Education

Learning through art is child’s play

Published

7 years ago

April 24, 2018

Developing creative skills: Year 7 pupils met with artist Chloe Rodenhurst

CHLOE RODENHURST, who shows her art work at Origin Gallery, King Street in Carmarthen and is a Ceredigion Art Trail artist, was recently the subject of a special project for the Year 7 pupils at Coleg Cymmunedol Y Dderwen, Tondu in Bridgend.

The project’s aim was to make contact with and learn about a real working Welsh artist and the children were so inspired by Chloe’s original and unusual style that they chose her work.

The assignment’s objective was to encourage the children to think of different questions to ask the artist and then to produce their own work inspired by Chloe’s style.

The questions that the Year 7 pupils asked were very imaginative; they wanted to know lots of different things about Chloe’s work from ‘How old were you when you became an artist?’ to ‘Do you travel across Wales to make your paintings or do you paint from photographs?’ and ‘Do you have any tips for us?’.

A full copy of all the questions and Chloe’s responses is available on the Ceredigion Art Trail’s website.

Chloe said that she thought this was an inventive yet grounded way to study art at school. So often children are only introduced to paintings from ‘old Masters’ that are internationally acclaimed, such as Van Gough or Picasso, which is important for learning about art history but not necessarily helpful or relevant to children who might think that becoming an artist is an unrealistic dream.

Chloe said that she never believed it was possible to be an artist when she was young but if you try hard enough anything is possible. Being able to ask questions and learn from a real, living artist that is local and pertinent to their own communities encourages children to believe that they too can become artists.

When asked for a practical tip for the pupils’ artwork, Chloe responded: “For me, painting is about having fun. Everyone can do something, it doesn’t have to be technically brilliant to be good. Anyone can produce art even if it’s colouring in a doodle. Some of the bits I enjoy the most when I’m working is simply painting stripes, everyone can do that!

“The main thing is not to be afraid of using paint, going over the lines etc. & practice as much as possible. And do have fun with colour: I like to deliberately pick colours that clash – like red & green or purple & yellow. I am also not too worried about any particular aspect of each painting being perfect, it’s about evoking an atmosphere.

“One final tip, I always plan the drawing first in pencil & start painting from the top down. I instinctively want to start painting in the middle of the page but if you do that you end up brushing your arm all over it & can mess up the paint or rub out the drawing so start from the top of the picture & work down from left to right – unless you’re left handed then go from right to left.”

Chloe concluded: “I was thrilled that the children chose my work to inspire their own paintings. It is an honour and I absolutely love the photos of their work. It is fantastic, they should be very proud of themselves! I hope that they all carry on enjoying and developing their creative skills.”

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