News

Academic stars shine bright

Published

10 years ago

February 26, 2016

Molly Manning: Wants to study political journalism with the support of Seren

A FARMER’s daughter, an aspiring Kate Adie and a star gazer, join bright Pembrokeshire students reaching for top universities on the Seren Network.

Three inspiring Pembrokeshire teens are among a selection of youngsters in the county who have been chosen to take their places on an exciting new university network.

Jess Gibby, Molly Manning and Maximilan Thomas join the first 16 and 17-year-olds in Wales to be a part of the Welsh Government-funded Seren Network, after they received impressive results in their GCSE exams in the summer.

Now all three plan to use the support provided by Seren to apply for a place at their chosen universities.

The Seren Network was set up with the aim of assisting Wales’ brightest students to fulfil their potential academically and apply to the UK’s leading universities.

Launched by the Welsh Government last year, it follows a report by Oxbridge Ambassador, Paul Murphy, former MP for Torfaen and now Lord Murphy, who was appointed by the Welsh Government to examine the decline in Welsh applications and admissions to Oxford and Cambridge.

His report recommended that a national network of partnership hubs be set up to allow schools and colleges to share expertise and work directly with the UK’s leading universities.

More than 300 pupils attended the launch of the latest Seren ‘hub’, covering Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli this week to learn more about the benefits of the network.

Pembroke School pupil Jess, 17, usually spends her time helping her family run their farm and caravan park in Pembroke.

“My dad’s a farmer and we have around 60 cows,” she said. “I’ll help them move the cows, or help with the silage, or I can be cleaning the shower blocks. It’s very busy but everybody mucks in. Nobody in my family has been to university and I was nervous about applying.”

Jess, who achieved two A*s and seven A grades, says starting on the Seren scheme has boosted her confidence and she now plans to apply to university despite having been apprehensive about the idea of leaving home.

“I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do it, or whether I wanted to go to university at all, but I know now through Seren that I can make friends easily and the people I’ve met so far have been so lovely. Mr Jones, the head of sixth form, has talked me through everything and I’ve now applied to summer school and am looking forward to applying somewhere like Bristol or Bath.”

Fellow Pembroke School pupil Molly, 17, achieved two A*s, three As, two Bs and Cs in her GCSEs and plans to study political journalism at Bristol University.

“I’d love to follow in the footsteps of someone like Kate Adie and travel to Syria and Afghanistan and help refugees through telling their stories,” she said.

Molly, who lives in Pembroke, added: “It’s just me and my mum at home and she’s really proud that I have a place on the Seren Network. I’m dyslexic so it’s been hard at times but she’s really supportive and pushes me to go for what I want. I’m aiming high and am excited about the future, and about my Seren place giving me opportunities and opening doors to university and my future career.”

Pembrokeshire College pupil Maximilan, 17, lives ‘in a bungalow in the middle of nowhere’ in Castlemartin and plans to study physics at Cambridge.

“I watched a documentary on astrophysics with Brian Cox and I remember being enthralled,” he said. “I was given a telescope for my 14th birthday – I love the idea that we’re so small in the scheme of things.”

Maximilian was born in London and moved to Wales in 2012, when he said he was able to see the stars in the sky for the very first time.

“Where I lived in London there was a lot of light pollution so I remember staring up at the sky in the Welsh countryside and being amazed by it,” he said. “I could actually see the constellation of Orion – it was the first time I’d really seen the stars.”

Former Castle School pupil Maximilian, who achieved four A*s, two As and six Bs in his GCSEs, said he’s already been inspired by the Seren Network’s talks and workshops.

“We had an Oxbridge admissions talk that was really helpful and we’ve got to listen to brilliant speakers and I’m really enjoying meeting other students who have a passion for the same subjects that I do,” he said. “It’s really exciting to be on the Seren Network.”

Seren activities are designed to stretch and challenge the students beyond the A Level curriculum, giving them the chance to enhance their subject knowledge alongside a peer group of like-minded students.

Students will also have access to reading lists, and staff from leading UK universities including Oxford and Cambridge, while receiving subject support from teachers and information and advice about university applications.

Jon Jones, chair of the Seren Network Executive Group for the Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire hub, said: “The Seren Network is about inspiring students, helping them confirm previously-held ambitions, or question their futures by introducing them to new and exciting possibilities in higher education and beyond.

“We’re hoping the launch event will be a real catalyst to inspire further success from an already remarkable group of young men and women drawn from all 18 of the post 16 institutions across both counties of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

“The Seren hub has worked hard to establish productive links with sector-leading university departments and we’re supported by an outstanding team of Heads of Sixth Form and FE leaders, all of whom are eager to see their own students realise and exceed their potential and achieve their ambition of university study at the highest level.”

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.