News

ATL Cymru say national tests need improvement

Published

10 years ago

January 19, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Assessment concerns: Are national tests consistent?

AT THE END of 2014, Association of Teachers and Lecturers surveyed its members to see what impact the new National Reading and Numeracy tests was having upon teaching and learning. The results, they claim, showed that more work needed to be done before the tests could be, ‘accepted as an unquestionable help to classroom practice’. In the survey it was reported that over 60 percent of teachers believed that the Welsh Government was far more concerned with generating data to assess school performance than to inform subsequent teaching or help with tracking pupil progress.

The report went on to say that although nearly three quarters of teachers had tried to use the results of the tests to inform their teaching over 25 percent reported that either the results were not shared with them or that, the results didn’t tell them anything they didn’t already know. On the reports generated for parents, 50 percent of teachers said they were not satisfied, and argued that the reports were not readily understandable and teachers were similarly divided over the suitability of the tests, with just over half reporting that not all their pupils could access the tests.

Commenting on the results of the survey, Dr Philip Dixon, Director of ATL Cymru, said: “Assessment is crucial to that process of teaching and learning, but the value of the new testing regime still needs to be proved. “The Welsh Government needs to heed the legitimate concerns about the consistency and suitability of the tests. We hope that the tests are not simply about providing data for some flawed league-table type comparison of schools.” A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We welcome this survey and the positive responses from some ATL members.

The tests and the data they provide are fundamental to raising standards in Wales and schools can use the diagnostic information from the tests to identify learners’ strengths and areas for development. “It is pleasing that ATL members agree with this and that 72 percent of teachers surveyed say the tests have informed their teaching. The information provided by the tests means that a school can intervene if a pupil is falling behind, and also stretch the more able pupils. “We continue to believe the best way to ensure learners make regular progress is to make sure they never fall behind. This can only be achieved through rigorous monitoring and assessment of a pupil’s progress which is why we introduced our reading and numeracy tests. “We do provide for the range of learner abilities within testing, which is why schools can arrange for a learner to take the test for a younger age group if they think that is appropriate.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.