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Education

Top destinations for College students following A-Level success

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PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE A-level and Diploma students will shortly be heading off to some top university destinations including Oxford and Cambridge after achieving outstanding results this summer.

Almost 200 students are now getting ready to take up their university places studying everything from aerospace engineering to paramedic science, law and game design at universities across the UK.

A-level student Louis Chadd (AAA*) will be taking up his place at the University of Oxford to read Chemistry while Seren Rhys-Cowen, is heading to the University of Cambridge to read Geography.

Further A-level successes include: Jack Springer (AAAA), Newcastle University to read Medicine; Oliver Hesse (AAAA), University of London to read Computer Science; Hywel Mansell (AAAA), UWTSD to read Primary Education; Andrew Scott (AAAB), University of Warwick to read Engineering; and Gwenna Maycock (A*AAA), Royal Veterinary College, University of London to read Veterinary Science.

Further A-level student university destinations include: Bath, Durham, Exeter, and Liverpool.

Proving that the Diploma route is a credible alternative to A-levels, BTEC Protective Services learner Ole Davidson achieved Distinction* grades and is heading to Durham University to read Politics and International Relations while Health & Social Care learner Ruby Toom who achieved BAAA* grades, is heading to Cardiff University to read Adult Nursing.

Other vocational success stories include Thomas Bowen who is heading to UWTSD (Swansea College of Art) to study Illustration and Devon Badham who is heading to the University of the West of England to study Business and Management with fellow Diploma students taking up places across the UK to study a range of subjects including Engineering, Musical Theatre, Visual Communication, Midwifery, Architecture and Football Studies.

This year also saw great results for adult learners studying on the Access to Health and Access to Bioscience programmes with university offers being accepted to study a wide range of nursing, caring and medical related degrees.

After receiving this year’s results, College Principal Dr Barry Walters commented: “There have been some tremendous success stories this year with learners progressing to a diverse range of degrees, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.

“We are incredibly proud of both our A-level and our vocational learners who have worked extremely hard showing perseverance and commitment in pursuing their goals. Throughout their time in College, they have been supported by an exceptional team of teaching and support staff, who go above and beyond to help learners to reach their intended destinations.

“We wish them all the best of luck and hope that they will keep in touch as they progress through their studies and into their future careers.”

For further information on the courses available at the College contact Admissions on 0800 9 776 778 or go to pembrokeshire.ac.uk/courses

Pictured: Congratulations to Oliver, a former Dyffryn Taf learner, on achieving BBB grades in your A-levels!

Community

Willhome Farm Barn attraction refusal expected next week

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A PEMBROKESHIRE farm barn attraction, which gained a 3,500-strong petition of support to keep it running after previously being refused by planning officers, is now recommended to be turned down by councillors next week.

Late last year, Stuart Williams of Home Farm, Leweston, near Camrose, was refused retrospective permission by planning officers to retain the Willhome Farm Barn farm park – and ancillary buildings – built in June 2022.

The site – whose facilities were used by the council’s own educational providers and parents of children with learning difficulties – is home to rabbits, llamas, donkeys, poultry, owls, goats, ponies and pigs, along with a café building, public conveniences, a children’s play area, and parking.

It was refused due to highway safety concerns and fears it would generate additional foul water flows which are likely to result in an increase in phosphate levels in the Cleddau River.

Since the refusal by planners, a change.org petition, Grant Planning Permission for Willhome Farm Barn in Pembrokeshire, was set up by Hook-based Jessica Austin, which has attracted more than 3,500 signatures to date.

Jessica’s petition said: “This decision not only affects this resilient family but also impacts schools attended with over 6,000 pupils, by adults from local wellbeing centres and families with children who have autism or learning difficulties like mine.

“It’s important to note that there are no apparent issues with existing amenities. Roads or waterways. The refusal of planning permission seems unjustified and is causing unnecessary distress within our community.”

Earlier this year, the applicant submitted a fresh call – supported by local community council Camrose – for permission to be granted, which was again due to be decided by planning officers.

At the request of local county councillor, and former council leader, Cllr Jamie Adams, a special meeting was held in July to discuss whether a decision could be made by councillors rather than officers, which was unanimously supported.

The application was due to be heard at the October meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, with a recommendation of refusal, reasons including those given for the previous application.

At the start of the October meeting, members heard the scheme had been temporarily withdrawn to allow the applicant’s agent more time to address concerns, with the plans now returning to the December 3 planning committee.

The application is recommended to be refused on the basis officers say it is in an unsustainable location and would have a negative environmental impact through additional traffic movements, highways issues, and “it has not been established that the proposed development would not generate additional foul water flows which would result in an increase in phosphate levels in the Cleddau River catchment adversely affecting the Cleddau Rivers Special Area of Conservation”.

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Education

Call to end dogs in Pembrokeshire schools to be discussed

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A CALL to end the ‘fad’ of permanent ‘school dogs’ in Pembrokeshire for their benefit and the befit of the schools, instead using visiting ‘therapy dogs’ is to be further discussed by councillors.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Schools and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting of November 28 considered a public submission by Robert Thomas – who works with therapy dogs through Cariad Pet Therapy – on the subject of school dogs.

The submission read: “My definition of a school dog is one that spends long periods in the school and is managed and owned by school employees not outside assessed and insured visiting therapy dogs who stay for an hour with a competent handler.

“The welfare of many dogs in schools in Pembrokeshire has been compromised over the last few years and we are concerned that the rise in the popularity of school-owned or teacher-owned dogs is an animal welfare issue.

“I can think of several school dogs in Pembrokeshire where it has gone wrong for the animal.”

He cited examples of ‘school dogs’ the county, where he says they have had to be removed, with the animals being unsettled, barking and even nipping on occasions, showing “a lack of understanding of animal welfare”.

His submission added: “We have done some work with the Animal Welfare team at the Welsh Government around licensing this field, a consultation was completed in March 2023, currently awaiting the outcome.

“It has become a fad across the country and many dogs spend all day in schools supported by staff members who have another job to do. It feels like PCC does not have a policy overarching animal welfare policy in schools to protect dogs from being seen as staff members and there purely for human benefit, not the dogs.

“Dogs need to rest and sleep during the day and not in school. The visiting therapy dog model works best as the impact is greatest and the welfare of the dog is managed externally. If the dog is there all the time that can diminish the impact, and the novelty can wear off for the pupils.

“In my experience schools should concentrate on teaching and leave the therapy dog introduction to those that have the expertise in animal welfare.”

At the November 28 meeting, Mr Thomas said both the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club were against full-time school dogs due to welfare concerns, adding, in Pembrokeshire’s case, there had been animal and pupil welfare issues.

Calling for either a halt to school dogs, or the creation of a special welfare officer post, he said there was a “real concern the dog is there for the school and not the school there for the dog,” adding: “Animal welfare is not just about basic need but about emotional needs too.”

Members were told by officers that all such dogs in Pembrokeshire’s case were “safe and well,” and decisions on having school dogs came under the schools, and was “not the case the local authority has encouraged them to get dogs,” but “lessons had been learned” about a possible “too hard and too fast” move to having them in schools.

Following a proposal by Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall members agreed to hold a special seminar to look at the issue in more depth before any recommendation was made.

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Education

Young musicians delight at Valero Secondary Schools’ Music festival

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MORE than 400 secondary age musicians took part in a variety of individual and ensemble competitions at the Pembrokeshire Valero Secondary Schools’ Music Festival held at Ysgol Caer Elen.

Musicians from the County’s Secondary Schools, Pembrokeshire College and further afield took part at the event on November 16th.

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts said: “Heartfelt congratulations to all the pupils who participated in the festival. It has been truly inspiring to see students enthusiastically sharing their musical talents in a supportive and encouraging environment.”

Mared Phillips from Ysgol Bro Preseli, was announced as overall winner of this year’s festival.

Earlier in the day Mared had sung ‘Le Colibri’ by Ernest Chausson. She was also the winner of the Open Woodwind competition, performing the Second movement of Saint-Saens oboe sonata.

The Open String competition winner was cellist Seren Barrett from Greenhill. She performed ‘Tarantella’ by WH Squire.

Open Jazz was won by pianist Iestyn Barellie, also from Greenhill. He performed ‘Sturdy build’ by Christopher Norton. Another double winner, Iestyn also won the Open Guitar competition, performing ‘Sir Duke’ by Stevie Wonder.

Libby Phillips of Haverfordwest High VC School was the winner of the Open percussion class, performing ‘Toccata’ by David Glynne.

Trombonist Ianto Evans of Ysgol Bro Gwaun won the Open Brass competition, playing ‘Thoughts of Love’ by Arthur Prior.

The Open Piano competition was won by Loti Makepeace of Ysgol Bro Preseli. She performed ‘Jingo’ by Christopher Norton.

The Open Vocal Ensemble class winners were a vocal trio from Haverfordwest High VC School – Mia Burnett, Honey Johnston and Briana Havard – who performed ‘Close to you’ by Burt Bacharach.

A piano and harp duo from Jenifer Rees and Eliza Bradbury, Pembrokeshire College, won the open Ensemble category. They performed ‘Preseli Skies’ by Monica Stadler.

The final performers of the afternoon were the Haverfordwest High VC expressive arts band, who performed ‘I’m still standing’ by Elton John. They were winners of the Rock and Pop ensemble competition.

The invited professional adjudicators – Timothy Angel, vocal; Matthew Jenkins, ensemble; Catherine Hare, woodwind; Robin Hackett, brass; Karin Jenkins, strings; Bethan Harkin, piano/harp and jazz; Ben Richards, instrumental; Philip Davies, percussion and rock and pop – were greatly impressed with the high standard and strength of schools’ music on show from across the County.

Mared Phillips from Ysgol Bro Preseli, was announced as overall winner of this year’s festival

Timothy Angel, vocal adjudicator, expressed his admiration for the day: “The wealth of musical talent within Pembrokeshire Music Service is evident to see and made my job both very rewarding and difficult.”

The results of the competitions held during the day were as follows:

WOODWIND

Grade 3 flute

1st – Imogen Holloway, YPD

2nd – Ruby Bunston, YBG

3rd – Saphire Cook, MHS

HC – Angharad Chin & Caitlyn Sanders-Swales, MHS

Grade 3 clarinet & sax

1st – Holly Smith, HHVC

2nd – Katherine Jones, Henry Tudor

3rd – Jed Cox, Greenhill

HC – Felicity Betteridge, MHS; Sasha Aulehla-Atkin, Caer Elen

Grade 4 woodwind

1st – Catrin Jones, Caer Elen

2nd – Erin Dando, MHS

3rd – Mali Jones-Hughes, HHVC

Grade 5 woodwind

1st – Ela-Gwennon Jones, Bro Preseli

2nd – Tom Pounder, MHS

3rd – Emily Dickinson, Greenhill

Grade 6 woodwind

1st – Eryn Howlett, MHS

2nd – Teri Aulehla-Atkin, HHVC

3rd – Eva Rees, MHS

Open Woodwind

1st – Mared Phillips, Bro Preseli

2nd – Libby Phillips, HHVC

3rd – Gemma Armstrong, Bro Preseli & Harry Armstrong, Pembrokeshire College

BRASS

Grade 3 Brass

1st – Eliza Wood, Greenhill

2nd – Tristan George, HHVC

3rd – Logan Rowe-Davies, HHVC

Grade 4 brass

1st – Eilidh Frazer, Greenhill

2nd – Teilo Corp, Bro Preseli

3rd – Bronwen Corp, Bro Preseli

HC – Luca Talbot-English, YBG

Grade 5 Brass

1st – Harry Thomas, YPD

2nd – Owain Williams, HHVC

3rd – Idris Leeming-Hicks, Caer Elen & Cornelia Harries, Bro Preseli

Grade 6 Brass

1st – Eliza Wood, Greenhill

2nd – Archie Noyce, Greenhill

3rd – Jaap Harries, Bro Preseli

HC – Gwilym Jones, Bro Preseli

Open Brass

1st – Ianto Evans, YBG

2nd – Marilla Evans, Bro Preseli

3rd – Carys Rycroft, Bro Preseli

HC – Ifan Evans, Bro Preseli & Morgan Price, Pembrokeshire College

STRINGS

Grade 3 strings

1st – Sybilla Couzens

2nd – Chloe Jenkins-Sims, Bro Preseli

3rd – Benny Brett, HHVC

HC – Nel Freeman, Henry Tudor & Lily Kingaby, YBG

Grade 4 strings

1st – Eloise Barry, HHVC

2nd – Janelle Cabral, HHVC & Brooke Paterson, YBG

3rd – Rosie Basford-Leslie, HHVC

HC – Izaac Frazer, Greenhill & Eira Kaill-Franks, YPD

Grade 5 strings

1st – Ruby Rapi, Bro Preseli

2nd – Nina Powell & Elena Gould

3rd – Cosmo Karenin, HHVC

HC – Claudia Couzens, Redhill

Grade 6 strings

1st – Annabel John, YPD

2nd – Gwenna Kennerley, HHVC

Open strings

1st – Seren Barrett, Greenhill

2nd – Mia Burnett, HHVC

3rd – Maria Cabral, HHVC

HC – Tom Bridger, YPD, Esyllt Corp, Bro Preseli & Sebastian Semaani, YPD

PIANO & HARP

Grade 3 & 4 piano & harp

1st – Hywel Davies, Bro Preseli

2nd – Dev Saini, Bro Preseli & Eva Corr, Redhill

3rd – Elizabeth Evans, HHVC

HC – Toby Slowgrove

Grade 5 piano & harp

1st – Ruby Kleinjans

2nd – Roberta Gale, YPD & Elena Gould

3rd – Amber O’Connor, Bro Preseli & Mischa Orford

Grade 6 piano & harp

1st – Tom Bridger, YPD

2nd – Toby Hounsell, Henry Tudor

3rd – Siddha Saini, Bro Preseli

HC – Gabriel Blackwell & Nikita Vajrala

Open piano & harp

1st – Loti Makepeace, Bro Preseli

2nd – Cosmo Karenin, HHVC

3rd – Ianto Evans, YBG & Sebastian Semaani, YPD

HC – Iestyn Barrellie, Greenhill

PERCUSSION

Drum kit grade 3-6

1st – Poppy Delaney, HHVC

2nd – Teilo Kite, YPD

3rd – Regan Phillips, MHS

HC – Haydon Straviniders, MHS

Overall Open percussion

Libby Phillips, xylophone, HHVC

Open tuned percussion

1st Libby Phillips, HHVC

Open drum kit

1st – Osian Ridgway, Henry Tudor

2nd – Libby Phillips, HHVC

3rd – Ryan Block, Bro Preseli

HC – Sam Berry, YBG & Will Rowe, HHVC

JAZZ

Jazz grade 3-5

1st – Matthew Picton, MHS

Open Jazz

1st – Iestyn Barrellie, Greenhill

2nd – Matthew Shaw, Greenhill

3rd – Harry Armstrong, MHS

HC – Tom Pounder, MHS

GUITAR

Open guitar

1st – Iestyn Barrellie, Greenhill

2nd – George Penney, MHS

3rd – Willis Riley, Greenhill

HC – Lewis Murray, YBG, Steffan James, Caer Elen & Leo Argent, Henry Tudor

VOCALS

Musical Theatre & classical vocals years 7-9

1st – Pixie Coast, HHVC

2nd – Toby Armstrong, Bro Preseli

3rd – Hollie Draper, YPD

HC – Ruby Sunderland, HHVC & Benny Brett, HHVC

Pop vocals years 7-9

1st – Sophia Jones, Henry Tudor

2nd – Brodie Chalmers, HHVC

3rd – Izzy Roberts, MHS & Caitlyn Sanders-Swales, MHS

HC – Martha Bhari, Henry Tudor

Musical Theatre & classical vocals years 10-13

1st – Sara Gwilliam, HHVC

2nd – Lily Davies, HHVC

3rd – Saoirse Whitehead, HHVC

HC – Esyllt Corp, Bro Preseli & Arianna Lister, Caer Elen

Pop vocals years 10-13

1st – Beca Phillips, Greenhill

2nd – Maisie Tennick, Caer Elen

3rd – Lacey Mattsen, HHVC

HC – Gwenna Kennerley, HHVC & Mia Young, Greenhill

Open vocals

1st – Mared Phillips, Bro Preseli

2nd – Corey Hooper-Rees, HHVC

3rd – Micah Bealby, Pembrokeshire College

HC – Ruby Panesar, HHVC & Nyah McKee, HHVC

ENSEMBLES

Instrumental ensembles grade 5-

1st – Roberta Gale, YPD & Eva Corr, Redhill – piano duet

2nd – Gemma Armstrong, Ollie Towe & Anna Dafydd – Bro Preseli flute trio

3rd – Toby Hounsell & Isla Hounsell – Henry Tudor piano duet

Open instrumental ensemble

1st – Pembrokeshire College harp & piano duet

2nd – HHVC flute ensemble

3rd – HHVC String quartet

Open vocal ensemble

1st – HHVC vocal trio

2nd – Pembrokeshire College vocal ensemble

3rd – Haverfordwest High Six

Open rock and pop ensemble

1st – HHVC Expressive arts band

2nd – YBG folk band

3rd – The Monarchs, MHS

HC – Caer Elen “Band 2” & MHS Rock Band

Photos: 1. Overall winner Mared Phillips, Ysgol Bro Preseli 2. Open solo class winners l-r Mared Phillips, Loti Makepeace, Ianto Evans, Seren Barrett, Iestyn Barrellie, Libby Phillips with Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts, Stephen Thornton of Valero, Miranda Morgan, Music coordinator. 3. Winners of the open ensemble classes – harp & piano duo, HHVC Expressive Arts Band, HHVC vocal trio).

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