News

Secondary schools are in decline

Published

11 years ago

December 19, 2013

SIX PEMBROKESHIRE secondary schools’ performance has declined over the last three years, according to data released yesterday (Thursday, December 12).

Not a single secondary school makes it into the top tier of banding, while two schools are in the lowest band for performance. The schools in the lowest band are Tasker Milward VC School, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven School.

Two Pembrokeshire secondary schools have improved their level two performances in English, Mathematics and Welsh over the three year period covered by the data, Pembroke School and Ysgol Greenhill.

The most marked performance declines have been at Tasker Milward School, where relative performance has fallen by 28.9 points, and Ysgol y Preseli has declined by 35.1 points over the same period. Ysgol y Preseli was the only school in Pembrokeshire in the three year reporting period tothe highest rating band. Criticism has been made by teaching unions about the data being inconsistent.

David Evans, head of NUT Cymru, said: “It is hard to see how a system that has so little support amongst the profession can continue in its current format. It is causing real difficulties for schools and unless that is addressed, risks creating a long-term crisis for Welsh education. We only need to consider the fact that the school ranked at the top of Band 1 last year but now finding itself in Band 4 to see that this is a seriously flawed system.”

Council Leader, Councillor Jamie Adams, said: “Pembrokeshire County Council notes the publication of the banding of secondary schools, which presents a mixed outcome for our schools.

“We are working with the schools identified as needing to improve their position.

“Pembrokeshire, like other local authorities in Wales, uses the outcomes of the school banding process to support school improvement.

“It is one part of a series of performance indicators used that support the evidence in self-evaluation.

“When used constructively and in context, it provides a good range of data demonstrating trends and annual performance. Schools are challenged and appropriate support and targeted interventions are undertaken.

“Since the data was available to schools and the local authority during the summer, appropriate interventions and support are now in place.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

6 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.