Education
Pupil Deprivation Grant boosted

SCHOOLS across Wales are to share in over £90m in 2018-19 to help their most disadvantaged learners, Education Secretary Kirsty Williams has announced.
The Cabinet Secretary has written to schools across Wales to confirm how much they will directly receive in 2018-19.
In addition to over £90m committed this year, £187m has been guaranteed for the remainder of the Assembly term, so that schools have the stability to plan ahead.
The Pupil Development Grant (PDG) helps schools tackle the effects of poverty and disadvantage on attainment and is targeted at learners who are eligible for Free School Meals or are Looked After Children.
Schools use the PDG in a number of different ways, including nurture groups for children who may be socially and emotionally vulnerable, out-of-hours school learning, on-site multi-agency support and better tracking of pupils as they progress through school.
This year, the PDG for the youngest learners (pupils aged 3-4 years old) has increased from £600 to £700 per pupil. This builds on last year’s doubling of financial support from £300 to £600 per learner in the early years.
Primary and secondary schools will continue to receive a rate of £1,150 per learner, and this rate also continues to apply to learners in education other than at school (EOTAS).
From this year, schools will also have greater flexibility to support learners who have been eligible for Free School Meals in the previous two years.
Advisers and coordinators from education consortia are also on-hand to provide extra support and guidance for schools on using the funding.
Kirsty Williams said: “Reducing the attainment gap between pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers is at the heart of our national mission to raise standards. This is one of the most effective ways in which we can break the cycle of deprivation and poverty.
“Time and again, teachers have told me how much of a difference PDG funding has made in raising aspirations, building confidence, improving behaviour and attendance and in involving families with their children’s education.
“Teachers have also called for greater certainty around future PDG funding and that’s why I’m pleased to be able to guarantee allocation levels for the next two financial years and reaffirm our commitment to the grant for the lifetime of this Assembly.
“We have always said that the PDG is there to support all pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals, not just those that are struggling academically. That’s why I want schools to ensure they are supporting more able pupils as well.
“I would also encourage all schools to make full use of the PDG advisers and coordinators from the education consortia – they’re there to help when it comes to making the best use of the funding and ensuring that we raise attainment across the board.”
An independent evaluation of the PDG last year found that many schools consider the funding to be ‘invaluable’, with further evidence from Estyn and the Welsh Government’s raising attainment advocate, Sir Alasdair MacDonald, showing the majority of schools are making well thought out decisions on how to spend the funding.
Education
Unveiling Caitlin Flood-Molyneux: Master of paint and mixed media

CAITLIN FLOOD-MOLYNEUX, a visionary contemporary Welsh artist and former Pembrokeshire College student, has emerged as a beacon of artistic expression with her unique fusion of paint and mixed media collage. Her distinctive artistic journey has led her through various educational and creative landscapes, culminating in a body of work that navigates the intricacies of emotion, memory, and hardship through the lens of pop culture imagery.
Caitlin’s artistic flare began at Pembrokeshire College, where she embarked on the Graphic Design Diploma before challenging herself further with the Foundation Diploma where she discovered the potential of her own practice before setting her sights on a deeper exploration of Art and Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University. It was during her university years that her horizons expanded exponentially, as she spent a year in Norway as part of her coursework.
Central to Caitlin’s artistic practice is her exploration of the connection between pop culture imagery and the intricate tapestry of human emotion and memory. Drawing inspiration from the revolutionary styles of DADA and early Pop Art, Caitlin found imagery with abstract painterly forms, crafting a distinctive visual language that captures the essence of her narrative. Historical imagery, an integral element of her work, serves as a vessel for the memories she aims to convey. Her artistic expression strikes a harmonious balance between deeply personal experiences and universal themes, inviting viewers to embark on a personal voyage of connection and reflection.
Caitlin Flood-Molyneux’s exceptional talent has developed to international recognition. Her work has graced platforms such as a gallery in New York and the distinguished Saatchi Art Fair and Christie’s Auction House in London, where her pieces were showcased alongside renowned figures like Banksy and Andy Warhol. Caitlin’s collaboration with artist Lynette Reed during her residency in Italy stands as a testament to her collaborative spirit.
One of the most significant intersections of her journey was her meeting with Lynette Reed at a London art show. This connection sowed the seeds of creativity and collaboration, and they are now working on a show together.
Reflecting on her artistic evolution, Caitlin fondly recalls her time at College as the turning point in her artistic passion. “My best years were spent at College as that’s where I found my love for art and pursuing a dream career. College felt like a family, and the lecturers were so supportive, I could not recommend them enough.” she shares.
Cath Brooks, Curriculum Area Manager at Pembrokeshire College said: “Caitlin is a beautiful, generous, creative soul, we are very proud to observe and celebrate her phenomenal artistic achievements so far. Caitlin always possessed a determination and persistence to explore, investigate and inform herself through creative practice. Caitlin honed a very open attitude to grab opportunity and establish a strong positive work ethic, a true role model for anyone.”
Caitlin Flood-Molyneux’s artistic voyage continues to captivate and inspire, inviting audiences to explore the intersection of art, emotion, and memory. As her work resonates with both personal and universal narratives, she cements her place as a luminary in the contemporary art world.
For more information, about the creative courses offered at Pembrokeshire College please visit: www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk
Follow Caitlin Flood-Molyneux’s artistic journey @floodmolyneuxart
Education
People encouraged to help shape the future of educational resources in Wales

PEOPLE from across Wales are being urged to have their say and help shape the commissioning of the nation’s educational resources.
Earlier this year the Welsh Government established Adnodd, a new body to co-ordinate and oversee the provision and commissioning of bilingual education resources to support the Curriculum for Wales and its qualifications.
Adnodd’s vision is for learners and practitioners to have access to relevant, high quality and innovative resources, in Welsh and English, which enrich learning and teaching and help every learner succeed.
Historically, education resources have been available from a vast array of organisations and companies, but up until now this provision has not been co-ordinated. There has also been no fairness in the provision and availability of both Welsh and English with difficultly to ensure the quality of these resources.
As part of establishing its commissioning process Adnodd is calling on a wide range of people from practitioners and learners, through to parents, carers and those working in the industry to share their thoughts and help shape the future work of the body through completing a short online survey.
Speaking of the importance of people engaging with the survey, Interim Chair of Adnodd, Owain Gethin Davies said, “We are currently gathering the views of those with an interest in our work through online surveys.
“Whether you are a practitioner in Wales, a parent or carer, a creative content company or an organisation that produces educational resources, we value your thoughts and now is your chance to have your say and influence our future work and help improve our children’s education.”
Parents, carers and learners who complete the online surveys will be entered into a prize draw for a £100 book token, redeemable at a range of retailers and independent bookshops across Wales. Meanwhile, teaching practitioners will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 book token for use in connection with their teaching work.
A link to the online surveys can be found here: https://educationwales.blog.gov.wales/2023/07/19/complete-the-adnodd-survey-and-help-shape-the-future-of-educational-resources-in-wales/
Or
Education
Pembrokeshire parents reassured amid concerns about school concrete

AS more than 100 schools in England grapple with the closure of classrooms or the introduction of safety measures due to concerns over the structural integrity of their buildings, Pembrokeshire council has extended reassurances to parents.
This crisis stems from the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in several key facilities, prompting concerns over potential structural hazards. Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest made headlines recently when it declared a “major incident” after RAAC was discovered on its premises. A “limited part” of Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth was also found to have RAAC.
In a related development, the UK Government took action last week, instructing many schools and colleges near the border to either fully or partially close their buildings due to the presence of concrete that could pose sudden collapse risks. RAAC, a building material in use from the 1950s to the mid-1990s, came under scrutiny following the collapse of a concrete beam over the summer, prompting this drastic response.
The issue of infrastructure falls under devolved powers, and the Welsh Government has announced its intention to assess the extent of the problem within the country.
Pembrokeshire County Council has offered a glimmer of hope for parents, confirming that all schools in the region will open as scheduled after the summer holidays. They stated that “no specific issues” have been identified in the authority’s buildings.
A council spokesperson addressed the situation, saying, “Parents and guardians will be aware of media reports in England regarding concerns about Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in schools. Pembrokeshire County Council can confirm that at this time there are no specific issues highlighted across the council’s buildings. All schools will re-open as planned after the summer holidays, and staff are looking forward to welcoming pupils back. The authority will continue working closely with the Welsh Government on this matter.”
In contrast to England’s response, the Welsh Government has opted for a different approach since the 1960s, focusing on a comprehensive school and further education building program aimed at mitigating the risks associated with aging structures.
A Welsh Government spokesperson elaborated, “Earlier this year, we commissioned a condition survey of all state-funded schools and colleges, which will identify any structures suspected of containing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete.
Local authorities and further education institutions have not reported to us any instances of RAAC being present within schools or colleges. We will continue to work closely with the WLGA (Welsh Local Government Association) and local authorities on this issue and will provide an update once the survey has been completed.”
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