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Education

Local AM accuses Plaid of xenophobia

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ASSEMBLY MEMBER, and Shadow Education spokesperson, Angela Burns, has accused Plaid Cymru of a xenophobic policy to

Shadow Education spokesperson, Angela Burns

Shadow Education spokesperson, Angela Burns

provide more support for ‘Welsh’ students.

Her criticism came as a result of comments made by Plaid AM, Simon Thomas, who said:

“I have always fought for free undergraduate tuition. As an MP previously, I opposed the introduction of tuition fees and warned that they would open the door to marketisation in education. We in Wales can do some things to protect against that marketisation. We would target groups and those studying subjects vital to the Welsh economy and public goals so they would pay lower or even no tuition fees in Wales. This can deal with a real shortage in those studying medicine, science and technology and students from particularly challenging backgrounds.

“We need to end a brain drain out of Wales of our youngest and brightest undergraduates, of whatever background, and ensure the Welsh Government continues to invest in our universities. Strong, adequately funded universities and colleges are essential for our economy and cultural life. We want to make it clear at a time of a Westminster election held against the backdrop of the breaking of a key pledge on tuition fees by a Coalition party, that Plaid Cymru will have credible and sustainable policies in Wales for the 2016 Assembly elections.

“The further education sector has seen savage cuts in next year’s budget which will narrow severely the opportunities for adults to study further and improve their education. An over-reliance on tuition fee policy set to reward English universities will lead to a similar limiting of resources for Welsh universities”.

In response to Mr Thomas’s comments, Angela Burns said: “We need Welsh students to be given every opportunity to develop into robust individuals able to choose the best course for them. Therefore I would be very concerned by any move by Plaid Cymru to force Welsh students to only study at Welsh universities. It takes choice and empowerment away from our young people and has the potential to make the country seem very inward looking and unwilling to engage with opportunities elsewhere.

“Xenophobia is an unwelcome trait and one we should not encourage. The real trick is to persuade our young people to return having spread their wings and to bring the richness and depth of their experiences back to Wales to add to our collective knowledge and to enrich their lives.”

A spokesperson for Education Minister Huw Lewis, stated: “As a party we are proud that we have created one of the most sustainable systems of Higher Education finance anywhere in the UK. Funding to Welsh Higher Education in 2013/14 increased by over 13% and in 2014/15 it rose by over 11%. The latest reports suggest income to our Welsh universities is forecast to continue to increase until at least the end of this Government.

“We have also protected the student. Over the course of a three year undergraduate degree a student from Wales is around £17,000 better off than a student from England. There is a cross-party review, chaired by Professor Sir Ian Diamond, currently looking at these future funding issues in detail and Plaid Cymru have a nominee on that panel. It is due to publish an interim report later this year.”

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Education

Don’t miss out on help with school essentials

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88% of those eligible have claimed their free School Essentials grant to help with costs like school uniform, shoes, bags, sports kit and equipment. Have you claimed yours?

Children of families on lower incomes who receive certain benefits, those seeking asylum and children in care can claim £125 per year to help with school costs. Because of the extra cost families might face when their children start secondary school, £200 is available for eligible pupils going into year 7. It could also mean extra funding for your school.

There’s still time to check eligibility and apply for this year’s funding now before applications close on 31 May.

You can apply every year for each of your children. Pupils from all kinds of education settings are eligible as long as they are aged 5-16. This applies to pupils in all schools and settings, including special schools and pupil referral units.

Headteacher of Ysgol Gymunedol Trimsaran, Steffan Jones, explained how the grant helps pupils at his school: “You want every child to be treated the same, and you want every child to have the same experiences. These grants do help, so that all children can get involved and enjoy their time at school, not just those who can afford it.”

The grant can be used to pay for:

  • school uniform, including coats and shoes.
  • school activities, like learning a musical instrument, sports kit and equipment for after school activities.
  • classroom essentials, like pens, pencils and bags.

Even if your child already receives a Free School Meal, you still need to check eligibility to access the School Essentials Grant and extra funding for your school. To find out more about the Schools Essentials Grant and to check eligibility, visit Get help with school costs | GOV.WALES

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Charity

Bags of Books returns to Milford Haven and surrounding areas this Easter

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THE INFAMOUS Bags of Books is set to return to Milford Haven and surrounding areas over the Easter holidays.

Milford Haven School who launched the project with Milford Youth Matters over 3 years ago are continuing in their bid to improve literacy skills and encourage a love of reading for pleasure by giving away over 700 books.

Thanks to funding from the South Hook LNG Community grant they have purchased books for young people of all ages and reading abilities and will be hanging them on the fences of the schools in their catchment area.

The community are invited to come and choose a book from the following locations over the Easter holidays:

  • Neyland Community Primary School – Monday 25th March
  • Johnston Community Primary School – Tuesday 26th March
  • Coastlands Primary School – Wednesday 27th March
  • Gelliswick Primary School – Tuesday 2nd April
  • Milford Haven Community Primary – Wednesday 3rd April
  • St Francis Community Primary – Wednesday 3rd April

Milford Haven Secondary School will also hang over 150 books on their fence after the Easter Holidays on Wednesday 10th April for those in our community who cannot attend the other locations.

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Education

Milford Haven School’s Aspire Celebration Evening 2024 

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THIS week, Milford Haven School celebrated the achievements of Year 11 pupils from the Class of 2023 at the Milford Haven School’s Aspire Celebration Evening.

Chair of Governors Dayle Gibby opened the evening by welcoming past pupils, parents and carers and guests from the community as they joined together to proudly celebrate the outstanding achievements of their past pupils. Mr Gibby said “Tonight is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate your achievements academically, and achievements that go far beyond the classroom like sporting, musical, through drama, enterprise, environmental and those that reach into the heart of community. Throughout your time here you have all showed, resilience, determination, and aspiration. With these attributes you have set yourself targets and goals to achieve, manage difficult problems and overcome unexpected events.”

The annual Aspire Celebration evening recognises the exceptional talents, dedication, and hard work demonstrated by these pupils throughout their academic journey. The evening was an enjoyable one that showcased the remarkable accomplishments of the young people, highlighting their academic excellence, leadership skills,and contributions to the school and wider community. Among the many accolades awarded were prizes for outstanding academic achievement, extra-curricular participation, personal development and services to the community.

One of the highlights of the evening was the inspiring address from guest speaker and former pupil of the former Milford Haven Grammar School Ms Makala Jones. Pupils, staff and guests were captivated and inspired by her stories of cold water swimming and how joining the world renowned Blue Tits changed her life and played a big part in her accomplishments of recently swimming the English Channel completely solo. Her motivational speech, insights and personal anecdotes resonated deeply with the entire audience, encouraging them to pursue their passions fearlessly, love themselves completely and embrace opportunities that lie ahead. 

As pupils received their well-deserved awards, there was an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment filling the room. Headteacher Ms Morris said “This evening is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our young people. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and the positive impact they have made on our school community. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the prize winners. I have no doubt that you will continue to excel in whatever task you choose to do next. I am personally proud of each and every one of you and wish you continued success in your future endeavours.”

For more information and a full list of prize winners please visit: www.milfordhavenschool.co.uk/aspirecelebrationevening 

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