational institutions to design lessons to inspire their learners to become ethical and informed citizens of Wales and the world.

“If we are to progress as a society we must create an education system that broadens our understanding and knowledge of the many cultures that have built Wales, and the world, past and present. “

GMB Union said Wales will become the first country in the UK to make the teaching of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority stories and experiences (BAME) compulsory in the school curriculum.

Mike Payne, GMB lead organizer, said: “It is great news that this part of Welsh history has finally been recognized and put on the program.

“From unions to rugby unions, blacks, Asians and ethnic minorities have made a huge contribution to Wales and made us the great country we are today.

“The story of Wales is the story of its people and GMB is pleased that the voices and experiences of BAME are finally being recognized and taught in the program.”

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