Education

Lecturers give evidence to Parliamentary Inquiry

Published

7 years ago

November 3, 2017

Onus should be shifted to manufacturers: Luci Attala

TWO ANTHROPOLOGISTS from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Lampeter campus were recently invited to give evidence to a Parliamentary inquiry into plastic packaging waste.

Luci Attala, Senior Anthropology lecturer at UWTSD along with Applied Anthropology finalist, Rosemary Northover have written submissions to the inquiry drawing on their vast knowledge and experience of looking at how our behaviours shape our world.

“Discussions concerning the socio-environmental harms, and the inadequacies of effectively recycling, plastics are now well rehearsed,” said Luci in her evidence.

“These issues are counterbalanced by plastic’s enormous versatility and low production costs. To enable plastic to remain a useful material its inability to degrade needs to be addressed.

“Current practice almost forces consumers to purchase non-recyclable containers if they want to benefit from the contents. Governments should support moves away from recycling towards biodegradable with regards plastic containers,” she added.

Luci Attala’s submission is very much focused on the issue of plastic consumption and consumer choice from the perspective of the young generation. Eighty undergraduate Anthropology at students fed into the report with the information presented resulting from three years of informal qualitative data collection.

“At UWTSD, Anthropology is concerned with human relationships with the environment. The evidence presented by us was used to investigate not only the scale of the problem but also to suggest policy changes and a new way forward,” continued Luci.

“This submission document first describes the courses and then culminates with the students’ suggestions for the future that arose from their research. It also demonstrates the apprehensions young people have towards plastic bottles, cups and other non-biodegradable containers.

“We believe that we need to significantly shift the onus away from the consumer and towards the producer (or seller) to ensure manufacturers are incentivised to use environmentally sustainable biodegradable materials in the creation their products.”

Anthropology at UWTSD adopts an active, engaged stance to global issues where students are encouraged to challenge practices with a view to improve lives.

“Part of doing anthropology means getting out into the world to find out what people are up to,” said Luci enthusiastically.

“We believe that being in new situations and experiencing new cultural practices offers students a particular breadth and depth of understanding that being in lecture theatres cannot give. Because of this, we urge our students to get as much hands-on experiential learning as possible during their time with us.”

Education

Milford Haven School first to achieve gold in carer’s scheme

Published

4 days ago

November 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.

The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.

The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.

This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.

Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.

Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School.

“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.

“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”

A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.

For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers

Education

Kurtz calls for better conditions for supply teachers

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2024

Richard Lewis

WEST WALES members of the National Education Union visited the Senedd on Wednesday to campaign for increased rights for those working as supply teachers employed through teaching agencies.

Commenting following the visit, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Welsh Parliament, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “It does not seem right that those opting to work as supply teachers are not afforded the same rights, pay and conditions as their full time, local authority employed counterparts.

“The flexibility that supply teachers offer our schools is essential to pupils being able to maintain a good level of education, covering staff sickness and training absences.

“My concern is that with the education line in the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget for 2024/25 showing a cut, the Cabinet Secretary has no intention of addressing these concerns.

“If we fail to demonstrate the value we place on the whole teaching workforce, we run the very real risk of being unable to improve the educational outcomes of pupils in Wales.”

Education

Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA to host open evening at Dewi Campus this week

Published

2 weeks ago

October 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN ST DAVID’S Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will hold an Open Evening on Thursday, October 24 at its Dewi Campus in Millard Park, St Davids, Haverfordwest.

The event, scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, invites prospective students and their families to learn more about the school’s offerings.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the campus, meet with staff, and discover the school’s emphasis on achievement, inclusion, and respect. This event is designed to provide a comprehensive insight into the academic and extracurricular opportunities available at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA.

Prospective families can expect a warm welcome from the staff and a chance to engage with current students, gaining a firsthand understanding of the school’s community and values.

For more information, please contact Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1437 809200.