News

Haverfordwest: Comprehensive school placed into special measures

Published

8 years ago

July 6, 2016

stp A SECOND Haverfordwest secondary school has been placed in special measures by Estyn following a monitoring visit which concluded insufficient progress had been made against recommendations made in January 2015.

Sir Thomas Picton School was found to have made ‘limited progress’ against four out of five recommendations made previously by school inspectors.

While the report noted an improvement in Key Stage Three results, particularly among boys, results at Key Stage Four had fallen back. In addition, school attendance was ‘below modelled’ levels. Meanwhile two staff training issues, relating to self-evaluation and effective middle-leadership, had been resolved by only a minority of the staff concerned.

The background to the report has been the long-term absence of Dr Nick Poole, who has now retired as Headteacher at the school, in combination with the approach of Pembrokeshire County Council, which wants to close it.

In addition, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the school, exacerbated by the Council’s total failure to harmonise its plans for the future of secondary provision in Pembrokeshire or present them in a lawful way, has caused key staff members to leave the school, particularly at the end of the last academic year.

As a result of the finding, newly qualified teachers will not be permitted to carry out induction at Sir Thomas Picton School.

Pembrokeshire Council and the school has to devise an urgent action plan to address the shortcomings identified in the report.

Plaid Cymru’s Simon Thomas, Mid and West AM, said: “It is disappointing to hear that the school has not made sufficient progress in key areas since a previous inspection in January 2015.

“I’m afraid Pembrokeshire Council has to get its act together when it comes to education. Compare their record with neighbouring Plaid-led Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire Council and it is found wanting. For the sake of our children, we need change at the top of Pembrokeshire Council.

“Plaid Cymru has asked for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Education. I’ve written to the school to ask as an Assembly Member what support I can give and alerted my shadow cabinet colleague Llyr Gruffydd who is responsible for education.”

A statement from Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The Acting Headteacher, Tracy Edwards, together with the governing body of Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest, recognises fully the findings of the recent Estyn monitoring visit which has placed the school into the statutory category of special measures.”

While disappointed that there has only been limited progress made against four of the recommendations set out as part of the full inspection report, very good progress has been made against one and the school is working effectively to embed improved systems and processes to bring about the expected increase in outcomes.

“The school will work closely with Estyn to further monitor progress against the recommendations.

“The staff at Sir Thomas Picton School are wholly committed to improving standards, developing learning, and ensuring that the children are able to fully achieve in a caring and safe environment.”

A school governor told The Herald: “It cannot be just a coincidence that the two Haverfordwest secondary schools find themselves in special measures at the same time, and during the two-year period of fiasco consultations running about secondary education in Haverfordwest.

“The potential for losing sixth forms has caused much heartache amongst the staff at both schools. Many have been demoralised and a great many of perhaps our better teachers (not all though) have left for more appealing pastures.”

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.