The Digital Competency Framework is an important part of the new curriculum. It weaves across all areas of learning and is an ever important set of skills for younger learners. Read on for more information on this area of the Welsh learning, how it affects school children and teachers and the potential outcomes of this education.

The DCF which stands for Digital Competence Framework in Wales 2022, also known as "Cymhwysedd digidol" in Welsh, is an integral part of the new Curriculum in Welsh schools. It is an area of learning that sets out to teach children the knowledge, attitude and skills they need to be able to use technology and systems confidently, creatively and critically.

From September 2022 the literacy, numeracy and digital competence area of learning and experience (AoLE), along with the other six areas, will be mandatory in all Welsh schools. At Pen Y Dre High School all staff have the responsibility for promoting digital competency where appropriate. 

The AoLE offers cross-circular information that will be essential to all learning and enables learners to develop lifelong skills. The joint Literacy & Numeracy Framework (LNF) will be used across all areas to ensure learners have many opportunities to develop and apply these skills. This will set them up to be able to adapt and thrive in the modern world, being capable of learning and adapting to new skills throughout their lives.

The DCF (Wales)

Throughout their studies in DCF, Wales schools must provide opportunities for children to practise and develop their skills. Opportunities across the curriculum must include:

• developing listening, reading, speaking and writing skills
• being able to use numbers and solve problems in real-life situations
• being confident using a range of technologies to help them function
• communicating effectively and making sense of the world

Children should be offered opportunities to collaborate locally and globally through digital tools and platforms. This will help them become more aware of and understand different cultures and languages.

Digital approaches to their school work can enhance children’s learning by, for example, creating a chart or graph to strengthen their mathematical and numeracy knowledge. As the children progress and develop their skills they will be able to use more complex processes, techniques and systems to problem-solve, show research or present data.

The DCF area of learning will greatly develop safe behaviour in the digital and online world. It also helps to point out the impact of daily use of the technology on health and wellbeing, especially on mental and emotional health.

Safe and unsafe interactions and situations, online relationships and social influences are also covered and explored. Schools should present a balanced view on both the possible positive and negative impacts of online and technology use on the children themselves and on society.