Education

Conservative calls for academies and free schools rejected by Senedd

Published

7 months ago

April 25, 2024

THE SENEDD has rejected calls to introduce free schools and academies after a report found major challenges in Wales’ education system.

Tom Giffard led a Conservative debate on educational attainment, warning that Wales is consistently at the bottom of UK-wide league tables.

The party’s new shadow education secretary pointed to an Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) report on education in Wales which found low outcomes and high levels of inequality.

Mr Giffard told the Senedd the IFS report highlights the pitfalls of the Welsh Government putting all its eggs in the basket of a skills-based approach.

Criticising a failure to measure skills inequalities and pupil progress, he stressed that Wales’ lower performance is due to policy and approach rather than funding or the pandemic.

He said: “It seems the Welsh Government relies on Pisa results to tell the story but then, when those same results are all too disappointing, they are dismissed in equal measure.”

Mr Giffard, who previously worked in a primary school, said declines in Pisa results can be observed in almost every country that has adopted a skills-based approach.

Raising concerns about disappointing Pisa results, the South Wales West MS pointed out that Wales saw the lowest scores in the UK for every subject.

Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru’s shadow education secretary, warned that Wales’ schools are understaffed and facing difficult decisions due to budgets being at breaking point.

She criticised implementation of the Welsh Government’s additional learning needs (ALN) reforms, saying schools cannot realise the aims without the budget to bring them to life.

Ms Fychan said Plaid Cymru agreed with much of the Tory motion but her party would not support calls for free schools and academies.

Sam Rowlands described the IFS report as damning, warning that the Welsh Government’s education reforms have been disastrous and have widened inequality.

The Tory MS claimed the reforms are systematically holding back disadvantaged children, saying: “The most remarkable fact is that the performance of disadvantaged children in England is either above or similar to the average for all children in Wales.”

Mr Rowlands added: “The poorest in England’s schools are doing the same or better than the Welsh average, thanks to ambition, the academies and free schools.”

Samuel Kurtz, a fellow Tory, said free schools and academies have driven up standards in England as he argued a Wales roll-out provides an opportunity to improve outcomes.

James Evans, the Conservative MS for Brecon and Radnorshire, highlighted the party’s pledge to get 5,000 more teachers into Wales’ classrooms.

Buffy Williams, the newly elected chair of the Senedd’s education committee, said Wales is undergoing a profound transformation propelled by ALN and curriculum reforms.

The Labour MS for Rhondda stressed the importance of listening to teachers and allowing ample time for the reforms to take root in classrooms across Wales.

Altaf Hussain recounted a conversation he had this week with a headteacher at one of the largest schools in his South Wales West region.

The Conservative said: “The major improvements they have been delivering to attainment and addressing behavioural issues are all at risk because of cuts to funding.

“Vital work undertaken to improve the lives of young people with additional needs could be halted because they cannot afford to continue employing the support workers.”

Lynne Neagle recognised the scale and seriousness of work still ahead to improve Wales’ education system, stressing: “I am not, in any way, complacent about that task.”

Wales’ newly appointed education secretary, who takes over from Jeremy Miles, said sustained improvement in attainment will be among her top priorities.

She told the chamber: “My early focus has been to listen closely to schools and where it is clear that schools seek more scaffolding.”

Ms Neagle said the Welsh Government will work with trade unions and employers to reduce workload and eliminate unnecessary red tape.

The Conservative motion was voted down, 14-35, following the debate on April 24. The motion as amended by the Welsh Government was agreed, 26-23.

Education

Welsh universities fully divest from fossil fuels

Published

4 hours ago

December 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ALL eight Welsh universities have now cut ties with the fossil fuel industry, following a landmark decision by the University of South Wales (USW). This move cements Wales as a leader in the global push for ethical investment in education.

USW’s announcement to exclude fossil fuel companies from its investment portfolio makes it the final Welsh institution to join the initiative. The university has also pledged to divest from companies involved in border security, detention, surveillance, and migrant deportation, setting a benchmark for ethical practices.

A major milestone
This development is part of a wider trend, with over 75% of UK universities now divesting from fossil fuels, according to student-led environmental justice network People & Planet.

Laura Clayson, Campaign Manager for Climate Justice at People & Planet, praised the decision:
“This news is incredibly significant, particularly for a nation where fossil fuels have played a major role in shaping its history and landscape. It stands as an act of solidarity with frontline communities globally and in Wales, such as those affected by the now-closed Ffos-y-Fran open cast coal mine.”

Student-led change
Students have been at the forefront of this shift, securing 116 victories through the Fossil Free campaign and six in the Divest Borders campaign. These successes underscore the link between climate justice, social justice, and institutional responsibility.

André Dallas, Co-Director of Migrant Justice at People & Planet, applauded Welsh universities’ leadership:
“Students are clear that universities must stand for justice and progress, not only in their prospectuses but in their policies. Wales has turned its back on the fossil fuel industry—an extraordinary achievement.”

Sustainability commitment
Rachel Elias-Lee, Chief Finance Officer at USW, emphasized the university’s commitment to a sustainable future:
“Our Ethical Investment Policy ensures we avoid investments in fossil fuels, arms, tobacco, and unethical industries. We are dedicated to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2040, supporting renewable energy, and driving a low-carbon, sustainable future for all.”

This move reflects growing societal pressure for institutions to align their investments with principles of sustainability and justice.

A UK-wide shift
The divestment aligns with a broader UK movement, as universities increasingly take responsibility for tackling climate change and social injustice. Navid Sharif, Vice-President Activities at USW Students’ Union, highlighted the significance of the announcement:
“This milestone showcases what can be achieved when institutions listen to their communities. USW is leading the way, and we hope this inspires further progress across Wales and beyond.”

Ethical investment: the future
With campaigns like Fossil Free and Divest Borders achieving success, the focus now shifts to sustaining momentum and encouraging other sectors to adopt similar measures. Welsh universities have shown that ethical investment is both achievable and crucial in addressing global challenges.

Education

Former Hakin school could be demolished for new housing

Published

7 hours ago

December 4, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A COUNCIL application to demolish a disused school in Pembrokeshire to make way for a potential housing development has been submitted to county planners.

Pembrokeshire County Council, through agent Asbri Planning, is seeking permission to demolish the former Hakin Infants School, Picton Road, Hakin, Milford Haven.

Works proposed also include the construction of a bat house and ecological enhancement area.

A supporting statement says: “The former school buildings are boarded up, whereas the gardens and play areas have become overgrown. This is one of three schools to close in the last decade within the local area, alongside Hubberston VC School and Hakin Junior School, which have already been demolished.

“This application forms part of a wider strategy for the site. An outline application for residential development will be submitted in order to confirm the development in principle in land use terms is acceptable. A reserved matters application would follow on from outline approval in order to confirm the details of the actual development to be built.”

It also seeks permission for a bat box as a bat survey report “revealed that the building acts as a bat roost for low numbers of brown long-eared bats, greater horseshoe bats and lesser horseshoe bats.”

It finishes: “The proposed work seeks to demolish and remove the former school buildings and surrounding hard standing within the eastern half of the site. The playing fields and vegetation located to the west of the site will remain unaffected by the demolition works and would therefore remain intact.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

Education

Students bring back the medals from WorldSkills UK Finals

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2024

Richard Lewis

TALENTED Pembrokeshire College learners proved once again that they are among some of the best young trainees in the UK bringing home seven medals and two highly commended awards in the WorldSkills UK Finals held in Manchester during November.

A total of 12 Pembrokeshire College learners secured places in the UK Finals after scoring highly in the national qualifiers. They joined over 400 competitors from across the UK competing for medals in over 40 different skills at this prestigious competition.

Their medal haul included a Gold medal for Ross Muller in the Inclusive Skills Horticulture competition, as well as Gold medals for the Inclusive Skills Enterprise team; Ryan Lambert, Denver Picton and Kirsty Jones. Meanwhile Erin Owens secured Silver in Beauty Therapy while Dylan Jenkins and Mason Briskham picked up Bronze in Inclusive Skills Media. Highly Commended awards went to Luke Roberts in Welding and Kaya Mujica in Beauty Therapy.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith commented: “Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s magnificent competition. Each of you has showcased the exceptional talent and promise of our future workforce.

“Competitions like WorldSkills UK are so important in nurturing talent, providing a vital platform for young people to develop the skills they need to seize opportunities and achieve growth.

“Huge thank you to the judges, mentors, and organisers whose hard work and dedication make these events possible. Your efforts are helping to inspire and empower the next generation to succeed.”

Taking part in skills competitions is an important part of many courses at the College and allows learners to test their skills against the best of the best, learning how to work under pressure and giving them a real point of difference as they progress to employment or further study.

Dr Barry Walters, Principal at Pembrokeshire College commented: “We are incredibly proud of all the learners who made it through to the UK Finals.

“Competing at this level is proven to enhance a young person’s skills as well as helping them to develop key interpersonal and employability skills.

“As a College we are committed to equipping our learners with the skills to proactively contribute to the local, national and global economy and taking part in skills competitions forms a key part of this.”

To find out more about the range of courses available at the College go to the Pembrokeshire College website.