WELSH Government attempts to drive up education standards have continued as a revised curriculum was unveiled yesterday.

An increased focus on literacy and numeracy will affect children in the Foundation Phase (early years of primary school) right up to Key Stage Four (GCSES).

The new curriculum guidelines will give more priority to maths and English as well as the Welsh language.

The revised Areas of Learning and programmes of study are being published now so that schools and teachers can start to prepare for the next school year. An online information booklet is also being published to ensure that teachers and schools have all the information they need to teach the revised curriculum subjects.

Education and skills minister Huw Lewis said: ““Earlier this year, we invited views on our proposals for revised Areas of Learning for Language, Literacy and Communication Skills and Mathematical Development, as well as programmes of study for English, first language Welsh, and Mathematics.

“Responses to that consultation were very supportive and I am pleased to be publishing the revised curriculum for these Areas of Learning and programmes of study.”