In its first major piece of work from the body representing the views of young people in Wales, the Welsh Youth Parliament found huge inconsistencies in how life skills are currently taught, with almost half of those surveyed saying they received lessons once a year or even less.
In their second full session at the Senedd, members of the Welsh Youth Parliament today heard the Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams' response to their report on Life Skills in the Curriculum.
The Welsh Youth Parliament published its report earlier this week in its first major piece of work, having consulted with over 2,500 young people, parents and teachers across Wales. It found huge inconsistencies in how life skills are currently taught with members voicing concerns about leaving school as "A* robots with no knowledge of the real world".
As she faced Welsh Youth Parliament members in the chamber today, the Minister noted their report's main recommendations including the call for the Welsh Government to be doing more to support teachers and to work with the Welsh Youth Parliament to create resources to support teaching of life skills.
Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, said;
"It is absolutely clear to me from your report that, as a government, we need to be doing more to support our teachers – we need to invest in their development to ensure they have the right tools to deliver life skills education effectively.
"Within government, we are currently in discussion over future budgets. I can assure you today that investment for professional learning for our workforce will be a priority of mine as I recognise the points that you make."
The Minister also acknowledged members' clear message in the report about not wanting to leave schools as "A* robots with no knowledge of the real world" and argued that educational reforms, including the new curriculum being developed by the Welsh Government, would help address some of those concerns.
Children's Commissioner, Sally Holland, and the Chair of the Children, Young People and Education Committee, Lynne Neagle AM also addressed the Members and gave their response to the report.
During the session, members who form committees looking at Youth Parliament's other priorities, Emotional and Mental Health in Young People and Littering and Plastic Waste, also gave updates on their work which will continue over the next few months.
Members were also given the chance, for the first time ever, to make 90 second statements on issues of importance to them – mirroring Plenary sessions with Assembly Members.
Ifan Price, WYP Member for Dwyfor Meirionydd, closed the full session with his 90 second statement, wishing the Welsh Rugby team well ahead of their World Cup game against South Africa on Sunday.
The entire session is available to watch on Senedd TV