Education
Young people’s incredible musical talents celebrated at festival
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TRUMPETER Carys Wood from Haverfordwest High VC School was the overall winner at this year’s Secondary Schools Valero Music Festival.
The annual festival, which is organised by the Pembrokeshire County Council Music Service and sponsored by Valero, took place at Ysgol Caer Elen on Saturday (November 19th), after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
More than 240 young musicians from each of the County’s eight county secondary schools, Pembrokeshire College and further afield took part in individual and ensemble competitions throughout the day.
Later in the afternoon, an enthusiastic audience enjoyed a ‘Spotlight’ concert showcasing the individual winners and the winners of the instrumental and vocal ensemble competitions.
During the day, every performer who placed first, second and third in their class received a badge in recognition of their achievement.
Philippa Roberts, Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service, said: “I would like to congratulate every young musician who performed and supported one another on Saturday. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Valero, the Friends of Pembrokeshire Young Musicians and the professional and encouraging adjudicating team who continue to support Pembrokeshire Music Service and our pupils.”
Sean O’Neill, ensembles adjudicator, expressed his admiration for the day. “The standard of music making from all the young musicians was outstanding with loads of evidence of talent and potential coming through for the future! It was a great pleasure to be involved.”
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Trumpeter Carys Wood, was presented with the overall winners’ cup by brass adjudicator Corey Morris. Earlier in the day, Carys performed Virtuosity by Kenny Baker.
Winner of the Open Woodwind competition was James Townsend from Haverfordwest High VC School, who performed Czardas by Monti.
The Open String competition winner was cellist Isabel Raymond from Ysgol Caer Elen who performed Tarantella by WH Squire.
The Open Jazz winner was Dylan Sanders-Swales from Haverfordwest High VC School who performed his own arrangement of Whirlybird. Dylan was also the winner of the Open Percussion class. He performed a Super Mario Medley which he again arranged himself.
The Open Piano and Harp class was won by Jencyn Corp from Ysgol Bro Preseli who performed his own composition, Yr Afon.
The Open Vocal Competition was won by Rhys Williams from Ysgol Harri Tudur, who sang “It’s hard to speak my heart” from the musical Parade.
The first winner of the new Open Guitar class was Willis Riley from Greenhill, who performed The Trooper by Iron Maiden.
The Open Vocal Ensemble class winners were Haverfordwest High VC School’s upper voices ensemble. They performed an Adele mashup of Rumour has it/Someone like you.
The Open Instrumental Ensemble competition was won by Jencyn Corp and Lefi Dafydd of Ysgol Bro Preseli Deuadd piano, performing Norwegian Dance by Grieg.
The winners of the inaugural Open Rock and pop ensemble were The Messiaens from Haverfordwest High VC School. They performed Superstition by Stevie Wonder.
The hall at Ysgol Caer Elen was packed full as family, friends, and pupils who had performed earlier in the day all stayed to support the open winners.
The invited professional adjudicators – Timothy Angel, vocal; Sean O’Neill, ensemble; Christopher Vale, woodwind; Corey Morris, brass; Karin Jenkins, strings; Bethan Harkin, piano and harp; Ben Richards, instrumental; Nick Baron, percussion, guitar and Jazz – were greatly impressed with the high standard and strength of schools’ music on show from across the County.
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County Music Service events coordinator Miranda Morgan thanked the adjudicators, teachers, parents and students for making the Festival such a success.
“We are overwhelmed at the amount of young people who have participated in this year’s festival – we had over double the number taking part this year compared to last year which is wonderful to see. The standard of playing has been impressive throughout and it has been fantastic to extend our classes to include guitar and rock and pop ensembles this year.”
The results of the day were as follows:
WOODWIND
Grade 3 flute
1st – Tilly Laugharne – Ysgol Bro Gwaun
2nd – Mali Jones-Hughes – HHVC
3rd – Erin Dando – MHS
Grade 3 clarinet and saxophone
1st – Sophie Gilmartin – Greenhill
2nd – Emily Dickinson – Greenhill
3rd – Jed Cox – Greenhill
Highly commended – Katherine Jones – Harri Tudur
Grade 4 woodwind
1st – Tom Pounder – MHS
2nd – Ollie Towe – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3rd – Bethan Packard – MHS
Grade 5 woodwind
1st – Ffion Evans – Ysgol Caer Elen
2nd – Catrin Jones – Ysgol Caer Elen
3rd – Ela-Gwennon Jones – Ysgol Caer Elen
Grade 6 woodwind
1st – Noah Jenkins – HHVC
2nd – Gemma Armstrong – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3rd – Alice Hillen – HHVC and Eryn Howlett – MHS
Open woodwind
1st – James Townsend – HHVC
2nd – Jencyn Corp – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3rd – Harry Armstrong – MHS
BRASS
Grade 3 & 4 brass
1st – Elwyn Powell – Ysgol Bro Gwaun
2nd – Owain Williams – HHVC
3rd – Harry Thomas – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
Highly commended – Isabella Tawn – HHVC
Grade 5 brass
1st – Eliza Wood – Greenhill
2nd – Archie Noyce – Greenhill
3rd – Gwilym Jones – Ysgol Bro Preseli
Grade 6 brass
1st – Seren Barrett – Greenhill
2nd – Ioan Bromby – Greenhill and Andrew Johnson – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3rd – Jaap Harris – Ysgol Bro Preseli
Highly commended – Matthew Shaw – Greenhill, Arlo Jones – Greenhill, Kellan Rycroft – Ysgol Bro Preseli
Open brass
1st – Carys Wood – HHVC (and overall 2023 winner)
2nd – Carys Rycroft – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3rd – Filip Middlemist – HHVC
STRINGS
Grade 3
1st – Brooke Patterson – Ysgol Bro Gwaun
2nd – Debora Calocane – HHVC
3rd – Emma Nicholas – Greenhill and Eira Kaill-Franks – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
Highly commended – Janelle Cabral – HHVC
Grade 4
1st – Ruby Rapi – Ysgol Bro Preseli and Elena Gould
2nd – Sara James – Ysgol Caer Elen
3rd – Kitty Kingsnorth
Highly commended – Grace Tilbury – Harri Tudur
Grade 5
1st – Annabel John – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
2nd – Cosmo Karenin – Ysgol Bro Gwaun
3rd – Anwen Sims – Ysgol Caer Elen
Grade 6
1st – Seren Barrett – Greenhill and Mia Burnett – HHVC
2nd – Tom Bridger – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
3rd – Gwenna Kennerley – HHVC
Highly commended – Esyllt Corp – Ysgol Bro Preseli
Open strings
1st – Isabel Raymond – Ysgol Caer Elen
2nd – Maria Cabral – HHVC
3rd – Daisy Whitfield – Ysgol Bro Preseli
Highly commended – Freya Prout – Pembrokeshire College and Ella Bromby – Greenhill
PIANO AND HARP
Grade 3 and 4
1st – Harry Thomas – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
2nd – Anwen Sims – Ysgol Caer Elen
3rd – Steffan James – Ysgol Caer Elen
Highly commended – Martha Bhari – Harri Tudur
Grade 5
1st – Abbie Collinson – Greenhill
2nd – Sara James – Ysgol Caer Elen and Siddha Saini – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3rd – Tom Bridger – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi and Elena Gould (homeschooled)
Grade 6
1st – Cosmo Karenin – Ysgol Bro Gwaun
2nd – Sebastian Semaani-Rodriguez – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi and Megan Evans – Ysgol Caer Elen
3rd – Emily Thomas – Greenhill
Highly commended – Matthew Shaw – Greenhill and Isabel Ramond – Ysgol Caer Elen
Open piano
1st – Jencyn Corp – Ysgol Bro Preseli
2nd – Lefi Dafydd – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3rd – Iestyn Barrellie – Greenhill
Highly commended – Jenifer Rees
DRUM KIT/PERCUSSION
Grade 3-6
1st – William Rowe – Penrhyn Dewi
2nd – Sam Berry – Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Jensen Luker – Ysgol Caer Elen
Open drum kit
1st – Dylan Sanders-Swales – HHVC
2nd – Libby Phillips – HHVC
GUITAR
Grade 3-5
1st – Lewis Murray – Ysgol Bro Gwaun
2nd – Steffan James – Ysgol Caer Elen
Open guitar
1st – Willis Riley – Greenhill
JAZZ
Grade 3-5
1st – Tom Pounder – MHS
2nd – Eryn Howlett – MHS
Open jazz
1st – Dylan Sanders-Swales – HHVC
2nd – Jencyn Corp – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3rd – Jed Davies – Pembrokeshire College
VOCALS
Popular vocals years 7-9
1st – Bella Carrol – Harri Tudur
2nd – Sophie Jones – Harri Tudur
3rd – Maisie Tennick – Caer Elen
Highly commended – Davinia Foster – Harri Tudur
Popular vocals years 10-13
1st – Millie Evans-Thomas – Greenhill
2nd – Honey Johnston – HHVC, Mia Young – Greenhill and Libby Banner – HHVC
3rd – Lacey-May Mattson – HHVC and Gwenna Kennerley – HHVC
Highly commended – Theo Butland – Harri Tudur
Musical theatre and classical vocals years 7-9
1st – Maya Welton – Ysgol Bro Preseli
2nd – Claire Hooper-Rees – HHVC
3rd – Martha Bhari – Harri Tudur and Rosabelle Chatwin – Ysgol Caer Elen
Highly commended – Caitlyn Sanders-Swales – MHS
Musical theatre and classical vocals years 10-13
1st – Ella Bromby – Greenhill
2nd – Iestyn Finch – HHVC
3rd – Mia Burnett – HHVC and Bella McCare – HHVC
Highly commended – Edie Morris – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
Open vocals
1st – Rhys Williams – Harri Tudur
2nd – Eliza Jessica Bradbury – Pembrokeshire College
3rd – Megan Lloyd – MHS
Highly commended – Bethan Raymond – HHVC
ENSEMBLES
Instrumental ensemble grade 5-
1st – Ysgol Bro Preseli violin quartet
2nd – Greenhill Clarinet trio
Open instrumental ensemble
1st – Ysgol Bro Preseli deuawd piano
2nd – Ysgol Bro preseli piano a ffliwt
3rd – HHVC violin quartet
Open vocal ensemble
1st – HHVC upper voices ensemble
2nd – HHVC lower voices ensemble
3rd – Harri Tudur vocal ensemble
Rock and pop ensemble grade 5-
1st – Ysgol Caer Elen
2nd – HHVC
3rd – Harri Tudur
Highly commended – HHVC Band 2
Open Rock and pop ensemble
1st – “The Messiaens” – HHVC
2nd – HHVC KS4 band
3rd – Greenhill school band
Highly commended – HHVC Band #1
Ends
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Datganiad i’r wasg: i’w ryddhau ar unwaith
Talentau cerddorol anhygoel pobl ifanc yn cael eu dathlu mewn gŵyl
Y trympedwr Carys Wood o Ysgol Uwchradd WRh Hwlffordd oedd yr enillydd cyffredinol yng Ngŵyl Gerdd Valero Ysgolion Uwchradd eleni.
Cynhaliwyd yr ŵyl flynyddol, a drefnir gan Wasanaeth Cerdd Cyngor Sir Penfro ac a noddir gan Valero, yn Ysgol Caer Elen ddydd Sadwrn (19 Tachwedd), ar ôl seibiant o dair blynedd oherwydd y pandemig.
Bu mwy na 240 o gerddorion ifanc o bob un o wyth ysgol uwchradd sirol y Sir, Coleg Sir Benfro a thu hwnt yn cymryd rhan mewn cystadlaethau unigol ac ensemble trwy gydol y dydd.
Yn ddiweddarach yn y prynhawn, mwynhaodd cynulleidfa frwd gyngerdd yn arddangos yr enillwyr unigol ac enillwyr y cystadlaethau ensemble offerynnol a lleisiol.
Yn ystod y dydd, derbyniodd pob perfformiwr a oedd yn gyntaf, yn ail ac yn drydydd yn eu dosbarth fathodyn i gydnabod eu cyflawniad.
Dywedodd Philippa Roberts, Pennaeth Gwasanaeth Cerdd Sir Benfro: “Hoffwn longyfarch pob cerddor ifanc a fu’n perfformio ac yn cefnogi ei gilydd ddydd Sadwrn.Hefyd, diolch o galon i Valero, Cyfeillion Cerddorion Ifanc Sir Benfro a’r tîm beirniadu proffesiynol a chalonogol sy’n parhau i gefnogi Gwasanaeth Cerdd Sir Benfro a’n disgyblion.”
Mynegodd Sean O’Neill, beirniad yr ensembles, ei edmygedd o’r diwrnod. “Roedd safon y gerddoriaeth gan yr holl gerddorion ifanc yn rhagorol ac mae llwyth o dystiolaeth o dalent a photensial yn dod drwodd ar gyfer y dyfodol! Roedd yn bleser mawr bod yn rhan o’r digwyddiad.”
Cyflwynwyd cwpan yr enillwyr cyffredinol i’r trympedwr Carys Wood gan y beirniad pres Corey Morris.Yn gynharach yn y dydd, perfformiodd Carys Virtuosity gan Kenny Baker.
Enillydd y gystadleuaeth Chwythbrennau Agored oedd James Townsend o Ysgol Uwchradd WRh Hwlffordd, a berfformiodd Czardas gan Monti.
Enillydd y gystadleuaeth Llinynnau Agored oedd y sielydd Isabel Raymond o Ysgol Caer Elen a berfformiodd Tarantella gan WH Squire.
Yr enillydd Jazz Agored oedd Dylan Sanders-Swales o Ysgol Uwchradd WRh Hwlffordd a berfformiodd ei drefniant ei hun o Whirlybird. Dylan hefyd oedd enillydd y dosbarth Offerynnau Taro Agored. Perfformiodd Super Mario Medley a drefnodd ei hun hefyd.
Enillwyd y dosbarth Piano a Thelyn Agored gan Jencyn Corp o Ysgol Bro Preseli a berfformiodd ei gyfansoddiad ei hun, Yr Afon.
Enillwyd y Gystadleuaeth Leisiol Agored gan Rhys Williams o Ysgol Harri Tudur, a ganodd “It’s hard to speak my heart” o’r sioe gerdd, Parade.
Enillydd cyntaf y dosbarth Gitâr Agored newydd oedd Willis Riley o Greenhill, a berfformiodd The Trooper gan Iron Maiden.
Enillwyr y dosbarth Ensemble Lleisiol Agored oedd ensemble lleisiau uchaf Ysgol Uwchradd WRh Hwlffordd. Fe wnaethon nhw berfformio cymysgedd Adele o Rumour has it/Someone like you.
Enillwyd cystadleuaeth yr Ensemble Offerynnol Agored gan Jencyn Corp a Lefi Dafydd o Ysgol Bro Preseli, Deuawd piano, yn perfformio darn gan Grieg.
Enillwyr yr ensemble Roc a Phop Agored cyntaf oedd The Messiaens o Ysgol Uwchradd WRh Hwlffordd. Fe wnaethon nhw berfformio Superstition gan Stevie Wonder.
Roedd neuadd Ysgol Caer Elen dan ei sang wrth i deuluoedd, ffrindiau, a disgyblion oedd wedi perfformio yn gynharach yn y dydd i gyd aros i gefnogi’r enillwyr agored.
Roedd y beirniaid proffesiynol gwadd – Timothy Angel, lleisiol; Sean O’Neill, ensemble; Christopher Vale, chwythbren; Corey Morris, pres; Karin Jenkins, llinynnau; Bethan Harkin, y piano a’r delyn; Ben Richards, offerynnol; Nick Baron, offerynnau taro, gitâr a Jazz – wedi’u plesio’n fawr gan safon uchel a chryfder cerddoriaeth ysgolion ar draws y Sir.
Diolchodd cydlynydd digwyddiadau Gwasanaeth Cerdd y Sir, Miranda Morgan, i’r beirniaid, yr athrawon, y rhieni a’r myfyrwyr am wneud yr Ŵyl yn gymaint o lwyddiant.
“Rydym ni wedi ein syfrdanu gan y nifer o bobl ifanc sydd wedi cymryd rhan yn yr ŵyl eleni – roedd dros ddwbl y nifer yn cymryd rhan eleni o’i gymharu â’r llynedd sy’n wych i’w weld. Mae safon y chwarae wedi bod yn drawiadol drwyddi draw ac mae wedi bod yn wych ehangu ein dosbarthiadau i gynnwys ensembles gitâr a roc a phop eleni.”
Roedd canlyniadau’r diwrnod fel a ganlyn:
CHWYTHBREN
Ffliwt gradd 3
1af – Tilly Laugharne – Ysgol Bro Gwaun
2il – Mali Jones-Hughes – HHVC
3ydd – Erin Dando – MHS
Clarinet a sacsoffon gradd 3
1af – Sophie Gilmartin – Greenhill
2il – Emily Dickinson – Greenhill
3ydd – Jed Cox – Greenhill
Canmoliaeth uchel – Katherine Jones – Harri Tudur
Chwythbren gradd 4
1af – Tom Pounder – MHS
2il – Ollie Towe – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3ydd – Bethan Packard – MHS
Chwythbren gradd 5
1af – Ffion Evans – Ysgol Caer Elen
2il – Catrin Jones – Ysgol Caer Elen
3ydd – Ela-Gwennon Jones – Ysgol Caer Elen
Chwythbren gradd 6
1af – Noah Jenkins – HHVC
2il – Gemma Armstrong – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3ydd – Alice Hillen – HHVC ac Eryn Howlett – MHS
Chwythbren agored
1af – James Townsend – HHVC
2il – Jencyn Corp – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3ydd – Harry Armstrong – MHS
PRES
Pres gradd 3 a 4
1af – Elwyn Powell – Ysgol Bro Gwaun
2il – Owain Williams – HHVC
3ydd – Harry Thomas – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
Canmoliaeth uchel – Isabella Tawn – HHVC
Pres gradd 5
1af – Eliza Wood – Greenhill
2il – Archie Noyce – Greenhill
3ydd – Gwilym Jones – Ysgol Bro Preseli
Pres gradd 6
1af – Seren Barrett – Greenhill
2il – Ioan Bromby – Greenhill ac Andrew Johnson – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3ydd – Jaap Harris – Ysgol Bro Preseli
Canmoliaeth uchel – Matthew Shaw – Greenhill, Arlo Jones – Greenhill, Kellan Rycroft – Ysgol Bro Preseli
Pres agored
1af – Carys Wood – HHVC (ac enillydd cyffredinol 2023)
2il – Carys Rycroft – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3ydd – Filip Middlemist – HHVC
LLINYNNAU
Gradd 3
1af – Brooke Patterson – Ysgol Bro Gwaun
2il – Debora Calocane – HHVC
3ydd – Emma Nicholas – Greenhill ac Eira Kaill-Franks – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
Canmoliaeth uchel – Janelle Cabral – HHVC
Gradd 4
1af – Ruby Rapi – Ysgol Bro Preseli ac Elena Gould
2il – Sara James – Ysgol Caer Elen
3ydd – Kitty Kingsnorth
Canmoliaeth uchel – Grace Tilbury – Harri Tudur
Gradd 5
1af – Annabel John – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
2il – Cosmo Karenin – Ysgol Bro Gwaun
3ydd – Anwen Sims – Ysgol Caer Elen
Gradd 6
1af – Seren Barrett – Greenhill a Mia Burnett – HHVC
2il – Tom Bridger – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
3ydd – Gwenna Kennerley – HHVC
Canmoliaeth uchel – Esyllt Corp – Ysgol Bro Preseli
Llinynnau agored
1af – Isabel Raymond – Ysgol Caer Elen
2il – Maria Cabral – HHVC
3ydd – Daisy Whitfield – Ysgol Bro Preseli
Canmoliaeth uchel – Freya Prout – Coleg Sir Benfro ac Ella Bromby – Greenhill
Y PIANO A’R DELYN
Gradd 3 a 4
1af – Harry Thomas – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
2il – Anwen Sims – Ysgol Caer Elen
3ydd – Steffan James – Ysgol Caer Elen
Canmoliaeth uchel – Martha Bhari – Harri Tudur
Gradd 5
1af – Abbie Collinson – Greenhill
2il – Sara James – Ysgol Caer Elen a Siddha Saini – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3ydd – Tom Bridger – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi ac Elena Gould (addysg gartref)
Gradd 6
1af – Cosmo Karenin – Ysgol Bro Gwaun
2il – Sebastian Semaani-Rodriguez – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi a Megan Evans – Ysgol Caer Elen
3ydd – Emily Thomas – Greenhill
Canmoliaeth uchel – Matthew Shaw – Greenhill ac Isabel Ramond – Ysgol Caer Elen
Piano agored
1af – Jencyn Corp – Ysgol Bro Preseli
2il – Lefi Dafydd – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3ydd – Iestyn Barrellie – Greenhill
Canmoliaeth uchel – Jenifer Rees
CIT DRYMIAU/OFFERYNNAU TARO
Gradd 3-6
1af – William Rowe – Penrhyn Dewi
2il – Sam Berry – Ysgol Bro Gwaun a Jensen Luker – Ysgol Caer Elen
Cit Drymiau agored
1af – Dylan Sanders-Swales – HHVC
2il – Libby Phillips – HHVC
GITÂR
Gradd 3-5
1af – Lewis Murray – Ysgol Bro Gwaun
2il – Steffan James – Ysgol Caer Elen
Gitâr agored
1af – Willis Riley – Greenhill
JAZZ
Gradd 3-5
1af – Tom Pounder – MHS
2il – Eryn Howlett – MHS
Jazz agored
1af – Dylan Sanders-Swales – HHVC
2il – Jencyn Corp – Ysgol Bro Preseli
3ydd – Jed Davies – Coleg Sir Benfro
CERDDORIAETH LEISIOL
Cerddoriaeth leisiol boblogaidd blynyddoedd 7-9
1af – Bella Carrol – Harri Tudur
2il – Sophie Jones – Harri Tudur
3ydd – Maisie Tennick – Caer Elen
Canmoliaeth uchel – Davinia Foster – Harri Tudur
Cerddoriaeth leisiol boblogaidd blynyddoedd 10-13
1af – Millie Evans-Thomas – Greenhill
2il – Honey Johnston – HHVC, Mia Young – Greenhill a Libby Banner – HHVC
3ydd – Lacey-May Mattson – HHVC a Gwenna Kennerley – HHVC
Canmoliaeth uchel – Theo Butland – Harri Tudur
Theatr gerddorol a cherddoriaeth leisiol glasurol blynyddoedd 7-9
1af – Maya Welton – Ysgol Bro Preseli
2il – Claire Hooper-Rees – HHVC
3ydd – Martha Bhari – Harri Tudur a Rosabelle Chatwin – Ysgol Caer Elen
Canmoliaeth uchel – Caitlyn Sanders-Swales – MHS
Theatr gerddorol a cherddoriaeth leisiol glasurol blynyddoedd 10-13
1af – Ella Bromby – Greenhill
2il – Iestyn Finch – HHVC
3ydd – Mia Burnett – HHVC a Bella McCare – HHVC
Canmoliaeth uchel – Edie Morris – Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
Cerddoriaeth leisiol agored
1af – Rhys Williams – Harri Tudur
2il – Eliza Jessica Bradbury – Coleg Sir Benfro
3ydd – Megan Lloyd – MHS
Canmoliaeth uchel – Bethan Raymond – HHVC
ENSEMBLES
Ensemble offerynnol gradd 5-
1af – Pedwarawd ffidil Ysgol Bro Preseli
2il – Triawd clarinet Greenhill
Ensemble offerynnol agored
1af – Ysgol Bro Preseli deuawd piano
2il – Ysgol Bro Preseli piano a ffliwt
3ydd – Pedwarawd ffidil HHVC
Ensemble lleisiol agored
1af – Ensemble lleisiau uwch HHVC
2il – ensemble lleisiau is HHVC
3ydd – Ensemble lleisiol Harri Tudur
Ensemble roc a phop gradd 5-
1af – Ysgol Caer Elen
2il – HHVC
3ydd – Harri Tudur
Canmoliaeth uchel – HHVC Band 2
Ensemble roc a phop agored
1af – “The Messiaens” – HHVC
2il – HHVC KS4 band
3ydd – Band ysgol Greenhill
Canmoliaeth uchel – HHVC Band #1
Education
Research reveals nearly half of children in Wales had additional learning needs
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A NEW study has highlighted the prevalence of additional learning needs, formerly known as special educational needs, among under 16-year-olds in Wales. The findings come with a policy briefing, calling for a robust review of processes used to recognise such issues and more inclusive learning support for all children nationally.
The research and policy reports, led by the University of Bristol and funded by the Nuffield Foundation, found nearly half (47.9%) of children born in 2002/2003 were identified with some form of additional learning needs (ALN) at some point during their schooling. This was shown to have the biggest impact on academic achievement across all Key Stages of their education.
Lead author Dr Cathryn Knight, Senior Lecturer in Psychology of Education at the University of Bristol, said: “Our findings clearly challenge the notion that learning needs only affect a minority of learners. Key common factors increasing the likelihood of being identified with SEN also emerged, emphasising the importance of recognising the child’s environment and understanding their individual situation to effectively support their learning needs.”
Researchers from the University’s School of Education and Swansea University analysed data from more than 200,000 children in Wales, born between 2002 and 2009, to understand the levels of SEN and its impact on academic achievement.
Findings revealed that the earlier the additional needs emerged and were recognised, and the longer their education was spent with these known needs, the less likely they were to meet nationally expected levels of attainment.
Dr Knight said: “Our research suggests the former SEN system in Wales was unable to effectively support students to mitigate the negative impact of SEN on their grades. This underscores the substantial toll of SEN on academic achievement. To improve academic attainment levels in Wales, it is crucial to prioritise effective support for this very large group of learners.”
Learners having free school meals (FSM) throughout their education were found to be four times more likely to be identified with SEN compared to those not in receipt of free meals. Those born in the most deprived neighbourhoods were shown to be even more likely (4.6 times) to be identified with SEN.
The study also showed boys were much (5.5 times) more likely to be identified with SEN than girls. Children with higher school attendance had a lower likelihood of SEN identification and learners born in the summer, so younger in their year group, were three times more likely to be identified with SEN than those born in the autumn.
Dr Knight said: “This raises concerns about the effectiveness of SEN identification processes, particularly given the unexpectedly high number of learners identified with SEN. It suggests a potential issue of over- or under-identification of certain children.”
The main policy recommendations in the report were to prioritise inclusive educational initiatives that recognise and support all children. The substantial impact of SEN on children’s grades, raises questions about how children with learning needs can be supported to show progression within the education system. Therefore, consideration of more inclusive assessment practices is recommended. The report also calls for current methods used to identify learning need to be rigorously reviewed, with a new focus on ensuring accuracy, fairness, and inclusivity.
The research mirrors similar national findings. Evidence from the Education Policy Institute in England also found a high level (40.7%) of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) identification. Other research, published in the British Educational Research Journal, has also shown that children with SEND in England are also far less likely to meet expected learning standards than their peers at Key Stage 1.
Dr Knight said: “We also need longer-term evidence within Wales and across the UK in order to develop a fuller understanding of the challenges. This includes possible systematic issues with how learning needs are recognised and their subsequent impact on attainment.”
Education
School children focus on Pembrokeshire’s renewable energy future
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FENTON COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL welcomed renewable energy experts to help Year 5 and 6 learners broaden their knowledge as part of their Marine Energy Project.
During the summer term Blue Gem Wind, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum and the Darwin Experience have discussed Pembrokeshire’s importance in the renewable energy sector and low carbon technologies with the school children.
Learners designed and built models of different anchorage structures for offshore turbines, and learnt from the Darwin Centre about the different marine organisms that might colonise them.
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They pitched their design ideas, with a combination of class designs being built and deployed at the Marine Energy Test Area (META) in Milford Haven by Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum.
The visits have inspired many new ideas and possibilities for the future of the learners.
Summer Marshall (Year 6) explained: “It was a great opportunity for our designs to be actually made into something for a real-life purpose.”
“If it wasn’t for this project I wouldn’t have learned about the importance of marine habitats and how these are linked to our future,” added TJ Hill (Year 6)
“It is really important because a lot of future jobs will be based around renewable energy and technology,” said Milly Badger (Year 6).
“From having Blue Gem Wind, META and Darwin visit, it’s made me think about a job in renewable energy,” added Oscar Davies (Year 6).
Acting Executive Headteacher Gareth Thomas said: “The project has enabled development of careers and work-related experiences with our learners. Direct industry engagement has been crucial to motivate our learners to think about the future jobs in Pembrokeshire and the life they may lead here.”
Year 5 and 6 teachers Leah Hackett, Matthew Vaughan and Mike Lowde agreed that many of their pupils could work in the renewable industry in future.
“Hopefully, after this, we have a group of enthusiastic pupils who already have a keen understanding of the benefits of renewable energy and the place it holds in Pembrokeshire and the wider world,” they added.
Education
Pupils delight in ice cream treat from Pembrokeshire’s number one van
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CHILDREN at Ysgol Caer Elen in Haverfordwest were treated to a delightful surprise on Tuesday when they were all given the opportunity to enjoy ice cream, generously provided by Mr McGeown and his family.
The delicious ice cream, a highlight of the school’s summer celebrations, was not just a treat for the pupils but also a testament to the McGeown family’s commitment to supporting educational projects. The funds raised by the family have been donated to the school, aimed at enhancing various school initiatives.
The joyous event was made even more special by the efforts of volunteers Martin, Sian, Amirah, Jack, and Alyannah, who served the ice cream. Their contribution ensured that the occasion was filled with a wonderful and happy atmosphere.
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The school extends its heartfelt thanks to Mr McGeown and his family for their generosity and support. Their donation will play a crucial role in the continued development and success of school projects, benefiting all pupils.
“We are incredibly grateful to Mr McGeown and his family for their kindness and support,” said Mr Dafydd Hughes, the headteacher of Ysgol Caer Elen. “The ice cream treat brought immense joy to the children and added to the spirit of our summer celebrations.”
Ysgol Caer Elen, a pioneering Welsh-medium school catering to students from ages 3 to 16, prides itself on its vibrant community and commitment to high-quality education in Pembrokeshire. The school’s ethos centres on creating a caring and inclusive environment where every pupil is encouraged to achieve their best and develop their skills for the 21st century
The community looks forward to seeing the positive impact of the McGeown family’s contribution, as the school continues to thrive with the support of dedicated and caring individuals.
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