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Education

School defends Welsh-medium homework policy

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Better for kids?: Welsh-medium schools

Better for kids?: Welsh-medium schools

PRIMARY school children, whose first language is English, and who attend Welsh-medium schools are less likely to be top performers in core subjects. The figures were obtained by the BBC Wales show, released after a Freedom of Information request and were taken from a comparison of 25,000 pupils. The research is based on looking at how well 11 year olds are doing in English, Maths and Science, as well as first language Welsh in Welsh schools. The information covered 87% of children in Welsh-medium schools and 78% of pupils from English-medium schools.

Three groups of children were compared:

• Pupils in English-medium schools

• Pupils in Welsh-medium schools from Welsh-speaking homes

• Those in Welsh-medium schools from English-speaking homes. Better news was that, overall, when English is taken out of the equation, Primary school children from Englishspeaking homes who go to Welshmedium schools are less likely to underachieve than pupils in Englishmedium schools. Dr Mirain Rhys, research associate at Wales Institute of Social & Economic Research, is an expert on the issue and told The Herald: “Many of the concerns raised by English-speaking parents of pupils in Welsh medium schools were about children being able to complete their homework and having support from their parents. It’s an area which needs more research. When they don’t speak Welsh themselves it’s quite a worry. I know the Welsh Government and the Welsh Language Board used to have a helpline to helping pupils and parents – it’s initiatives like that that can help.”

Gwennol Ellis, head of Ysgol Bro Cinmeirch, Denbighshire (a welsh medium school), said: “We invest heavily in staffing. Through singing and oral work they become fluent in a year. The work sent home is to reinforce class work, and notes go home in English. Children are able to get on with their own homework. The aim is to get them to speak Welsh as if they were first language speakers. They are encouraged to speak Welsh with each other” Carla Bartlett, head of Welsh at Ysgol Gyfun Cymer, Rhondda, where 99% of pupils were from English speaking homes, also commented on the issue of homework being sent home in Welsh, telling The Herald: “I came from a background where my parents didn’t speak Welsh. I understand the parents can’t help with the language side, so homework is set appropriately. At the end of the day, the homework is for the children and not the parents.”

This newspaper was keen to find out how a local Welsh-medium school, Ysgol Glen Cleddau in Haverfordwest, managed pupils from English speaking backgrounds, which is 95% of their full register. Speaking exclusively with The Herald was head teacher, Mr Aled Davies who explained: “All subjects (other than English) are taught through the medium of Welsh, although aspects of subjects in Key Stage 2 (KS2) might be completed through the medium of English; extended pieces of writing in history ( e.g a letter or some narrative), the occasional science experiment, some problem solving in maths. Pupils are able to switch from one language to the other with ease which is what bilingualism is all about. By the end of KS2 they are able achieve good standards in both languages”. Mr Davies commented on the issue of homework in Welsh: “Homework would usually include; spelling lists, some maths (which would mainly be number work where either language could be used), reading in both languages, and work in log books (the Log Book includes little projects which would involve research in books or on the internet and parents would be able to assist and the recording might be through the medium of Welsh or English). Obviously we’d encourage parents to become involved in their children’s learning and we’d ensure that there was enough English medium homework available to enable them to do so”. He went on to discuss pupils’ access to English language skills acquisition, saying: “Pupils achieve high standards in English by the end of their time in this school. English is the mother tongue of most of our pupils, and they get ample time to develop their English oral skills outside school; at home, in sports clubs, with friends and relations.” “These skills would be honed in English language lessons at school; discussions, debates, dialogues, drama work etc. Of course they’re allowed to use conversational English (in and around school), but obviously they’re encouraged to speak Welsh. It is vitally important that pupils speak correctly in both languages. Their English and Welsh oral, reading and writing skills are developed side by side in school, and we encourage excellence in both languages. That is the essence of bilingualism.”

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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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