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
Calls for all Pembrokeshire schools to have EpiPens on site

A CALL to develop a group to look at a Pembrokeshire-wide policy on schools stocking potentially life-saving EpiPens has been deferred, awaiting the outcome of a Welsh Government scoping exercise.
The current Welsh Government position on emergency adrenaline auto-injectors, commonly known as EpiPens, is different from England, where it was mandatory for schools to hold a stock.
EpiPens are commonly used in the emergency treatment of Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
Welsh Government guidance allows schools to obtain adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) without prescription for emergency use, with Pembrokeshire favouring a school-led decision rather than an authority-led one, replicating Welsh Government guidance.
A call to review the county policy was heard at the April meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Schools and Learning Overview committee following a request from Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy.
Cllr Murphy had said: “Ysgol Bro Ingli H&S Committee met on April 1 to review existing policies, one of which was the First Aid policy. The document provided is the Ysgol Bro Ingli First Aid Policy, which appears to be an adaptation of a generic PCC First Aid document sent to all PCC schools to adapt/implement as appropriate.
“It was highlighted at this meeting that the subject of ‘EpiPens’ was absent, and it appears that PCC may not have developed a county-wide policy on this subject to date, which I think needs scrutiny. At present the stocking of EpiPens is a matter for the Head of a School & Governing Body.
“As was the case when we as an O&S Committee moved to support the introduction of a mobile phone ban in schools, I think we as councillors should provide political leadership to also move to develop a county-wide policy on schools stocking EpiPens (possibly inhalers for asthmatics) and that PCC should fund this cost. It cannot be assumed every child with an allergy will always bring their EpiPen to school and furthermore this does not cover other potential severe allergic reactions eg bee stings.
“I was going to submit an NoM to council but with hindsight feel that the Schools O&S would be the appropriate forum for the matter to be given a thorough airing from where we can hopefully move a recommendation to council.”
Cllr Murphy’s call was backed by Cllr Micheal John, saying: “If there’s a chance of one person dying due to a lack of policy it’s something we have to consider,” moving for a working group to be established to obtain more data ahead of any formal decision.
Another supporter was Cllr Anji Tinley, herself an EpiPen user, compared the provision in schools with defibrillators, saying: “You don’t know you’re going to have a heart attack,” later adding: “£70 to save a life, I don’t think that’s a lot of money.”
Members heard a scoping exercise was currently taking place in Wales, with members agreeing to write to Welsh Government to for an update on its position ahead of any formal group being created.
Education
Councils spend £78 million on supply staff amid teacher shortage

WELSH GOVERNMENT FACES SCRUTINY OVER AGENCY SPENDING
A RECENT investigation has revealed that 16 out of 22 Welsh councils spent over £78 million on agency staff for supply teachers and teaching assistants during the 2023/24 academic year. The data, obtained through Freedom of Information requests by the Welsh Conservatives, highlights the growing reliance on temporary staff in schools across Wales.
Pembrokeshire County Council spent £1,833,915, according to the data.
The Welsh Conservatives have criticized the Labour-led Welsh Government for not tracking this expenditure and argue that funds would be better invested in recruiting and retaining permanent teaching staff. Shadow Education Secretary Natasha Asghar MS stated, “The staggering costs incurred by councils across Wales on agency staff makes it difficult to see any value for money from the taxpayers’ perspective.”

Challenges in recruitment and retention
An Estyn report from earlier this year underscores the challenges in teacher recruitment and retention, particularly in secondary schools and Welsh-medium education. The report notes a significant decline in the number of applicants for teaching positions, with some schools needing to advertise multiple times to fill vacancies. This shortage has led to situations where staff are teaching outside their areas of expertise, potentially impacting the quality of education.
Government initiatives and responses
In response to these challenges, the Welsh Government has implemented measures to support supply staff and address recruitment issues. A new national framework contract for agency staff was established in September 2023, aiming to enhance professional learning opportunities and employment safeguards for supply teachers .
Additionally, the government has initiated a pilot National Supply Pool in Ynys Môn, allowing supply teachers to be directly employed by local authorities, granting them access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. While this model shows promise, its broader implementation across Wales faces logistical challenges .
Union perspectives
Teaching unions have expressed concerns over the high expenditure on agency staff. A representative from a teaching union described the £78 million spent as a “shocking waste of money,” emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to staffing shortages.
Local authority views
Local councils, responsible for staffing in schools, have defended the use of agency staff as a necessary measure to cover absences and maintain educational continuity. A Cardiff Council spokesperson noted that schools employ agency staff for various reasons, including covering short-term absences and meeting temporary demands during recruitment processes.
Conclusion
The significant expenditure on agency staff highlights the ongoing challenges in teacher recruitment and retention in Wales. While the Welsh Government has taken steps to address these issues, including new frameworks and pilot programs, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. Stakeholders across the education sector continue to call for comprehensive strategies to ensure sustainable staffing and high-quality education for students.
Education
University crisis: ‘Credential factories’ blamed for rising debt and low-value degrees

DAMNING REPORT CALLS FOR RADICAL OVERHAUL OF WELSH HIGHER EDUCATION
A BOMBSHELL new report has branded Wales’ university sector as bloated, inefficient, and no longer fit for purpose—accusing it of churning out debt-ridden graduates with degrees that fail to match the needs of the modern economy.
The report, titled The University Industrial Complex and published by the Prydain Centre on Thursday (Apr 10), claims that the eight universities currently operating across Wales have evolved into “credential conveyor belts,” more concerned with racking up tuition fees than providing meaningful education.
In a searing analysis of the state of higher education, the authors argue that mass participation has eroded academic standards, with many students paying tens of thousands of pounds for degrees that leave them underemployed—or unemployed.

The key figures
According to the report, there are over 135,000 students enrolled in Welsh universities—despite Wales having a population of just 3.1 million. The average student debt upon graduation now exceeds £37,000, and one in three graduates finds themselves in non-graduate jobs five to ten years after leaving university.
“This isn’t education—it’s exploitation,” said lead author Chris Harries. “We’ve created a generation weighed down by debt, false promises, and qualifications that offer little in terms of real-world value.”
The paper argues that universities have become “visa mills” reliant on overseas student fees, while whole departments and even campuses are being shuttered due to financial pressures.
A new vision for Welsh higher education
The Prydain Centre proposes a sweeping set of reforms that would see the current eight universities reduced to just three elite institutions—each with a clear and distinct focus:
- Cardiff: a global leader in academic research, STEM and humanities.
- Swansea: a centre for applied sciences and industrial collaboration.
- Aberystwyth and Bangor: hubs for Welsh culture, environmental science and rural leadership.
Student numbers would be halved to around 65,000, with raised entry requirements and targeted support for disciplines linked to national priorities such as engineering, healthcare and technology.
Instead of encouraging mass enrolment, the report champions a shift toward merit-based admission and the reintroduction of rigorous academic standards.
From degrees to digital
In perhaps its boldest proposal, the report calls for the launch of a “Digital Knowledge Hub”—a free or low-cost online platform offering lectures, short courses and learning forums.
Built in partnership with leading universities and ed-tech firms, the hub would be accessible to anyone with an internet connection, enabling lifelong learning without incurring debt.
“Education must be about knowledge, not credentials,” said Harries. “This is not nostalgia for an elitist past. It’s a practical leap toward a fairer, smarter system.”
The case for consolidation
The Prydain Centre argues that maintaining eight institutions spreads resources too thinly and dilutes academic quality. By consolidating funding, the three remaining institutions could become internationally respected centres of excellence.
The estimated £500–600 million annual higher education budget would be more effectively used, the report claims, by reducing duplication and investing in talent, research, and student support.
It also acknowledges that the transition would require careful planning, with phased closures and support for affected staff and students, including relocation options and course transfers.
Calls for Government action
The report urges the Welsh Government to pilot the Digital Knowledge Hub as a first step toward system-wide reform. Ministers are being asked to consider a roadmap for consolidation and entry reform over the next five years.
“Wales has a choice,” the report concludes. “Maintain the failed status quo—or build a higher education system that commands global respect.”
The Welsh Government has been approached for comment.
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