Education

Islwyn MS says Wales faces ‘watershed moment for culture’

Published

2 months ago

September 22, 2024

A SENEDD member warned Wales faces a watershed moment for culture as the Welsh Parliament debated cuts at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Rhianon Passmore led a Senedd debate on a 10,560-name petition against the RWCMD’s decision to cut junior programmes which were established 25 years ago.

The Labour backbencher, who represents Islwyn, said the petitions committee is extremely concerned about the impact of funding cuts on the pipeline for talented musicians.

Ms Passmore, who has been chairing the committee temporarily, warned: “This would leave Welsh children at a profound disadvantage to their English and Scottish counterparts.”

She told the Senedd the scaling back of youth services is a “hugely significant blow” to the college’s ability to support learners from poorer backgrounds.

Ms Passmore, a former music teacher who is chair of the cross-party group on music, pointed out that the Welsh Government’s draft budget will be published in December.

She said: “How we minimise the impact of funding cuts on our cultural institutions in the current economic climate is a critical issue for Wales and for our young people.”

The Islwyn MS welcomed the Welsh Government’s “encouraging” announcement of an additional £5m for culture and arm’s-length bodies such as the Arts Council of Wales.

But Ms Passmore warned: “The economic impact of stifling music development and the nurturing of our young people’s musical talent is of grave concern.”

She added: “Unless the Welsh Government steps in to safeguard institutions like the RWCMD, then we are at a watershed moment in the regression of Welsh cultural life.

“This is without the devastating reduction of Welsh National Opera to a part-time outfit.”

Peter Fox, a Conservative member of the petitions committee, warned the cuts will result in 112 staff losing their jobs and a loss of 400 students.

He said: “This will be an incredibly damaging blow to the arts scene … and threatens the future of an important part of our future cultural offer.

“It is a jewel in the crown we should be proud of and we should look to preserve.

“Sometimes, things aren’t always about money – they’re about social value and the importance that these things bring.”

Mr Fox, who represents Monmouth, said about 50% of students received bursaries, with many paying minimal or no fees.

He warned that many talented young musicians will find accessing training unaffordable, saying the cuts will have an incredibly detrimental impact.

Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru’s shadow culture secretary, recognised the “huge” financial pressure on the RWCMD which faced a 6% cut in public funding this year.

She said: “They need to make 10% spending savings this year, which corresponds to £1.5m and closing the provision that we’re addressing today contributes 16% of the 10% needed.”

Ms Fychan cautioned that a generation of the most talented young Welsh artists have been disenfranchised and “reduced to an elite few who can afford private tuition”.

Julie Morgan, the Labour MS for Cardiff North, visited the RWCMD during the consultation.

“It was actually heartbreaking, particularly on the last day…,” she said. ”People didn’t know what other opportunities there would be. They didn’t have anywhere to go….

“It just seemed so awful that this was happening here in Wales and that this was happening to something that was so important for the hopes and the future of our young people.”

Ms Morgan, a former minister and MP, told the chamber alternative proposals were put forward but were not seriously considered by the college.

She added: “The other point is that children were taught in Welsh and in English, which was the only facility that offered this. So, it just makes you think: why on earth did this happen?”

The Conservatives’ Tom Giffard, who represents South Wales West, pointed out that culture bore the brunt of cuts in this year’s Welsh Government budget.

He said: “We can talk all the warm words we like about the importance of the junior academy, but without putting the funding in place to support it, unfortunately the Welsh Government has practically condemned it to close.”

Rhys ab Owen, an independent member of the petitions committee, said he has received countless letters from concerned constituents.

The South Wales Central MS said: “We can boast as much as we like that Wales is the land of song but it doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

“The accolade is meaningless if we just rely on the glory of the past because that’s what will happen, if schools like this and musical services are continuing to be depleted…. Wales will be less musical, not more musical than other nations, if we continue down this road.”

Jenny Rathbone, the Labour MS for Cardiff Central, said it was a tragedy that the debate took place after the decision to close the junior department had already been made.

“In a sense, it’s an affront to all the people who bothered to sign the petition that the Royal Welsh College wasn’t prepared to wait and see what solutions could be arrived at,” she said.

“I’ve no doubt that change was needed and was inevitable because of the financial circumstances but I feel hugely disappointed that this decision was rushed ahead.”

Vikki Howells, who was appointed further and higher education minister last week, responded to the debate on September 18 on behalf of the Welsh Government.

She recognised the strength of feeling and financial challenges as she pledged to continue talks with the college as it shapes proposals for future provision.

Ms Howells pointed to the Welsh Government’s national plan for music education, saying key partners will provide support and signposting to talented young musicians.

The junior minister told the chamber the national music service has received significant investment, totalling £13m from 2022-25.

She stressed that it is not the role of ministers to intervene in the operational detail nor routine financial management of institutions.

“These decisions are clearly a matter for the college,” she said.

Education

Pupils wear wellies to back farmers: Council says schools can’t promote protest

Published

1 day ago

November 19, 2024

Jon Coles

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has denied trying to stop pupils from wearing Wellington boots to school in support of local farmers.

However, following a request, the Council refused to promote the wearing of the boots on its website or to allow schools to do so on theirs.

The Council communicated its decision on Monday, November 18, ahead of the national farmers’ protest in London on Tuesday, November 19.

Regardless, pupils across Pembrokeshire wore Wellington boots to school on Tuesday to show their support.

At Ysgol Bro Preseli many pupils had wellies on, and three older pupils reportedly drove to school in tractors.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The Education Act 1996 clearly prohibits practitioners from promoting partisan political views, and therefore, our schools are not permitted to promote the farmers’ protest taking place in London today.”

Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch said: “It’s is very upsetting to learn that Pembrokeshire County Council has pressured all schools across Pembrokeshire to withdraw their communications to parents and guardians, showing support to farmers regarding wellies day.

“Farmers are the cornerstone of our country. If there are no farmers, there is no food. If there is no food, there is no way to survive, meaning no Future. It really is as simple as that. Farmers deserve to be recognised.”

A local farmer was unimpressed: “Of course, Pembrokeshire County Council would roll over for their Labour paymasters in London.

“They’ve been rolling over for Labour in Cardiff Bay for years.

“It’s as if the Council doesn’t understand just how important agriculture is to the county’s economy, our identity, and our culture.

“Regardless of your political persuasion, a serious threat looms over the industry, and a show of solidarity would’ve been gratefully received by Pembrokeshire’s farmers.”

Another said: “The support for farmers is wide-ranging, and we owe much to those in London exercising their democratic right to represent rural Britain.

“It felt like a real community in London, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

“Even Londoners supported the farmers and loved the good-natured atmosphere: they said it was so much different than the usual protests they have there.”

(Image: File)

Education

Haverfordwest High VC School raise £12,775 for Children in Need

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THIS week students at Haverfordwest High VC School have raised a record breaking £12,775 for Children in Need. The week has been led by an incredible group of Senior Prefects and their Year 12 and 13 Children in Need Army. The Sixth Form events have consisted of:

150 students taking a Big Dip at Broadhaven Beach.
Bushtucker Trial – where students went up against HHVCS staff to eat some gruelly delights.
Buffee and Barnes’ Wednesday Night Takeaway – a quiz night held at Haverfordwest RFC.
A carwash – where staff, pupils and brave members of the public had their cars washed.
Our Head Boy Harry shaved and dyed his hair. Closely followed by Year 12 Oscar and Kayden shaving their heads in front of the entire Sixth Form Block
Senior Prefects Katie and Ffion conducted a half marathon around Haverfordwest and were joined by Head Boy Harry and Deputy Head Boy Finn.
Year 12 Libby and Year 13 Molly held a sponsored silence – it was a lovely day!
Netball and football matches
A bake sale
Sweet shop led by Year 12 Leah, Queenie and Chloe.
Cyclathon – where students cycled all day outside the Sixth Form Block on spin bikes.
Leg waxing – Brave Year 12 and 13 boys had their legs waxed in front of the whole school.
Fun Run – which involved pupils from across the whole school.
Teddy and Pudsey ears sale.
The younger year groups also played a huge part in the fundraising efforts with Achievement Leaders planning a range of events including:
Year 7 danceathon – where students danced all day to some disco classics. Led by Senior Prefect Lucy and her sidekicks Brianna and Carys.
Year 8 Awesome Auction – hosted by Year 8
Year 9 Quiz
Year 10 and 11 football and bingo

The week was topped off with a whole school fancy dress. We couldn’t be more proud of what our pupils and staff have achieved. This amount of money will make a huge difference to children in need.

Community

Save Lampeter University petition hits 2,600 in two days

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A 2,600-STRONG petition has been launched calling for a sustainable future for Wales’ oldest university, Lampeter, after fears all undergraduate teaching is to end.

The change.org petition, by John Jennings, was started on November 13 and, to date, has gained 2,579 signatures

It says: “The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has announced a plan to end all undergraduate teaching at its Lampeter campus by September 2025, a decision that would sever nearly 200 years of Lampeter’s role as a centre of higher education and devastate the local community.

“As alumni, students, and supporters, we call upon UWTSD and the Welsh Government to protect Lampeter’s legacy and commit to a sustainable future for this historic campus.”

It adds: “Lampeter is not only Wales’s oldest university institution but a pillar of its educational and cultural history. By allowing undergraduate teaching to end, UWTSD would undermine the very essence of Lampeter’s mission, weaken the local economy, and sever its historic role as a centre of learning. The town of Lampeter, the alumni community, and the people of Wales deserve better.

“We urge UWTSD and the Welsh Government to halt the planned end of undergraduate teaching at Lampeter and instead work with all stakeholders to create a viable, sustainable plan for the campus. This must include a serious investment in new courses, marketing, and student recruitment efforts to ensure Lampeter’s relevance and appeal for future generations.”

The petition has three demands.

It calls for a “deep and transparent consultation,” saying: “UWTSD must engage meaningfully with all stakeholders, including current students, staff, alumni, and the local community, to ensure that any decision regarding the campus’s future is fully informed by those who care most deeply about its heritage and potential.”

It also asks for a “Commitment to Sustainable Solutions,” saying: “Rather than abandoning Lampeter’s undergraduate provision, UWTSD should commit to a strategy that revitalises the campus, leverages the unique academic and cultural appeal that Lampeter has held for nearly two centuries, and makes use of the considerable skills, knowledge, and dedication of its alumni.”

It finishes: “As outlined in UWTSD’s Royal Charter, the university has a constitutional responsibility to maintain ‘a significant physical University presence’ at Lampeter. Closing undergraduate provision would effectively hollow out the campus, eroding its educational mission and violating the university’s own mandate to uphold Lampeter’s historic role within Welsh higher education.”

A spokesperson for UWTSD said: “The university is aware of the petition. We held a very helpful and extensive meeting with our students on Wednesday afternoon in which we listened to a range of opinions and concerns which we will be carefully considering as we develop the initial proposals further.

“We are early in the process and as well as our students we are discussing the best way forward with staff and representatives of other key stakeholders.”