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Education

Government to act on early exam entry

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SCHOOLS across Wales have been accused of ‘gaming’ the examination and qualification system at GCSE level and failing pupils in the process.

The issue has arisen following a report from Qualifications Wales, the regulator of non-degree qualifications and the qualification system in Wales, which has alerted the Welsh Government to the high risk that overall GCSE results will decline in Wales due to the widespread practice of entering children a year early into GCSE examinations in order to ‘bank’ results, with able pupils denied the chance to improve their grade at a later examination.

Almost two thirds of Year 10 pupils were entered for the English GCSE in the last exam cycle.

The same practice in England led to the UK Government intervening and making adjustments to school league tables, so that only the first attempt at examinations counted towards schools’ performance.

And Kirsty Williams, the Cabinet Secretary for Education in the Welsh Government, has said she may now intervene to prevent or curtail Welsh schools from putting Welsh pupils forward to sit GCSEs a year early.

In an interview on BBC Wales’ Sunday Politics, Kirsty Williams said: “What I’m concerned about is that children that, perhaps had the potential to get an A* and A or a B at the end of a two year course end up having to settle for a C because they do it early and they’re not re-entered again.

“I want children to fulfil their potential in school. I want early entry to be only for the children who will benefit from it.

“When I see such large numbers as are being reported as being entered, that’s something I am concerned about.”

Qualifications Wales said the problem is particularly acute this year due to a more rigorous curriculum and examination programme.

The body is scheduled to complete a review and report to the Welsh Government in September this year on the issue.

Welsh Government advice is that decisions about early entry into GCSE’s must be made ‘in the interests of the individual child’. In May, however, the Welsh Government’s Director of Education, Steven Davies, claimed in evidence to an Assembly Committee that schools have conducted early entry ‘to test the system’.

Mr Davies continued: ‘There are also those out there who are gaming.’

Mrs Williams’ stance on the subject has been welcomed by Adam Price AM.

Adam Price has been making representations regarding early exam entry to the Welsh Government since the start of the year having been contacted by a local maths tutor who had seen a dramatic rise in demand for private tutoring.

The Plaid Cymru AM also met with the Education Secretary in May to express concern that pupils may not be reaching their full potential.

Mr Price says he welcomes the willingness of the Education Secretary to intervene but said options for early entry should not be closed off to everyone.

Adam Price said: “I first made representations to the Education Secretary back in January having been contacted by a local maths tutor who had seen a dramatic rise in demand for private tutoring. His concern was that pupils were being entered for early examination but did not have time to actually finish the course before sitting the exams.

“Whilst it seems attractive for pupils to ‘bank’ a good grade early and take some pressure off a year later, many pupils will miss out on a better grade if they were to be given the opportunity to complete the course over the longer and traditional two year timescale.

“Early entry for exams is not a new phenomenon – this has always been a feature of GCSEs at the discretion of teachers and it should not be closed off entirely. But there does seem to be widespread change this year with almost two-thirds of all pupils in Wales being entered a year early.

“I welcome the Minister’s comments that she is prepared to intervene depending on the findings of her review, but the pressure on schools and teachers must be considered as part of this investigation.

“We all want what is best for our school pupils. The education system should support pupils who need the full two years of study, and allow teachers to make decisions on how pupils can best reach their individual potential.”

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Education

Pupils take centre stage for dance competitions

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MORE than 230 Pembrokeshire pupils have taken part in exciting dance competitions at primary and secondary school levels.

Sport Pembrokeshire hosted the primary school dance competition on March 19th at Fishguard Leisure Centre.

Seven schools from across the county and more than 160 pupils took part, including both boys and girls from school years 3-6.

All style and street dance were the categories that teams, solos and duos could enter. There were 55 solo performers entering the street dance solo category.

Pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun performed a group dance and some performed brilliant solos for the primary pupils to watch.

Finola (FF Dancers), Kelly (Kelly Williams School of Dance) and Lowri (Lowri Jones School of Dance) judged the high standard of competitions with dance coaches Lucy Kerrison and Kelci Francis helping out during the day.

They are all thanked for their help and expertise as putting on an event of this nature would not be possible without their valuable input.

Forty eight medals, 22 trophies and numerous certificates were presented, including awards for stand-out performers.

The atmosphere was great and it was brilliant to see the pupils taking part, getting creative and showcasing their skills, all with a smile on their faces.

The secondary schools dance competition was hosted on Thursday, 29th February at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre.

In total 77 girls from school years 7-11 competed in various categories such as teams, duos and solos. These included street, all style, freestyle, jazz and cheer.

Finola and Kelly judged the day with the help from Lucy and Kelci. Kelci, a former Ysgol Harri Tudur pupil, also gave showstopping performances.

It was a great day with a fantastic atmosphere and very rewarding to see so many girls taking part in sport and enjoying every minute.

Some of the schools who attended are now through to the UDOIT Dance Competition in Cardiff.

Hundreds of pupils have enjoyed school dance competitions over recent weeks.

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Education

Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill

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THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.

The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.

In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.

The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.

Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.

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Education

Difference between homeschooling and distance learning

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IN the ever-evolving panorama of schooling,  alternatives to standard classroom settings have gained enormous interest – homeschooling and distance studying. As technology continues to reshape our method of getting to know, it becomes essential to apprehend the nuances that differentiate these academic pathways. This weblog publishes objectives to delve into the differences between homeschooling and distance studying, dropping mild on their precise features, blessings, and potential drawbacks.

Defining Homeschooling and Distance Learning

Homeschooling and distance-gaining knowledge, even though sharing a few commonplace grounds, range basically in their execution. Homeschooling entails the mother and father taking over the role of the primary educators for their youngsters, designing and implementing a personalised curriculum. This approach offers flexibility, catering to character studying patterns and pace.

On the other hand, distance mastering refers to an academic device in which students acquire instruction remotely and regularly through online structures. It can be facilitated via conventional schools or dedicated online establishments, supplying an extra formalised approach than homeschooling.

Flexibility and Customisation

One key differentiator between homeschooling and distance-gaining knowledge is the extent of flexibility and customisation each offers. Homeschooling offers unparalleled flexibility, permitting families to conform the curriculum to fit the child’s wishes, pastimes, and learning fashion. This personalised technique fosters deep expertise in topics and encourages a love for gaining knowledge.

In comparison, distance studying, even as bendy in phrases of the region, may additionally have a more inflexible curriculum set by means of an academic institution. The customisation options are confined to the pre-hooked-up structure, doubtlessly proscribing the adaptability wished for by college students.

Educational Resources and Support

Another crucial issue to consider is the provision of tutorial sources and support in homeschooling and distance learning environments. Homeschooling regularly relies heavily on the creativity and resourcefulness of parents, who can also make use of various materials, online sources, and network activities to complement the mastering revel.

Distance learning, however, tends to provide a greater prepared help system. Students enrolled in distance study applications generally have the right to access a broader range of resources provided by the organisation. However, the extent of individualised attention may additionally vary, with some college students thriving within the independence of distance learning, while others may additionally feel a lack of customised assistance.

Technology Integration and Accessibility

In the digital age, technology plays a pivotal position in both homeschooling and distance studying. Homeschooling families have the power to choose the quantity of technology that is integrated into their curriculum. Some may additionally opt for a more traditional method, whilst others include online structures, instructional apps, and digital assets.

In contrast, distance learning heavily relies on era for content shipping, communication, and assessment. This can be superb, presenting college students with treasured digital literacy abilities and publicity to digital collaboration. However, worries concerning display time and the ability to handle technological issues can also stand up.

Addressing Concerns and Seeking Feedback

Before delving into both homeschooling and distance studying, it’s critical for dads, moms, and students to cope with worries and seek comments from dependable assets. Platforms like Scamfighter offer sincere comments on diverse academic offerings. To read writingpapersucks review, which includes “Is SpeedyPaper reliable”, can provide insights into the studies of others. Additionally, exploring questions like “Is myassignmenthelp.com good?” and perusing paper help reviews can help in making knowledgeable selections. Visit scamfighter for trustworthy feedback.

Addressing Socialisation and Extracurricular Activities

Beyond lecturers, socialisation and extracurricular sports are vital additives of properly-rounded training. Homeschooling can also face scrutiny in this factor, as critics regularly have specific concerns about the capacity lack of social interplay. However, homeschooling households regularly actively interact with community companies, sports activities teams, and cultural businesses to offer adequate possibilities for social development.

Distance getting to know while making an allowance for socialisation through digital ways may also pose demanding situations. The absence of face-to-face interactions can affect a pupil’s ability to develop vital social abilities. Educational institutions presenting distance mastering packages may additionally need to discover innovative methods to foster virtual communities and extracurricular involvement to deal with this problem.

Parental Involvement and Time Commitment

One huge issue influencing the choice between homeschooling and distance learning is the level of parental involvement and time dedication required. Homeschooling demands tremendous funding of time from the mother and father, who act as both educators and facilitators. This dedication may be rewarding but may also pose challenges for families with time constraints.

In assessment, distance mastering often presents a more established method, lowering the direct time commitment from parents. However, parental involvement remains important in tracking development, supplying support, and ensuring a conducive learning environment. Striking a balance between independence and parental steerage is prime for success in a distance getting to know putting.

The Role of Assessments and Grading

Assessment methods and grading structures vary significantly among homeschooling and distance-gaining knowledge. In a homeschooling environment, evaluation techniques can be tailor-made to in shape the character student’s needs, emphasising understanding over standardised trying out. Grading may be more qualitative, focusing on the mastery of concepts rather than comparative performance.

In contrast, distance-gaining knowledge often incorporates standardised assessments and grading structures to measure pupil development uniformly. This method aligns with traditional instructional fashions, offering a clear benchmark for academic achievement. However, it could no longer absolutely capture the depth of knowledge and personal increase emphasised in homeschooling.

Conclusion

Both homeschooling and distance studying present viable alternatives to standard schooling, each with its precise advantages and challenges. The decision between the two should be primarily based on personal preferences, studying patterns, and the level of involvement desired. By expertise the distinctions mentioned in this weblog and looking for dependable comments, parents and college students can make informed selections, ensuring a satisfying and powerful instructional enjoyment.

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