Education
Excluding pupils for knives ‘too simple’, says Estyn chief

A SCHOOL should understand why a pupil brings a knife in rather than relying on blanket exclusions, the chief inspector of Welsh education watchdog Estyn has said.
Owen Evans said the “easy answer” was to exclude pupils, but insisted the issue needed a more nuanced approach.
He argued there were multiple reasons why a child might bring a weapon to school and that a one-size-fits-all policy would not work.
However, Neil Butler, national officer for Wales at the NASUWT union, called the suggestion “most unhelpful” and said immediate exclusions should be the priority to protect pupils and staff.
School attack in Ammanford
Mr Evans’ comments follow the conviction of a 14-year-old girl for the attempted murder of three people during a stabbing at a school in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

“You may have a child that has every potential for redemption but they have fallen into bad practice, and we cannot exclude those people from society,” he told the BBC’s Walescast.
“A lot of children who bring knives to school feel threatened themselves or believe others are carrying weapons.
“We need to tackle the root causes behind these decisions,” he added.
While knife crime in Welsh schools is rare, Mr Evans said lessons needed to be learned.
Bridgend council has announced an inquiry after police were called to Bryntirion Comprehensive last week when a knife was reportedly found in a pupil’s bag.
Union backs tough action
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Mr Butler acknowledged the importance of understanding why children bring weapons to school but said the approach could not be “nuanced”.
He described Mr Evans’ concerns about exclusion pushing pupils out of society as “nonsense” and insisted that removing offenders from schools was necessary for safety.
“If a child who has carried a knife into school remains there while psychologists assess them, they continue to pose a danger to others,” he said.
“Exclusion doesn’t mean the end of education—it means education in a more suitable setting outside of mainstream schools.”
He added: “We must be clear: carrying a knife has consequences. That means immediate exclusion.
“It’s as simple as that—we have to nip this in the bud before it escalates further.”
Rising behavioural issues
Estyn is preparing to release its annual report on the state of education and training in Wales, with concerns over increasing behavioural problems.
Mr Evans said: “Since the pandemic, we are seeing young children coming into school unable to communicate or even potty trained.”
He called for more support for pupils and teachers but acknowledged a lack of resources.
“Strong leadership, clear and consistently applied behaviour policies, and good family support can make a real difference,” he said.
Wales’ Education Secretary, Lynne Neagle, has announced a behavioural summit next year to tackle the “complex” issues facing schools.
Education
UWTSD and Pembrokeshire Music Service collaborate on recording sessions

STUDENTS from the Creative Music Technology programme at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) have teamed up with the Pembrokeshire Music Service to record two promising rock and pop bands.
The recording sessions took place at Haverfordwest High VC School, offering young musicians from the Pembrokeshire Music Service a unique opportunity to professionally capture their original compositions.
This initiative, launched in 2024 by Max Griffiths while still a student at UWTSD, highlights the lasting impact of student-led projects in fostering innovation and industry engagement. By the time the event took place, Max had graduated, underscoring the programme’s success in nurturing creative talent.

Dr David Bird, Lecturer in Creative Music Technology at UWTSD, said: “It was inspiring to witness music being supported in innovative ways beyond the classroom. There is an incredible pool of talent emerging from Pembrokeshire, and we are privileged to have recorded these musicians at the start of their musical journeys. Our students also gained invaluable experience, making this an exciting opportunity for everyone involved.”
Miranda Morgan, Pembrokeshire Music Service Coordinator, praised the collaboration: “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with UWTSD’s music technology staff and students. The entire day was an enriching experience for our rock and pop ensemble pupils, who not only enjoyed recording their original works but also gained insight into music technology and the recording process. We look forward to future collaborations.”

Philippa Roberts, Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service, highlighted the experience’s impact on young musicians: “Pembrokeshire Music Service is delighted to have partnered with UWTSD. The experience was invaluable, and our students greatly benefited from the expertise of skilled tutors and musicians. A special thank you to the Pembrokeshire music tutors for their dedication and encouragement in nurturing our aspiring rock musicians.”
Plans are already in motion to expand the partnership with future workshops focused on Music Technology. These workshops aim to equip young musicians with the technical skills needed to navigate the evolving music industry.
For further information, contact: d.bird@uwtsd.ac.uk.
Education
‘When you’re in a hole, stop digging’: Cardiff University urged to rethink cuts

CARDIFF University chiefs have been urged to “reflect and think again” about colossal cuts, with the local Senedd Member saying: “When you’re in a hole, stop digging”.
Jenny Rathbone warned Cardiff University has been engulfed in an existential crisis that could threaten the future of the biggest and best-resourced university in Wales.
In January, the university announced plans to cut 400 jobs and courses – including nursing, languages and music – as well as merge departments such as maths and computing.
Ms Rathbone, who represents Cardiff Central, said the university is home to Wales’ only planning school and the country clearly needs a pipeline of planners.
And, raising a 4,000-name open letter signed by mathematicians across the world, she pointed out that the university provides specialist teachers who are difficult to recruit.
Ms Rathbone asked: “Where then will the brilliant mathematicians of the future come from unless they have inspirational teachers?”

She added: “If we don’t have a modern foreign languages department … what impact will it have on … inward investment and selling Welsh goods and services to other countries?”
Leading a short debate on ensuring Wales has a thriving university sector, Ms Rathbone told the Senedd: “I accept that no change is not an option. Cardiff University is currently subsidising its day-to-day operations from its reserves to the tune of £31m a year.”
The former Islington councillor argued all universities are struggling with the UK Government “killing off the golden goose of higher fees for foreign students”.
Ms Rathbone said the university’s debt now stands at £321m, according to latest accounts.
She warned: “Clearly, this is not doing Cardiff’s reputation any good. And individual schools of excellence are horrified that they may be bundled into new colleges.”
She told Senedd Members: “I’ve spoken to a wide range of Cardiff academics and I’ve yet to find any support for the university’s academic future proposals.”
She added: “I hope the vice-chancellor and her executive board will reflect and think again, because, when you’re in a hole, stop digging.”
Calling for a “team Wales” approach as in Scotland, she argued more collaboration between universities on common principles is crucial to ensuring Wales has a thriving sector.
“Cardiff clearly has to make some changes,” she said. “They can’t spend money that they haven’t got. But clearly, these proposals have got to be agreed in social partnership with their main stakeholders, principally their staff.”
Calling for genuine consultation, Labour’s Julie Morgan, whose son-in-law works at Cardiff University, was dismayed by the extent of cuts across Wales.
“Young people are our lifeblood and this is cutting off opportunities for them,” she warned, saying she has been inundated with letters from distressed staff living in Cardiff North.
Plaid Cymru’s Cefin Campbell, a former lecturer, called for a cross-party review to address a “broken” financial model, with universities grappling with a deficit of £70m.

The shadow education secretary said universities face a further £20m hit from national insurance increases as well as a loss of up to £80m due to changes to student visas.
Responding to the debate on March 12, Vikki Howells, who was appointed higher and further education minister in September, pointed to Medr’s five-year plan published on Wednesday.
Medr, which was established in August, is responsible for funding and regulating post-16 education and research – including colleges and sixth forms unlike its predecessor Hefcw.
Ms Howells, a former teacher at Caerphilly’s St Cenydd Comprehensive, said the Welsh Government increased tuition fees for two years running and has provided an extra £28m for Medr this year.

She told Senedd Members: “Medr is absolutely adamant in its belief that no university in Wales is at risk of going under and we also are not looking at any mergers at all, either.”
Ms Howells, who studied at Cardiff University, stressed that a 90-day consultation on the proposals remains open, with a final decision expected to be considered in June.
She urged universities, colleges and schools to get behind Medr’s collective vision for a more joined-up, inclusive and collaborative tertiary education sector.
Education
New learning resources bring Wales’ Designated Landscapes to classrooms

A MAJOR step forward in outdoor learning was celebrated at the Senedd on Thursday (Mar 13) with the launch of Tirlun, a bilingual educational resource designed to connect children across Wales with the country’s eight Designated Landscapes.
Developed over three years through a collaboration between Wales’ National Parks and National Landscapes, Tirlun offers more than 90 interactive activities linked to the Curriculum for Wales. The resource, available on Hwb—the all-Wales digital learning platform—and a dedicated website, supports both classroom and outdoor learning, inspiring young people to engage with the landscapes on their doorstep.
Deputy First Minister for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “Tirlun is a great example of how we should make sure our response to the climate and nature emergencies is a part of everything we do. Projects like this are vital to developing the future guardians of our finest landscapes and our fragile biodiversity.
“Funded through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Landscapes, Sustainable Places programme, I am excited to see this step forward, and my thanks go to all the schools, teachers, and the National Parks and National Landscapes teams for their help in making it happen.”
The materials include lesson plans, interactive presentations, and activities that encourage children to explore the natural world, whether in their local area or further afield. The project brings together expertise from across Wales’ Designated Landscapes, ensuring Tirlun reflects the cultural and environmental richness of these areas.
Graham Peake, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority-based project lead, said: “Tirlun is packed with exciting activities and interactive presentations, which we hope will enrich the outdoor learning journeys of many children across Wales.
“The National Parks and National Landscapes of Wales collectively cover more than 20% of our land area, so we really should be giving our learners the opportunity to explore these areas. The 90-plus activities included will also enable children to discover their own outdoors, where they live.”
A teacher involved in developing and testing the activities said: “Tirlun is a fantastic cross-curricular resource that we use to enhance our Outdoor Learning lessons. The presentations and activities motivate the children, who stay really engaged throughout. Everything is included in the resources, and they link perfectly to the Curriculum for Wales and Digital Competence Framework.”
The Senedd launch brought together educators and representatives from Wales’ Designated Landscapes. The event featured presentations from children already using the Tirlun resources, showcasing how the project is making an impact in classrooms across the country.
Teachers and learners can explore the Tirlun resources on Hwb and the dedicated website at https://tirlun.wales/.
For more information about Wales’ Designated Landscapes and their role in protecting and promoting natural and cultural heritage, visit https://landscapeswales.org.uk/.

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