Education

Teens explain barriers to activity

Published

7 years ago

April 12, 2018

Increase range of available activities: A key ask by teens

LOCAL, cheaper, good quality activities are just a few recommendations made by teenagers who took part in a study by researchers based at Swansea University.

The recommendations made by the teenagers shed light on the barriers to exercise and what they feel could be done to help them engage more in sporting activities.

Physical inactivity is one of the most important issues in public health today, with heart and circulatory disease killing around one in four people in the UK. It has been linked to health issues later in life and is considered a key contributor to increased obesity. Studies have indicated that there is a decline in physical activity in adolescence. There are growing concerns that these young people are spending increasing amounts of time on sedentary activities including watching television, using a computer and playing video games.

The ACTIVE project, funded by the British Heart Foundation, worked with over 70 teenagers from 7 secondary schools in Swansea. It aimed to see whether giving teenagers vouchers to spend on activities of their choice – such as dancing, swimming, karate, skateboarding or BMXing – could reduce the time spent being sedentary, improve fitness, lower the risk of heart disease and improve general health.

As part of the study, the research team wanted to give the teenagers the chance to make their own recommendations to help other young people be more active and carry on being active in the future. The findings were very interesting with teenagers making several recommendations, including:

Lower activity cost without sacrificing quality. The teenagers said that lowering the cost of activities would help them become more active. They recommended that more free activities should be made available.

Local activities. Removing the need to travel to venues would go some way to making physical activity more accessible to teenagers.

Improve the standards of existing facilities. The teenagers who took part in the study all said that their local facilities need to be improved. Spaces, such as the local parks, have fallen into states of neglect and equipment is broken.

Make activities more specific to teenagers. The young people stated that there is very little that specifically invites teenagers to attend. They believed that council run services in particular neglected their age group.

Give teenagers a choice of activities. Teens don’t want to just be restricted to a small range of sports. The activities they suggested were less traditional, for example, dodgeball, trampolining or going to the gym.

Provide activities that teenage girls enjoy. Teenage girls in the study said that if they do not like what is on offer, they will not do it and would actually prefer to be inactive. The girls said they are more likely to be active if they can do activities they enjoy.

Michaela James, Trial Manager for the ACTIVE project, at Swansea University Medical School, commented: “It is clear that what is currently available for teenagers is not meeting their wants and needs. The ACTIVE Project is aiming to address this by empowering teenagers and giving them a voice. We are very proud to be working collaboratively with this group to help them become more active.”

Adam Fletcher, Head of British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru said: “Levels of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour amongst young people in Wales remain stubbornly high, and increasing participation in physical activity is essential to improve our children’s health and preventing future cardiovascular disease.

“There are lots of different ways people can keep active, from playing football to dancing. The important thing is to find a form of exercise you enjoy, so that you make time for it in your weekly routine.”

“The ACTIVE research project is providing new insights and a better understanding of the barriers to physical activity by teenagers and this report includes some great recommendations into developing new ways to engage with teenagers and to tackle the growing problem of inactivity in young people.”

Education

Carms schools leading in Welsh-medium engineering and digital education

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Hundreds of pupils gain future-ready skills through groundbreaking regional initiative

CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is celebrating the success of a pioneering education project that is equipping hundreds of young people with vital engineering and digital skills—delivered entirely through the medium of Welsh.

Launched in 2020, the initiative was the first pilot funded under the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent Programme. It is jointly led by Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Maes y Gwendraeth, in partnership with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and was developed to address a regional skills gap while creating clear pathways into high-demand careers.

Since its inception, 843 pupils have enrolled in Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. Around 40 per cent of those at Level 2 have progressed to more advanced study, with many students now continuing their education at college or university, or entering apprenticeships—demonstrating the programme’s long-term impact.

The collaboration with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David provides students with access to cutting-edge research and hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, ensuring they are well prepared for future employment or further study.

The Skills and Talent Programme is one of nine projects within the Swansea Bay City Deal and is overseen by the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership. The initiative focuses on five key sectors: construction, energy, digital, manufacturing, and health. To date, it has supported 23 pilot projects, developed four new apprenticeship pathways, and aims by 2030 to deliver:

14,000 individuals qualified to Level 2 and above,
3,000 apprenticeships,
2,200 individuals with enhanced skills,
20 new courses, and
two Centres of Excellence.

Cllr Glynog Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said:
“This programme shows what’s possible when we invest in young people through the Welsh language. Our schools are helping students develop real-world skills that are needed across Wales and beyond. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to see the continued growth of this important work.”

Dr Llinos Jones, Headteacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, added:
“The Skills and Talent Programme Awards have been a catalyst for transformative change, enabling our initiative to reach new heights. This funding has expanded access to vital learning resources and empowered learners with future-ready skills, supporting long-term regional growth.”

Jane Lewis, Regional Skills Partnership Manager, said:
“This project has given so many young people a head start in careers that are essential to our region. We’re proud to support it and hope even more students are inspired to follow the engineering and digital pathways.”

Education

Pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi visit Parliament for a day of learning and engagement

Published

2 days ago

June 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A GROUP of pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids travelled to London on Thursday (June 12) for a special visit to the Houses of Parliament, where they were hosted by their local MP, Henry Tufnell.

The visit included a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster and a chance to see the House of Commons and House of Lords in action. The group arrived around 2:30pm and took part in educational workshops before enjoying a lively question-and-answer session with Mr Tufnell.

The pupils, smartly dressed in school uniform and wearing orange visitor passes, posed for a group photo in one of Parliament’s ornate committee rooms before engaging in discussions about democracy, Pembrokeshire, and the role of MPs. Mr Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said he was impressed with the thoughtful and challenging questions posed by the students.

Writing on social media, Mr Tufnell said: “Brilliant to have Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi School in Parliament today! Before a tour of the Palace we did a quiz and a Q&A about Pembrokeshire, Parliament and my role as an MP – some excellent questions!”

The trip was organised and led by Mrs R Owen, Head of Languages, Literacy and Communication at the school, alongside Mr J Owen (Literacy HLTA) and school governor Mrs B Thomas-Price. The day involved a very early start, with pupils departing the Dewi campus at 6:00am, and returning shortly after midnight.

Headteacher Rachael Thomas described the opportunity as “fantastic” and thanked parents for their quick response to the late notice trip. Pupils were expected to model the school’s values throughout the visit, and brought packed lunches and books or headphones for the long coach journey

This inspiring visit offered a memorable real-world learning experience for the pupils and a chance to deepen their understanding of politics and public service.

Education

Cutting edge: Marcus to represent Team GB in Paris

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire College tutor selected for global hairdressing championships

PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE hairdressing tutor Marcus Smith has been selected to represent Team GB at the prestigious OMC Hairworld Championships in Paris this September.

Marcus will compete in the Creative Colour and Style category, showcasing his artistry and technical expertise at one of the most highly regarded events in the international hair, beauty, and nail industry.

The OMC Hairworld – World Championship, organised by the Organisation Mondiale Coiffure (OMC), brings together competitors from more than 50 countries, each demonstrating innovation, precision, and flair. Marcus was personally invited to try out for Team GB and has since earned his place among the UK’s top hairdressing professionals.

The competition category will require Marcus to complete a bold, creative hairstyle on a mannequin head in just 35 minutes. Preparation is vital. This August, Marcus will travel to the Goldwell Academy in London to complete the colouring stage in advance—part of the strategic approach required for success in the fast-paced event.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Marcus said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent the UK on such a prestigious platform. It’s an honour to be part of Team GB, and I hope my journey inspires our learners to dream big, work hard, and believe in their potential. Competitions like this go beyond personal milestones—they show our students that hairdressing is a global, dynamic career with endless possibilities.”

Alongside his teaching duties, Marcus dedicates time each month to travel and refine his competition technique. His dedication serves as both inspiration and a powerful learning model for his students, reinforcing the college’s commitment to delivering industry-leading training.

Pembrokeshire College is backing Marcus every step of the way, including support with competition entry fees. A spokesperson said the college was “incredibly proud” to see one of its own selected for such an international honour.

Founded in 1946 in Lyon, France, Organisation Mondiale Coiffure is the world’s leading authority in the hair, beauty and nail sector. OMC’s annual championships provide a global platform for professionals to gain recognition, compete at the highest level, and benefit from international training and networking opportunities.

Pembrokeshire College wishes Marcus the best of luck as he prepares to represent both the college and the country on the world stage.

Picture: Marcus Smith