News
Cabinet member’s mistake misleads
AN ERROR in information provided to Cabinet member Sue Perkins, the IPPG’s spokesperson on education, meant that she inadvertently misled councillors at a key meeting that discussed the Council’s plans for education in Pembrokeshire.
The mistake appears to have arisen because information given to Cllr Perkins was either incomplete or framed in such a way as to support what officers have been claiming about the poor performance of schools for which they have had responsibility for years.
At March’s council meeting, Cllr Perkins told councillors that the full suite of science course was not offered at Tasker-Milward School. The so-called ‘triple science’ option was not available at GCSE, she said.
The Herald understands that the error appears to have originated within the Children and Education Department, and is based upon that department’s own request that Tasker- Milward cut costs and stop providing the option.
An examination of data in the Council’s possession reveals that not only is triple science available at the Haverfordwest school, but also that results in the triple-science GCSE course are of the highest possible standard and have markedly improved over the last full academic year for which results are available.
The current situation is that, through further judicious timetabling, the Headteacher and staff of TM are not only able to offer Double Science to all pupils but also Triple Science to those keen to pursue that option.
The results below speak for themselves in highlighting the success of Triple Science at TM.
Results last year for A*-C (29 pupils) were:
Physics 100%
Chemistry 100%
Biology 97%
In 2013 (for 19 pupils)
Physics 74%
Chemistry 84%
Biology 79%
Approximately 30 pupils are about to take their Triple GCSEs, with another 30 studying in Y10 (and approximately the same number in Y9 showing interest for the next academic year).
Sue Perkins also told councillors, mistakenly, that: “Triple science had been offered at Tasker-Milward, but the numbers of learners that came forward was small, with many learners deemed not suitable based on their current Key Stage 3.”
The council has claimed that the statistics upon which it has based its consultation are correct.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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anonymous
June 18, 2015 at 7:01 pm
is Clr Perkins looking for scapegoats because the IPPG have been found out about education?
Anwen
June 19, 2015 at 11:26 am
Hairdresser in charge of education!!’
tomos
June 21, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Anwen wrote:
Nothing wrong in being a hairdresser, what she should be ashamed about is her links to the IPiGs
tomos
June 21, 2015 at 3:13 pm
PS Miatakes ? very funny!