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St Francis praised for education technology

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Edtech 50 Schools: Celebrates schools making the best use of education technology

ST FRANCIS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL in Milford Haven has been named as one of 50 educational institutions that are using making the best use of education technology in the UK, as part of the Edtech 50 Schools initiative.

The Edtech 50 Schools initiative is a celebration of the work going on in schools across the UK that use education technology to support teaching and enhance learning. Edtech 50 Schools is supported by Intel, Jisc, NetSupport and in partnership with the Chartered College of Teaching, Independent Schools Council and TES. It highlights digital flagship schools who demonstrate a focused sense of what is useful to them in terms of technology – whether it be in supporting teaching, cutting teacher workload, collaboration across staff teams or consolidating knowledge, enhancing creativity and broadening experiences across the curriculum.

Developing the use of ICT and helping the school community to become digitally literate is a priority for St Francis Catholic Primary School. It was the first in Wales to achieve the gold award of the Welsh Second Language Charter; one of the targets for which is ICT based. St Francis Catholic Primary School has devised a project where Welsh and ICT have been brought together, enabling staff and pupils to become competent Welsh digital learners. As well as providing an indoor learning environment by creating ‘Y Stiwdio’, effective use of Skype is made in classrooms to support Welsh speaking with classes across the county. More generally, pupils are fully involved in peer support through a Digital Leaders scheme. They were even tasked with evidencing their own impact using OneNote to store evidence for the gold award. Through Clwb HWB, parents are also engaged in improving their digital skills, including a chat of the month competition – Sgwrs y Mis. From the teachers’ perspective, staff are increasingly buying into to the positive impacts of technology, whether through sharing good practice, reducing workloads or developing a whole school planning tool in OneNote.

One judge commented: “The use of technology to develop immersive language is of a high quality. The school is clearly outward looking as they share their knowledge and application of educational technology with others.”

Kirsty Williams AM, Minister for Education, said: “I am truly delighted that Welsh schools have been recognised as part of the Edtech 50, as a result of their hard work in embracing the digital challenge.

“As part of our National mission for education in Wales, we have committed to provide our learners with high-level digital skills. I want all of our learners to grow up to be digitally competent, allowing them to evolve into enterprising, creative and critical thinkers, giving them best chance in life. That’s why we’ve made digital competence a key part of our exciting new curriculum, due to roll out in 2022.

“There is much happening in Wales to support this commitment, including The Digital Competence Framework (DCF), the Hwb learning platform, our ‘Cracking the Code’ programme, and the new online personalised assessments. Additionally, the Technocamps programme gives our learners the opportunity to develop computational thinking and coding skills, inspiring them to consider a future in computer science, and beyond.

“We are also aware that increased digital connectivity comes with its risks. That’s why we’ve introduced our Online Safety Action Plan, that outlines the work we’re undertaking to enhance online safety in Wales to keep our children and young people safe, and ensure they have the skills they need to live safely and successfully in the 21st Century.”

 

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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