Education

Primary school children hit all the right notes at popular festival of music

Published

2 years ago

March 1, 2024

MORE than 400 Primary school children took part in the Pembrokeshire Music Service Valero Primary Music Festival last weekend.

Pembrokeshire Music Service welcomed pupils from across the county to share their musical talents with a delighted audience at Ysgol Caer Elen on February 24th.

St Oswalds School pupil Alice Thomas, age eight, was crowned overall winner of the festival following an outstanding performance of Galop by Charles Bohm on her violin.

This year’s event included the addition of a “Come and Play” class, where learners who were at the start of their musical journey could come and share their music with each other.

Philippa Roberts, Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service said: “It was wonderful to listen to the performances of all the young musicians, particularly those who are new to playing. Congratulations to each participant for their commendable efforts.

“The implementation of the New Music Plan for Wales has enabled Pembrokeshire Music Service to offer essential progression opportunities for our pupils which includes our new Second Steps ensemble who delivered an outstanding performance at the spotlight concert. Da iawn pawb!”

The Spotlight concert opened with a bang as 45 players from across the County’s Second Steps ensembles came together for their first public performance. These ensembles, for children in Years Three to Six, only began in September.

Open class winners who performed at the Spotlight Concert included Matthew Picton, of Gelliswick School, who performed Allegro Vivace by Singelee on his Saxophone; Mali Macfarlane, who performed A Whole New World by Alan Menken on the Cornet and Amber O’Connor, Ysgol Eglwyswrw, who performed Concerto by O’Carolan on the Harp.

Griff Nicholas, from Ysgol Casmael, performed She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult on Drums and the ensemble winners were Golden Grove School’s Wolfgang Evans and Betsy Adamiec who performed a piano duet of Faraway by Allan Bullard.

Events coordinator for Pembrokeshire Music Service, Miranda Morgan, added: “We are extremely grateful to Valero, as always, for sponsoring our event. When our last primary festival was held, the current Year Six pupils would have been in Year Two, so this was the first time performing in the festival for every single child present. They should all be very proud of themselves.”

Pembrokeshire Music Service Primary Valero Music Festival 2024 Results

Woodwind

Initial Grade:

1^st – Seren Holder, Hafan y Mor

2^nd – Eva Frearson, Hafan y Mor

3^rd – Eifion James, St Oswalds

HC – Jessica Lynch, Casmael

Grade 1:

1^st – Oliver Davis, Johnston

2^nd – Annabel Ladd, Croesgoch

3^rd – Evie Towe, St Dogmaels

Grade 2:

1^st – Angharad Chinn, MHCPS

2^nd – Autumn Shepherd, Coastlands

3^rd – Saphire Cook, MHCPS

Open:

1^st – Matthew Picton, Gelliswick

2^nd – Elin Rodriguez, Hook

3^rd – Sasha Aulehla-Atkin, Caer Elen

Brass:

Initial Grade:

1^st – Iolo Sims, Caer Elen

2^nd – Henry Woods, St Dogmaels

3^rd – Polly Summers, YPD & Penny Ibberson-Senior, Roch

Lower Brass Grade 1:

1^st – Isaac Phillips, Saundersfoot

2^nd – Aria White, Saundersfoot

3^rd – Thomas Codd, Glannau Gwaun & Archie Llewellyn, Tenby VC

HC – TJ Stewart, Glannau Gwaun

Trumpet & Cornet Grade 1:

1^st – Zoey Pyart, Prendergast

2^nd – Isla Griffiths, Saundersfoot

3^rd – Ella-May Kurvy, MHCPS

HC – Freddie Coleman, YPD

Grade 2:

1^st – Henry Slade-Davies, Llanychllwydog & Eilidh Frazer, Tenby VC

Open:

1^st – Mali Macfarlane, Caer Elen

2^nd – Idris Leeming-Hicks, Caer Elen

3^rd – Elizabeth Davies, Saundersfoot,

HC – Elin Jones, Bro Ingli

Strings

Initial grade:

1^st – Ashley Cristobel, Prendergast

2^nd – Efa Britton, Johnston

3^rd – Bella Carrier, St Oswalds

Grade 1:

1^st – Lily Kingaby, Casmael

2^nd – Vivienne King, Hafan y Mor

3^rd – Celeste Watts, Roch

HC – Isla Griffiths, Saundersfoot

Grade 2:

1^st – Leila Powell

2^nd – Genula Wickramaarachichi, Prendergast

3^rd – Harrison Shepherd, Caer Elen

Open:

1^st – Alice Thomas, St Oswalds

2^nd – Nina Powell

3^rd – Chloe Jenkins Simms, Hafan y Mor

Piano & Harp

Initial grade:

1^st – Gwen Porter

2^nd – Mia Rogers, Lamphey & Ffion Fenrich, Cilgerran

3^rd – Alice Ng, Caer Elen

HC – Eva Allen, Lamphey

Grade 1:

1^st – Poppy Hammersley, Brynconin

2^nd – Jessica Lynch, Casmael

3^rd – Annabel Ladd, Croesgoch

HC – Darcy Taylor – Lamphey, George Thomas, Layla McGilloway – Lamphey, Phoebe Ritchie – Caer Elen, Haydn Griffiths – Caer Elen, Noah Worrall, Scarlett Chandra – Caer Elen.

Grade 2:

1^st – Eva Evans, Wiston

2^nd – Millie Griffiths, Wiston & Cadi Haf Marshall-Jones, Bro Preseli

3^rd – Elsbeth Slade-Davies, Llanychllwydog

Open:

1^st – Amber O’Connor, Eglwyswru

2^nd – Mischa Orford, Tavernspite

3^rd – Roberta Gale, YPD

Percussion

Initial Grade:

1^st – Maddie Wright, Saundersfoot

2^nd – Harri George, Casmael

3^rd – Charlie Cheeseman, Saundersfoot

HC – Efan Rees, Casmael & Alfie Hughes, Tenby VC

Open:

1^st – Griff Nicholas, Casmael

2^nd – Edward Batchelor, Caer Elen

3^rd – Max Griffiths, Caer Elen & Alex Youngs, Johnston

HC – Owain James, Casmael & Sasha Aulehla-Atkin, Caer Elen

Ensembles

1^st – Golden Grove piano duet (Wolfgang Evans & Betsy Adamiec)

2^nd – Bro Preseli Harp Duo (Cadi Haf Marshall-Jones & Elen Davies)

3^rd – Piano ensemble (Roberta Gale, Seren Reason & Poppy Burton)

Community

Cilgerran Church in Wales school discontinuation backed

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to discontinue a Pembrokeshire school has been backed by councillors despite 97 per cent of those responding to a recent consultation being against the change.

Last year, councillors backed a general consultation to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School, and to establish it as a 3-11 community school, the consultation closing earlier this year.

That consultation followed a review which “considered the extent of surplus school places in the area, set against a significant decline in the pupil population,” the council has previously said.

Hundreds opposed the proposed changes, with a petition on the council’s own website opposing the changes gaining 391 signatures.

During the consultation, 203 responses were received; 97 per cent (197 responses) against the proposal, with just 1.5 per cent (three) in favour.

Earlier this year, councillors heard from vice-chair of the school governors Gary Fieldhouse who said the loss of the Church in Wales status would be “a profound mistake,” the school’s association with the church “not symbolic but fundamental”.

Reverend John Cecil had told councillors the proposals were “fundamentally flawed,” with the school’s land legally in trust as a Church of Wales school, and change “essentially creating a new school with no premises to occupy”.

Following the ending of the consultation, a report was brought before the May 14 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council.

The report for members presented by Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language Cllr Guy Woodham, who moved approval, recommended the Director of Education be authorised to publish a Statutory Notice to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled school and establish the same as a 3-11 Community School.

On the land issue, the report said: “The Authority acknowledges that the school site includes land owned by the Diocese. Should the proposal proceed, the change of school category would be subject to appropriate legal agreements to ensure continued occupation of the premises.

“No change would be implemented without resolving land ownership and occupation rights in accordance with statutory and legal requirements.”

The report concluded: “The consultation exercise has provided a valuable opportunity for statutory consultees and other interested parties to give their perspective on the proposal to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Control School and establish the same as a 3-11 Community School.

“While arguments were made against the proposal, together with a small number of supportive comments, officers remain of the view that this is the most appropriate option in the context of quality and future sustainability of educational provision.”

At the May meeting, Cllr Jamie Adams felt the push for the change was “seemingly pushing water uphill,” with the school performing well; adding: “I’m a bit confused, we’re trying to impose a decision on a community that doesn’t want it.”

Recently elected councillor Scott Thorley echoed that, saying: “97 per cent want to keep it a VC, I think we should respect that.”

Director of Education Steven Richards-Downes said it was “about long term viability in the area,” members hearing from officers Cilgerran had a 28 surplus in pupil spaces.

Members by 34 to 16, with two abstentions, back the discontinuation recommendation.

The statutory notice will trigger a 28-day objection period, an objection report being brought to a future council meeting for determination.

Education

Saundersfoot school praised for nurturing ethos and pupil wellbeing

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAUNDERSFOOT C.P. School has been praised by Estyn for its nurturing culture, strong staff teamwork and clear focus on pupil wellbeing.

The school received positive recognition following an inspection in March 2026, with inspectors highlighting effective leadership, high-quality support for pupils and a calm, inclusive learning environment.

The report describes Saundersfoot C.P. School as “an inclusive and nurturing community where pupils feel valued and supported”.

Inspectors said pupils benefit from safe, calm classrooms and strong, trusting relationships with staff.

Wellbeing at the heart

Estyn praised the school’s emphasis on wellbeing, noting that leaders place pupils’ emotional and social development at the centre of school life.

The report also recognised the dedication and professionalism of staff, highlighting effective collaboration between teachers and support staff.

Teaching assistants were described as “highly skilled”, with inspectors noting their important role in helping pupils, including those with additional learning needs, receive targeted support and make good progress.

The school was also commended for its strong culture of care, robust safeguarding arrangements and effective partnerships with parents, governors and external agencies.

Areas for development identified by the school and Estyn include outdoor learning and attendance. However, the report confirms that Saundersfoot C.P. School has a secure foundation built on positive relationships, committed staff and a wellbeing-led ethos.

Headteacher Nick Allan said: “At Saundersfoot C.P. School, wellbeing is central to everything we do. We are proud that Estyn has recognised the calm, nurturing environment our staff create, where children feel safe, confident and ready to learn.

“Strong relationships sit at the heart of our school. Knowing our pupils well as individuals enables us to support not just their academic progress, but their emotional and social development too.

“This is integral to the school’s ethos and values. I am proud to lead such a dedicated team that provides a meaningful difference to pupils’ learning and wellbeing here in Saundersfoot.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, said: “It is always immensely pleasing when one of our schools receives positive recognition from Estyn. Such recognition does not happen easily and is the culmination of months and years of hard work by everyone involved with the school.

“My thanks and congratulations therefore go to the headteacher, staff and all those who have made this success possible — well done all.”

Charity

Exciting new £15,000 playground scheme earmarked for local primary school

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Ysgol Gynradd Abertieifi has launched a major fund raising initiative in a bid to develop what they have described as ‘an exciting new adventure playground’ for Cardigan primary schoolchildren.

The project is aimed at providing children with a safe and engaging space in which they can climb, build and explore with confidence. As well as supporting the children’s physical development, the playground will also boost their creativity, friendship and wellbeing.

The co-ordinators are now aiming to raise £15,000 to make their vision a reality.

“Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will bring us one step close to giving the children a space they’ll be able to enjoy for years to come,” said Alahna Kindred, the associate communications manager.

“Together, I know we can create something truly special for our school community.”

Donations to the new Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi playground can be made via the gofund me page.