News

Schools: Foreign language learning in Pembrokeshire down 52% in ten years

Published

7 years ago

March 14, 2019

FOREIGN languages are being squeezed out of school timetables by “core” subjects like the Welsh Baccalaureate, a survey suggests.

Pembrokeshire has the largest drop in language learning in Wales.

It found more than a third of schools had dropped one or more languages at GCSE in the last five years.

Teachers also said the perception modern languages were “too hard” was also influencing their uptake.

Schools and colleges were asked for reasons why there had been a major decline in pupils taking subjects such as French and German.

There has been a 29% fall in language GCSE entries in Wales in five years – a steeper fall than the rest of the UK. The Welsh Government said its new curriculum would improve the situation.

Pembrokeshire saw a halving of language GCSEs sat by students from 2013 to 2017 – down 52%
Wales has seen a bigger decline in pupils learning foreign languages than in any other part of the UK – England has seen an 11% drop in the last five years, while in Northern Ireland it was 12% and 19% in Scotland.

Our county is among the 10 local authorities across the UK to see the biggest drop in language learning.

The only increase in Wales was in Anglesey – up 12% – while Cardiff saw the smallest decrease of 9%.

Some schools also mentioned that modern languages were competing with Welsh for space in the timetable, while extra time for English and maths were also highlighted.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The decline in uptake of Modern Foreign Languages in Pembrokeshire Secondary Schools in recent years has multiple causes.

“There has been a squeeze on curriculum time in Key Stage Four as schools have accommodated two Mathematics GCSEs, compulsory Welsh GCSE and the universal adoption of the Welsh Baccalaureate.

“This has led to a reduction in option blocks presented to learners in Year 9.”

The spokesperson added: “The number of option subjects presented has also reduced as falling secondary school rolls, and associated core budgets, have forced governing bodies to restructure curriculum delivery models to remain within budget.”

Crime

Dog owner admits causing suffering to pet with untreated skin disease

Published

13 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Staff Writer

Collie cross German Shepherd left suffering after illness went unaddressed, court told
A CARMARTHEN man has admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a dog after failing to properly address a serious skin condition.

David Allen Murphy, aged 40, of Quay Street, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 11) after previously pleading guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

The court heard that between November 28 and December 28, 2025, Murphy caused unnecessary suffering to a Collie Cross German Shepherd dog named Cora by failing to adequately investigate and address the animal’s skin disease.

Prosecuted by the RSPCA, the charge stated that Murphy either knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that failing to deal with the condition would likely cause suffering to the dog.

Murphy, of Flat 2, 12 Quay Street, entered a guilty plea on May 21.

The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, with magistrates remanding Murphy on unconditional bail.

He is due to return to Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 23, at 10:00am for sentencing.

Business

Welsh Conservatives demand answers over Tata Steel furnace delays

Published

14 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WELSH CONSERVATIVES have called on the Welsh Government to explain who knew what, and when, about reported delays to Tata Steel’s new electric arc furnace at Port Talbot.

Shadow Economy, Energy and Planning Minister Janet Finch-Saunders MS raised the issue in the Senedd during an emergency statement following the recent fire at the steelworks.

While much of the focus has been on the fire, reports have suggested that separate concerns about delays to the electric arc furnace may have been known for several weeks.

It was reported on June 7 that Tata Steel had discussed potential delays linked to National Grid connectivity issues with “investors” during a conference call around a month earlier.

Mrs Finch-Saunders is now seeking clarity on whether those investors included the UK Government, which is investing £500m towards the £1.25bn project.

The previous UK Conservative Government also established an £80m transition fund to support workers at risk of losing their jobs. The Welsh Conservatives say they want clarification on whether any of that funding remains available if delays create further financial pressure for affected workers.

Mrs Finch-Saunders said: “If UK Government Ministers were aware of the issue a month ago, were Welsh Government Ministers informed?

“If Welsh Government Ministers were not informed, why not? If they were informed, why did the Economy Minister tell the Senedd that he only became aware of the delay on Monday?

“We now need a clear timeline setting out exactly when concerns first emerged and who was told.

“Port Talbot workers and their families deserve answers.”