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Welsh Unit

[For Welsh version click here]

The NFER Welsh Unit was established in Swansea in 1976 and has undertaken a wide range of projects and research involving test development and evaluation of aspects of the education and lifelong learning systems in Wales.

Its bilingual research staff have expertise in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, surveys and literature reviews and in developing tests, assessments and teaching materials.
A Treasure Chest of Service: the role of toy libraries within play policy in Wales - (June 2008)
Research summary and downloadable report

Research into school meals and other nutritional issues in Wales - (April 2008)
Research summary and downloadable report

Review of secondary education in Ceredigion - (October 2007)
Research in progress

Interim evaluation of the National Planning and Funding System in Wales - (October 2007)
Research in progress

Evaluation for the National Welsh for Adults programme - (July 2007)
Research summary and downloadable report

To see a full list click here.

It has undertaken research in recent years for national and local sponsors, which include the Welsh Assembly Government, ACCAC, ELWa, DELLS, the Welsh Local Government Association, and individual LEAs and has cooperated with partners in Europe to develop materials for the teaching of lesser-used languages. It produces research reports and other materials in Welsh and English.


Test and assessment development

The Unit’s staff have developed testing expertise over twenty years and have conducted major recent projects in this area such as:
  • Current development of Skills Assessments in Wales
  • statutory and non-statutory National Curriculum assessment
    • development and pre-testing of assessment materials for Welsh at key stages 2 and 3
    • development of non-statutory assessment materials for Welsh Second Language
    • development of non-statutory assessment materials for history
  • other Welsh language tests
    • cooperation with Swansea LEA to develop the All Wales Reading Test series of standardised Welsh reading tests
    • key skills tests.

Research and evaluation

The Welsh Unit conducts research for a wide range of sponsors with a special focus on meeting the needs of policy makers and educational managers in government departments and agencies, national organisations. We also undertake a wide range of projects and consultancies for local authorities and partnerships and individual bodies.
Development of classroom materials

The Unit’s staff have expertise in developing and adapting curriculum materials for schools. This includes:

  • Testun Trafod - Welsh materials and activities for KS3 more>>
  • the 'Lleisiau' series - short novels for reluctant readers in KS4 more>>


Contact details

For more information about our work contact us at:

Email: scya@nfer.ac.uk

SCYA/NFER
Maple House
Tawe Business Village
Phoenix Way
Enterprise Park
Swansea SA7 9LA

Telephone: +44 (0)1792 459800
Fax: +44(01)792 797815