Education

Action to stop ‘grade banking’

Published

8 years ago

October 17, 2017

Pupils must always be put first: Kirsty Williams

EDUCATION SECRETARY Kirsty Williams announced new rules to reduce the number of pupils being entered too early for exams on Monday (Oct 16).

Ms Williams had previously expressed her concern regarding schools abusing the early entry system by entering whole pupil cohorts into Maths and English papers a year early.

An independent review by Qualifications Wales has found:

The continued widespread use of early and multiple entry at GCSE poses risks to students and to the system, which are not easily justified
The practice encourages a “teaching the test” approach at the cost of wider subject knowledge
More than £3.3m was spent by schools on early entry in the last academic year

Qualifications Wales concluded that they are ‘concerned about the extensive and growing use of early and multiple entry’.

In response the Education Secretary has announced that, from summer 2019, only a pupil’s first entry to a GCSE examination will count in their school’s performance measures. The current policy allows schools to count the best grade from multiple sittings.

Kirsty Williams said: “The changes I am announcing today, based on Qualification Wales’ findings, will ensure that the interests of pupils are always put first.

“I am concerned that pupils who had the potential to get an A*, A or a B at the end of a two year course end up having to settle for a C. Too often this is because they take their exam early and are not re-entered again. I want every child to reach their full potential in school. Early entry must only be for the minority of pupils who will benefit.

“GCSEs are designed to be sat after two years of teaching, not one. These changes will ensure our young people access a broad and balanced curriculum, and focus in on what’s best for our children and young people.”

Responding to research published by Qualifications Wales into the growing practice of schools entering pupils for their GCSE exams early, Llyr Gruffydd AM, Plaid Cymru’s shadow spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “I welcome the report as it provides a deeper understanding of the issues facing schools and students sitting GCSEs a year early. The cabinet secretary has already indicated her concerns and it’s important that she now acts on the recommendations being made.

“Retaining the option of early entry for some students is important, but it’s clear that too many are being entered for some subjects and this broad-brush approach can put additional pressures on students and cost valuable learning time in schools.

“At a time of growing financial pressure, it’s also worrying to note that early entry is placing an additional cost of at least £3.3m on our schools. The report also highlights that some schools are looking at sharing these costs with parents which is a further concern.

“Schools are under pressure to enter their students early and the Government must change the performance measures that have created this situation. Pupils should only be put forward for examination when they are ready and not to balance other competing pressures.”

Welcoming the Welsh Government move, Darren Millar AM, Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Secretary, said: “Student wellbeing should be at the heart of all decisions made by schools, so the Cabinet Secretary’s announcement is to be welcomed.

“This year’s GCSE results were the worst in a decade for Wales and early entry might well have fuelled this problem.

“Taking exams early isn’t for everyone. Most pupils will need to be given the time to develop their knowledge instead of being pressured to sit tests they simply aren’t ready for.”

NEU Cymru has welcomed the Qualifications Wales report into early entry exams which is calling for a change to the accountability model for schools. The National Education Union say that the way schools are held accountable often leads to unintended consequences within the education system. The Union has long argued for a change to the model to ensure that pupil progress is not undermined by the pressure put on schools to hit certain targets. The union will now look to work with the Welsh Government to find constructive changes that will address these concerns and others relating to how schools are judged.

Keith Bowen, Wales Director of the National Education Union Cymru, said: “We will naturally have to review the full findings of the report over time however the primary recommendations, in principle, appear sensible. It is important that while we seek to limit unnecessary early entry we do not underestimate the value of it for some pupils. The individual circumstances of each pupil need to be assessed and the professional judgement of teachers and head teachers should be respected in making the right choices for learners.

“What is encouraging in the report is the recognition that accountability measures are having unintended consequences on how schools operate. This isn’t limited to early entry but clearly it has had an impact in regards to this particular issue. We hope the Welsh Government do acknowledge the concerns of the report and works with the profession to develop a more innovative approach to assessing school performance. This would allow teachers to continue to offer early entry where appropriate, but to take away the accountability pressure that has put high stakes assessment above pupil progress.”

Education

Haverfordwest Welding apprentice set to shine at EuroSkills

Published

3 days ago

May 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TALENTED 18-year-old apprentice from Haverfordwest is set to represent Team UK at EuroSkills 2025, Europe’s largest skills competition.

Taking place in Denmark this September, Team UK consists of 19 competitors from across the UK, with Wales making up an impressive 37% of the team. Their participation highlights Wales’ commitment to excellence in vocational skills and underscores the nation’s ability to compete at the highest level on the European stage.

Currently an apprentice at Haven Engineering and a student at Pembrokeshire College, Luke Roberts began his competition journey with Skills Competition Wales, where he claimed a silver medal in the Welding competition.

His talents didn’t go unnoticed, with him shortly after progressing to the WorldSkills UK National Finals in Manchester, earning a Highly Commended title and catching the attention of national trainers.

Following an intense round of pressure tests where candidates were scored not just on their welding skills, but also technique, time, and finish, Luke was officially selected for EuroSkills.

Luke said: “It was such a tight decision between me and another really talented welder to go to EuroSkills. We were so close in skill, but I scored slightly higher on the pressure test.

“I was buzzing when I found out I was heading to Denmark. It’ll be my first time on a plane, and I get to go with my training manager, Carl. It’s amazing the places you get to travel with skills competitions. If I’m lucky enough to qualify for WorldSkills International competitions, I’ll get to go to Shanghai!”

Luke’s journey has already taken him far, personally and professionally, by helping him believe in his abilities and develop in his industry.

He continued: “Competing has helped my confidence massively. You meet loads of new people, learn to weld using different processes like TIG, aluminum and stainless, and it’s a huge boost to your CV. It makes you stand out.”

Now preparing for EuroSkills in Herning, Denmark, Luke is training alongside his national teammates and forging friendships across the UK.

He said: “The networking opportunities throughout my skills competition journey have been endless. I’m currently working alongside a guy from Grimsby for EuroSkills who I’d never met before, but we get on like we’ve known each other for years.

While he admits the reality of EuroSkills “hasn’t quite hit”, Luke is excited to be part of something so big.

He continued: “In Manchester I put a lot of pressure on myself, but this time I just want to enjoy it, stay calm, and do my best. I’ve already learned so much about myself through this.”

Luke credits his college lecturers and training mentors for helping him progress. “My employer has been brilliant and allowed me to do additional training in work hours. College and work have been a huge support, and we’ve had such a laugh along the way.”

“I’d definitely encourage others to give it a go. It’s been a great experience, I’ve got to travel, make new friends, be more qualified in my skill and also have boosted my CV too. It’s so worthwhile.”

Competitions in Wales are delivered by Inspiring Skills, a Welsh Government-funded initiative dedicated to promoting vocational excellence. Through Skills Competition Wales and international training support, it helps young people develop world-class skills, gain confidence, and represent Wales on a global stage.

Looking ahead to the future, Luke is focused on giving his all at EuroSkills Herning 2025, with the ultimate goal of a place at the global WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, often dubbed the “skills Olympics”.

He hopes his journey will inspire more young people in Wales to believe in their capabilities and enroll in skills competitions.

To start your skills competition in Wales and for more information on how you can get involved as a competitor, employer or skills champion, go to: https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/

Education

Time for more home grown tea cultivation?

Published

3 days ago

May 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ROWS of tea plants could become a more familiar sight on the hills of Wales and other parts of the UK in the future.

Scientists at Aberystwyth University have been using machine-learning to analyse the chemical make-up of tea grown in non-traditional areas, including Powys in mid Wales and Dartmoor in south west England.

They hope their findings will help emerging tea growers in the UK to develop breeding strategies, cultivation practices and processing methods which suit climate conditions in this part of the world.

The research team are currently working with Dartmoor Estate Tea in Devon which is known for its unique microclimate and soil diversity.

The study is focusing on six varieties of tea which have been selected by the estate for their adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and their potential for chemical diversity.

Speaking on International Tea Day 2025, Dr Amanda J Lloyd, a senior researcher in food, diet and health at Aberystwyth University’s Department of Life Sciences, said:

“This study is contributing to the growing field of metabolomics by providing a comprehensive chemical profile of tea grown in a non-traditional region. Our findings offer new insights into the adaptability of tea plants and their potential for cultivation in emerging regions, contributing to global food security and agricultural diversification. Further research will now need to be carried out and should include multi-seasonal sampling, comparisons with traditional tea-growing regions, and analysis of processed tea to provide a more comprehensive understanding of tea chemistry.”

The study’s findings have been shared in an academic paper published in Metabolites, an international, peer-reviewed open access journal.

Dr Lloyd and her team have also been working with Buckhall Farm near Knighton in Powys which is pioneering tea cultivation in high-altitude Welsh conditions. The project was part of the first phase of the SBRI Agri-Food Technology Challenge, funded by the Welsh Government.

The work builds on an innovative portfolio of research at Aberystwyth University focused on tea’s health benefits, sustainable cultivation and consumer behaviour.

Among other ongoing studies is the Better Brain project, which is funded by Innovate UK and which is currently recruiting for a trial investigating the effects of a supplement containing green tea extract, ginseng and omega-3s on cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults.

The study is led by the Well-being and Health Assessment Research Unit (WARU) at the University, working with colleagues from the Department of Psychology and using advanced electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to assess cognition and wellbeing.

Professor Nigel Holt from the Department of Psychology and the University’s Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor, International, said:

“Tea is not only comforting but increasingly reveals itself to be a cognitive ally. Our research is helping us understand the deep biochemical relationships between tea’s compounds and mental function. Better Brain is particularly exciting because it bridges nutrition, psychology and neurophysiology.”

For more information on our tea research or to participate in current studies, take a look at the WARU website.

Education

Council shifts stance after backlash over Welsh education survey

Published

4 days ago

May 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

New pledge to gather school choice data from all parents — not just those choosing Welsh-medium education

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revised its position following mounting criticism over its handling of Welsh-medium education policy, agreeing to broaden the scope of its planned parental survey.

The move comes after a political and public backlash to comments made during the Council Cabinet’s April meeting, where Deputy Leader Paul Miller suggested that some parents were choosing Welsh-medium schools not for the language but for newer facilities. His remarks, and the nature of the Cabinet debate, drew sharp criticism from opposition leader Cllr Huw Murphy, the Welsh Language Commissioner, and Cabinet Secretary for the Welsh Language and Culture, Mark Drakeford.

Critics accused the Cabinet of taking an “anti-Welsh” tone and of singling out parents who chose Welsh-medium education. The row escalated after Mr Drakeford told BBC Cymru: “I can’t see why we would ask parents why they choose Welsh or why they choose English… Local authorities should be making the case for choosing Welsh-medium education, not questioning those who do.”

Now, in an apparent attempt to address those concerns and reset the debate, the Council has issued a fresh statement following its Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (May 21). It confirms that data collection will be considered for all parents, not just those opting for Welsh-medium education.

A Council spokesperson said: “Cabinet has today agreed to explore the collection of information from all parents, regardless of language preference, in order to better understand school choice across the county.”

The updated resolution now asks the Director of Education to explore methods for capturing data on the relative importance of different factors influencing school choice. These include language preference, learning outcomes, quality of facilities, transport provision, and support for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).

The Council says the data will help inform future decisions on modernising the school estate, ensuring they reflect the priorities of a broad and representative sample of parents.

Despite the softened stance, the issue remains politically sensitive. Cllr Huw Murphy, whose formal “call-in” prompted the Council to revisit its earlier decision, has argued that any perception of bias against Welsh-medium provision risks undermining public trust and the Council’s obligations under the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP).

The Welsh Language Commissioner had also expressed concern over the original approach, stating that questioning only parents choosing Welsh-medium schools was “not compatible” with the Council’s statutory duties.

The revised position may go some way toward cooling tensions, but the debate has already highlighted deeper divisions over language policy, school choice, and how local authorities should approach data collection in the context of bilingual education.

The Herald will continue to follow developments closely as the Council works through the next phase of its data-gathering plans.