"Our National Mission for Education is to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence."

Creative Learning through the Arts: An Action Plan for Wales 2015-2020, supported with funding from the Welsh Government and the Arts Council of Wales, has now reached more than 63 per cent of schools in Wales. This means that nearly 91,000 pupils have learned about the arts and culture, participated in the arts, and developed creative skills across the curriculum. This is testament to the fantastic achievements of all the teachers, creative professionals and learners who have taken part.

Our National Mission for Education is to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence. We are committed to the success and well-being of every learner, regardless of background or personal circumstance.

Creativity is, of course, at the front and centre of our transformative new curriculum and I believe in its power to enthuse, inspire and raise aspirations of young people in Wales. That’s why the Expressive Arts will be one of six Areas of Learning and Experience and one of the curriculum’s four purposes - supporting our children and young people to be enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work.

This chimes with the purpose and approach of Creative Learning through the Arts and, as we move forward with the new curriculum, there’s much good practice that we can learn from and apply across the board.

I’m proud of what has been achieved through the programme and want to thank everyone who has worked to make it such a success.

— Kirsty Williams AM, Minister for Education