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Education

Secondary school places deadline approaching

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PARENTS of Year 6 pupils in Pembrokeshire will need to apply for a secondary school place for September 2024 by the closing date of December 20th 2023.

Applications received after this date will be considered late which may have a bearing on whether the child gets a place at his/her preferred school.

There is no automatic admission to a secondary school, even if they are living in catchment – an application must be made.

Parents of pupils in Year 6 at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, Ysgol Bro Preseli or Ysgol Caer Elen do not need to apply as they are attending 3 to 16 schools and it is assumed they will remain in their current schools.

However, if parents wish to apply for a different secondary school they must apply within the deadlines noted above.

It is important to note that a school place will not be allocated unless a formal application is received.

The online application form can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website under ‘Apply for a School Place’.

Parents/guardians will be informed of the allocation of places on the common offer date of 1 March 2024.

Education

Excellent progress on the construction of new lower school building at Portfield School

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PUPILS from Portfield School have had the exciting opportunity to leave their mark on history as work continues at pace at their fantastic new school.

The pupils attended an event to mark the reaching of the highest point of the new building, traditionally known as the ‘topping-out’ ceremony. The event gave pupils a chance to sign one of the first steel beams, and leaving handprints on a wall, symbolising their role at the heart of the school community and the bright future ahead.

The event was hosted by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd and was attended by staff, pupils, governors, senior Council officers and officers from the project team to celebrate the key milestone.

Headteacher Sarah Hartley said: “We were thrilled to involve our pupils in this important moment. The new building represents a new chapter for Portfield School, and it’s wonderful that our children could be part of its foundations.”

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr. Guy Woodham, said that he was extremely pleased at the progress being made.

“Whilst I was unable to attend the event myself, my colleagues have shared with me their experience of the event, and the excellent progress being made on the new building at the school.

“This development will provide much needed modern, inclusive accommodation for the learners, and I am particularly pleased that the project remains on budget, and on programme, which means that Portfield School will be in a position to move into the building in December 2025.”

Following their visit, pupils made the following comments: “We had to wear protective clothing before entering the building site. Being able to write my name on one of the walls in the new building was really cool. I am very grateful to have been chosen to write my name in the new build it is extremely cool. Even though I am leaving this year my name will be there for ever.”

“Oh it was fun! I put my hand in paint and then put it on the wall.”

The project is being funded by Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council as part of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Capital programme.

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Education

Young pilgrims invited to walk in the footsteps of St David this summer

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Youth pilgrimage to blend fun, faith, and fellowship in scenic coastal retreat

YOUNG people from across west Wales are being invited to take part in the Annual St Davids’ Youth Pilgrimage this summer, as the Diocese of St Davids prepares for five days of faith-filled adventure along the ancient coastal paths once walked by Wales’ patron saint.

Taking place between August 4 and 8, the pilgrimage is open to all young people aged from rising 11 (Year 6) to 17, and promises a blend of walking, worship, games, storytelling and reflection. The group will be based at the St Davids Bunk Barns, just outside the city on the A487, with daily excursions to explore the landscape that inspired St David’s ministry.

Led by Reverend Sophie Whitmarsh, the Diocese’s Children, Youth & Families Missioner, the week-long event is designed to offer a meaningful experience of Christian fellowship and spiritual growth.

“Each day will include walking parts of the coastal path, engaging activities to explore faith and time for reflection, fun and laughter,” said Reverend Whitmarsh. “We hope this will be a truly Holy Spirit-filled experience for our young people.”

The cost of the pilgrimage is £80 per child, covering food and accommodation for four nights. Thanks to support from the diocese and a new sponsorship scheme called Angels and Archangels, subsidies are available to ensure no child misses out due to financial hardship.

Booking packs include medical and permission forms, a kit list, and a participant contract to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved.

For more information call 07870 415378.

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Education

International exchange of training ideas between Wales and Catalonia

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THE ORGANISATION representing work-based learning providers across Wales has welcomed representatives from Catalonia to Cardiff to exchange international ideas on vocational training and youth employment.

Part of Taith, Wales’ international learning exchange programme, the visit was organised by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW) and included an opportunity for the visitors – who work for the Catalan Government’s Education Department, with specialists in youth employment and international mobility – to view ACT’s apprenticeship and youth training programmes.

The NTFW, which represents the interests of training providers and learners across Wales, fosters strong partnerships with key stakeholders including the Welsh Government, Medr, Members of the Senedd, Qualifications Wales, Education Workforce Council and Estyn.

The Federation brings together four of Wales’ leading training providers – ACT, Itec Skills and Employment, Cambrian Training Company and Educ8 – all of whom were represented during the discussions.

The visit formed part of a wider European study tour for the Catalan representatives who have also visited Finland, France, Italy, Portugal and Mexico to explore how different nations deliver government-funded training programmes.

Despite differences in qualification frameworks and awarding bodies, both the Welsh and Catalan groups quickly identified shared challenges.

These included rising numbers of young people classified as NEET – not in education, employment or training – difficulties in re-engaging learners once they leave the system and the growing demand for improved mental health support in training environments.

NTFW members shared their experiences with the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme, which equips 16 to 19-year-olds with the skills, qualifications and work experience necessary to progress into employment or further training.

In turn, Maribel Rodriguez, international programmes specialist with the Catalan delegation, introduced the ALMA programme. Funded by the Spanish Social Security Fund, the programme focuses on providing training, career guidance and overseas internship opportunities for young people seeking work abroad.

Richard Spear, ACT’s managing director, said: “It was incredibly valuable to sit down with our visitors from Catalonia and learn about the innovative approaches they are taking to address challenges we also face here in Wales.”

Lisa Mytton, NTFW strategic director, who chaired the meeting, added: “We were delighted to share how we are championing vocational training in Wales. It’s clear that while we face similar hurdles, we also share many strengths. Opportunities like this remind us of the power of collaboration and the importance of learning from each other.”

Picture caption:

Visitors from Catalonia with National Training Federation for Wales members during their visit to ACT in Cardiff.

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