Education

Pembrokeshire College management excels

Published

10 years ago

September 30, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Proud of the college team:
Sharron Lusher

THURSDAY November 5 will see the NSMW team serving school meals to the Members of the National Assembly for Wales. We will be situated in the Neuadd in the Senedd, which houses the public reception and information area, and was conceived as an orientation and event area when the home of the Assembly was designed and built earlier this century. It will be a terrific opportunity to show the quality of a modern school meal to both the AM’s and members of the general public.
Cardiff Council Education Catering are producing an exciting menu of mains and desserts from both their regular primary and secondary menus that will reflect both the ethnicity of the city as well as some traditional Welsh favourites. In addition they will select a number of their chefs and support staff to produce the food in the Senedd on the day and we will be uploading the final choice of dishes shortly so keep checking the site. Assembly Member for Arfon in Gwynedd, Mr Alun Ffred Jones has sponsored the event (it is a requirement that any event in the Assembly building has to have a Member sponsor it) and said: “I am delighted to be involved with National School Meals Week and happy to sponsor the LACA event at the Senedd.
Teaching children from a young age about the benefits of healthy eating and living, while making the learning fun and enjoyable is what makes this initiative so important. “Research has shown that children, who have had a healthy, nutritious lunch, concentrate better, have improved behaviour and increased educational attainment. Holding high profile events helps to put this message across via the various media channels and informs parents, resulting in improved uptake.” The LACA Wales committee are delighted that such a high profile event is taking place at the heart of Welsh Government and that school meals are being shown in such a positive light.
Chair Toni Edwards commented: “The Welsh LACA (Lead Association for Catering in Education) Region is absolutely thrilled that the Assembly Member for Arfon in Gwynedd Mr Alun Ffred Jones is sponsoring us to attend the Senedd for National School Meals week. School meals are an important part of the school day and this high profile event will help highlight the exceptional work that goes on across Wales.
“Welsh school meals pack in all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for a child’s healthy development and this event will enable us to showcase our success and hopefully encourage more parents to take up the offer of meals for their children. The whole Region is looking forward to the event, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how successful Wales has become in supplying excellent meals for our young customers.” It will be an outstanding way to celebrate all that is great about our industry in such an iconic location and will be the high point of what should be another successful National School Meals Week.
COLLEGE leaders have been judged as ‘Excellent’ by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate Estyn following a recent inspection of the College-led work-based learning Consortium – *B-wbl.
Estyn’s inspection team (the same common framework which covers school, colleges and workbased learning) judged the College’s leadership as ‘highly effective in setting clear strategic direction for the delivery of their work-based learning contract’. The current performance was rated as ‘Good’ with the Prospects for Improvement as ‘Excellent’. In total there were 10 ‘Good’ judgements and 5 ‘Excellent’ judgements. The college management team were identified as having a clear focus on effective collaborative working and the improvement of learner standards across all Consortium members. Pembrokeshire College Principal, Sharron Lusher has commended the College staff on their achievements.
“I’m so proud of the College team who have worked tirelessly to ensure all our learners in the Consortium have every chance of succeeding. Our results show that the dedication and support of an excellent team of staff across all our Consortium partners has played a key role in ensuring we deliver high quality learning and teaching. To have this endorsed in such a positive way by Estyn, with all areas being judged as either excellent or good is such a boost for the Consortium team.”
Work-based learning which is part financed by the European Union Social Fund, provides apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships in the workplace across a wide range of industries in south and mid Wales, including construction, engineering, business and management, veterinary nursing and forestry management have recently been added. The Consortium’s success rate is 2% above the national comparator at 86%. This result is down to a highly skilled and qualified workforce who are committed to ensuring learners progress well on their programmes. Estyn inspectors noted the effectiveness of learning and teaching and reported: “Tutors and assessors have good subject knowledge, suitable occupational skills and industry knowledge Partnership working and the learning environment were also given excellent judgements, the latter reflecting the honest and inclusive culture embedded in the Consortium’s values and ethos.
There are over 5,000 consortium learners, with a few now opting for the higher apprenticeship programme as an alternative to university. Former soldier and student Stephen Thomas was selected for the higher apprenticeship programme at Valero. Simon Cuff who is a health and social care apprentice at Marlowe St David’s Educational Unit, has reached the finals of the Higher Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2015. “As a new partner in the Pembrokeshire consortium, the College Merthyr Tydfil were delighted to be involved in the inspection, which has commended the high quality programmes delivered across the consortium for all learners,” Deputy Principal, Jonathan Martin.

Education

Carms schools leading in Welsh-medium engineering and digital education

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Hundreds of pupils gain future-ready skills through groundbreaking regional initiative

CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is celebrating the success of a pioneering education project that is equipping hundreds of young people with vital engineering and digital skills—delivered entirely through the medium of Welsh.

Launched in 2020, the initiative was the first pilot funded under the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent Programme. It is jointly led by Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Maes y Gwendraeth, in partnership with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and was developed to address a regional skills gap while creating clear pathways into high-demand careers.

Since its inception, 843 pupils have enrolled in Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. Around 40 per cent of those at Level 2 have progressed to more advanced study, with many students now continuing their education at college or university, or entering apprenticeships—demonstrating the programme’s long-term impact.

The collaboration with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David provides students with access to cutting-edge research and hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, ensuring they are well prepared for future employment or further study.

The Skills and Talent Programme is one of nine projects within the Swansea Bay City Deal and is overseen by the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership. The initiative focuses on five key sectors: construction, energy, digital, manufacturing, and health. To date, it has supported 23 pilot projects, developed four new apprenticeship pathways, and aims by 2030 to deliver:

14,000 individuals qualified to Level 2 and above,
3,000 apprenticeships,
2,200 individuals with enhanced skills,
20 new courses, and
two Centres of Excellence.

Cllr Glynog Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said:
“This programme shows what’s possible when we invest in young people through the Welsh language. Our schools are helping students develop real-world skills that are needed across Wales and beyond. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to see the continued growth of this important work.”

Dr Llinos Jones, Headteacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, added:
“The Skills and Talent Programme Awards have been a catalyst for transformative change, enabling our initiative to reach new heights. This funding has expanded access to vital learning resources and empowered learners with future-ready skills, supporting long-term regional growth.”

Jane Lewis, Regional Skills Partnership Manager, said:
“This project has given so many young people a head start in careers that are essential to our region. We’re proud to support it and hope even more students are inspired to follow the engineering and digital pathways.”

Education

Pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi visit Parliament for a day of learning and engagement

Published

2 days ago

June 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A GROUP of pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids travelled to London on Thursday (June 12) for a special visit to the Houses of Parliament, where they were hosted by their local MP, Henry Tufnell.

The visit included a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster and a chance to see the House of Commons and House of Lords in action. The group arrived around 2:30pm and took part in educational workshops before enjoying a lively question-and-answer session with Mr Tufnell.

The pupils, smartly dressed in school uniform and wearing orange visitor passes, posed for a group photo in one of Parliament’s ornate committee rooms before engaging in discussions about democracy, Pembrokeshire, and the role of MPs. Mr Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said he was impressed with the thoughtful and challenging questions posed by the students.

Writing on social media, Mr Tufnell said: “Brilliant to have Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi School in Parliament today! Before a tour of the Palace we did a quiz and a Q&A about Pembrokeshire, Parliament and my role as an MP – some excellent questions!”

The trip was organised and led by Mrs R Owen, Head of Languages, Literacy and Communication at the school, alongside Mr J Owen (Literacy HLTA) and school governor Mrs B Thomas-Price. The day involved a very early start, with pupils departing the Dewi campus at 6:00am, and returning shortly after midnight.

Headteacher Rachael Thomas described the opportunity as “fantastic” and thanked parents for their quick response to the late notice trip. Pupils were expected to model the school’s values throughout the visit, and brought packed lunches and books or headphones for the long coach journey

This inspiring visit offered a memorable real-world learning experience for the pupils and a chance to deepen their understanding of politics and public service.

Education

Cutting edge: Marcus to represent Team GB in Paris

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire College tutor selected for global hairdressing championships

PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE hairdressing tutor Marcus Smith has been selected to represent Team GB at the prestigious OMC Hairworld Championships in Paris this September.

Marcus will compete in the Creative Colour and Style category, showcasing his artistry and technical expertise at one of the most highly regarded events in the international hair, beauty, and nail industry.

The OMC Hairworld – World Championship, organised by the Organisation Mondiale Coiffure (OMC), brings together competitors from more than 50 countries, each demonstrating innovation, precision, and flair. Marcus was personally invited to try out for Team GB and has since earned his place among the UK’s top hairdressing professionals.

The competition category will require Marcus to complete a bold, creative hairstyle on a mannequin head in just 35 minutes. Preparation is vital. This August, Marcus will travel to the Goldwell Academy in London to complete the colouring stage in advance—part of the strategic approach required for success in the fast-paced event.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Marcus said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent the UK on such a prestigious platform. It’s an honour to be part of Team GB, and I hope my journey inspires our learners to dream big, work hard, and believe in their potential. Competitions like this go beyond personal milestones—they show our students that hairdressing is a global, dynamic career with endless possibilities.”

Alongside his teaching duties, Marcus dedicates time each month to travel and refine his competition technique. His dedication serves as both inspiration and a powerful learning model for his students, reinforcing the college’s commitment to delivering industry-leading training.

Pembrokeshire College is backing Marcus every step of the way, including support with competition entry fees. A spokesperson said the college was “incredibly proud” to see one of its own selected for such an international honour.

Founded in 1946 in Lyon, France, Organisation Mondiale Coiffure is the world’s leading authority in the hair, beauty and nail sector. OMC’s annual championships provide a global platform for professionals to gain recognition, compete at the highest level, and benefit from international training and networking opportunities.

Pembrokeshire College wishes Marcus the best of luck as he prepares to represent both the college and the country on the world stage.

Picture: Marcus Smith