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Education

Environmental Science student is ‘Young Achiever’

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Amy Staff: A role model fighting for the environment.

Amy Staff: A role model fighting
for the environment.

A PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE student’s dedication to creating a more sustainable world earned her recognition at the recent Radio Pembrokeshire Young Achiever Awards. Seventeen year old Amy Staff of Cynwyl Elfed in Carmarthenshire was awarded the Commitment to the Environment Award, which was sponsored by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Amy, who is currently studying Environmental Science, said: “I was ecstatic when I found out I’d won the award! There are just so many opportunities in Pembrokeshire to make a difference to the environment, it’s brilliant, and so addictive once you get stuck in! I didn’t think for a minute that I’d ever get an award for doing something I enjoyed so much, most awards come from extremely hard work, Iå’ve just been having a good time!

As cheesy as it sounds everyone really does have a duty to help protect the environment, as we all have an impact on it in some way. It’s so easy for people to get caught up in their daily lives with no consideration for who or what else it could have an effect on, I want to change that.”

Amy already has an impressive CV having volunteered with Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth promoting their ‘Bee Cause’ campaign as well as volunteering for Pembroke 21C carrying out ecological surveys. She was one of only 75 students to be offered a Nuffield Research Placement this summer, while she also spent four weeks at the National Botanical Gardens of Wales working on the Barcode Project, which is aimed at helping to reduce illegal trading in areas like the rainforests of Borneo.

She was also appointed as the Green Representative at the LUSH store in Carmarthen where she works part-time, where she introduced a scheme encouraging customers to return their packaging. As part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award she worked at Swansea Community Farm where she worked on a furniture up-cycling project.

Amy is now planning to take part in a Frontier expedition to Nepal to promote environmental issues to school children. National Park Authority Discovery Team Leader Graham Peake commented: “Amy’s enthusiasm for conservation and the environment is easy to see as she has already undertaken a wide range of important work with many different organisations. I hope this award will inspire Amy to continue this work and encourage more young people to get involved in conservation work, whether it’s here in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park or further afield.”

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Education

Support from Blue Gem Wind boosts outdoor learning in Pembrokeshire

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE OUTDOOR SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP (PODS) has received a significant boost in the form of a £7,500 contribution from Blue Gem Wind. The funding arrived at a pivotal time for the outdoor education initiative, enabling projects that connect learners with Pembrokeshire’s rich outdoor spaces, including its National Park.

One of the key focus areas to benefit from the funding was the development of bespoke learning resources for the Courage and Community – RNLI 200 Cymru exhibition, which is being hosted by Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre until June 2025.

The resources have been designed to engage learners with the vital work of the RNLI, whether they’re able to visit the exhibition or not. Put together by Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools to include a range of partners, including the Park Authority, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Darwin Science, RNLI, Pembrokeshire Marine SAC, the Field Studies Council (FSC) and Câr y Môr, they cover topics such as renewable energy, coastal wildlife and Pembrokeshire’s maritime heritage.

Bryony Rees, Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools Co-ordinator, said: “This funding has enabled us to develop engaging learning resources that bring the work of the RNLI to life. By exploring Pembrokeshire’s coastal heritage and maritime communities, these materials provide meaningful learning opportunities for children in and beyond the classroom.”

The funding also supported a landmark outdoor learning experience for Year 8 pupils from Henry Tudor School in Pembroke, who took part in a hands-on programme at Newgale Beach. The visit explored topics such as climate change, recreation management, geology, and ‘art in the environment,’ using the stunning coastal setting as an open-air classroom. Delivered by PODS in collaboration with the National Park Authority, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, and local geologist Sid Howells, the sessions gave students a unique opportunity to connect with nature while deepening their understanding of these important themes.

As part of the programme, National Park staff trialled mobility equipment, enabling two students with additional mobility needs to fully experience the beach’s dynamic and challenging terrain.

David Jones, Stakeholder at Blue Gem Wind, said: “We absolutely loved taking part in some of the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools activity days, particularly doing it in collaboration with other partners and bringing renewable energy to school children in the outdoors. Providing funding for this crucial project allows us the opportunity to support future activity and highlight the exciting careers renewable energy could provide for young people in Pembrokeshire.”

PODS is co-ordinated by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and supported by a network of specialist organisations, teachers and local authority advisors. It aims to enable learners to benefit from high quality outdoor learning experiences, encouraging children to become fully engaged with and confident in their local environment. Further information about the partnership can be found at https://pembrokeshireoutdoorschools.co.uk.

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Education

Welsh university crisis deepens as Bangor announces 200 job cuts

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THE FINANCIAL crisis gripping Welsh universities has worsened, with Bangor University announcing plans to cut 200 jobs in an effort to save £15 million. The move follows similar measures at Cardiff University, which is set to axe 400 positions, and the University of South Wales, which will shed 90 jobs and shut down several courses.

Bangor’s Vice Chancellor Professor Edmund Burke outlined the university’s dire financial position in an email to staff, citing a drop in international students, rising costs, and changes to national insurance as key factors. While the university hopes to avoid compulsory redundancies by extending its voluntary redundancy scheme, it has warned that enforced job losses may be necessary.

The crisis has sparked a political row, with Labour’s funding policies and tax hikes under fire. Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Natasha Asghar MS, placed the blame squarely on the Labour Government’s handling of higher education:

“Labour’s National Insurance hike continues to heap pressure on industries across Wales and following the similar news from Cardiff University last month, it was inevitable these pressures would ripple across the higher education sector.”

“With universities already grappling with a £100m deficit and Labour’s tuition fee increases making higher education less appealing for many young people, Labour’s funding cuts and tax hikes are now jeopardising the future of our institutions, their staff, and students.”

“After 26 years of Labour failure in education, it’s clear that only the Welsh Conservatives have the solutions to fix these deep-rooted problems and secure a brighter future for Wales.”

The UK Government has also been criticised for immigration policies that discouraged international student enrolment, worsening financial struggles across the sector. Prof Burke noted that some top-tier universities have responded to the drop in international students by lowering entry grades, making it even harder for institutions like Bangor to attract students.

On Tuesday, Welsh Higher Education Minister Vikki Howells announced a further £19 million in funding for the sector, despite stating earlier this month that no extra money was available. However, universities have warned that this support falls short of what is needed to prevent further cuts.

Meanwhile, the University of South Wales has confirmed its own job losses and course closures. The institution will withdraw from some research topics and concentrate on crime, security and justice, health and wellbeing, the sustainable environment, and creative innovation. The university said it is making efforts to limit compulsory redundancies and provide support to affected staff and students.

With the financial future of Wales’ universities hanging in the balance, opposition leaders and university officials alike are calling for a long-term solution to prevent further disruption to students, staff, and the wider economy.

Responding to the news that Bangor University is expected to cut 200 jobs, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said: “Under Labour, we are seeing the hollowing out of Welsh educational and research institutions. First Cardiff and Lampter and now Bangor with concerns more will follow. 

“Labour’s increase in national insurance contributions will have only exacerbated the financial situation being faced by our universities.

“We urgently need to see a review into higher education and research funding in Wales.”

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Education

Council announces nursery place application deadline

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PARENTS and guardians of children in Pembrokeshire born between 01/09/2022 – 31/08/2023 are invited to apply for a Nursery school place for January, April and September 2026 by the closing date of 30th April 2025.

Applications received after 30th April 2025 will be considered late which may have a bearing on whether the child gets a place at your preferred school.

It is important to note that no school place will be allocated unless a formal application is received.

The online application form can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning under ‘Apply for a School Place’. 

For information on which term your child would be due to join nursery, please follow this link to our Information to Parents which sets out the terms based on your child’s date of birth and which school you are applying to.

There is no need to re-apply if you have already submitted an application form.  You can view your current applications by logging into your My Account and into the ‘Schools & Learning’ ‘School Admissions & Transport’ section.

Parents/guardians are reminded that attending a Nursery at a school does not guarantee a Primary place (to start in September 2027) and a separate application does need to be submitted for this. This application can be submitted at the same time as your Nursery application.

Parents/guardians will be notified of Nursery places by 31st July 2025.

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