News

Broad Haven School is top of the class

Published

9 years ago

February 2, 2016

Acting Head Teacher of Broad Haven School: Mr Gareth Lewis addresses the pupils at the unveiling of the school’s extension last November

PUPILS are thriving at Broad Haven School thanks to a ‘safe, enriching and vibrant learning experience’ according to a recently published Estyn report.

The report, published following an inspection towards the end of 2015, said the School’s current performance is ‘Good’ and the prospects for improvement are also ‘Good’.

The positive outcome of the inspection comes soon after last Autumn’s official opening of the school’s extension and refurbishment that was funded under the 21st Century Schools programme, a unique collaboration with Welsh Government that will see £150m invested in Pembrokeshire’s secondary and primary schools over the next few years.

Broad Haven was the first school in the County to benefit from the scheme.

A ‘Good’ judgement by Estyn describes the school as having “many strengths and no important areas requiring significant improvement.”

The inspection focused on three key questions:

1. How good are the outcomes?

2. How good is provision?

3. How good are leadership and management?

The school answered ‘Good’ in all of them.

A summary of Estyn’s report found that standards of pupils’ wellbeing are high, and pupils have a strong voice in the life of the school. The summary also stated the curriculum provides a broad range of stimulating and engaging learning experiences, and the provision for pupils in the Foundation Phase is of high quality.

In addition to this, the summary said that most teaching is effective, the quality of care, support and guidance is high, and the school provides a safe, enriching and vibrant learning environment in which most pupils thrive.

However, the report did find that rates of attendance do not compare favourably with those in similar schools. The school’s prospects for improvement are good because school leaders share a clear vision and are committed to improving pupils’ attainment; self-evaluation procedures identify areas for improvement accurately, and the school development plan is useful and includes suitable actions for securing improvement.

The school also benefits from close partnerships with parents and the community that contribute significantly to pupils’ wellbeing, and manages its resources carefully and provides good value for money. Acting Head of the school Mr Gareth Lewis said: “It’s a very good report and I’m thrilled that Estyn have recognised the huge amount of work that goes on to make Broad Haven School such a success which is down to the contribution made by pupils, staff and parents. It’s a great achievement for the school.”

His views were echoed by Cabinet Spokesperson for Education and Safeguarding Councillor Sue Perkins who added: “The pupils and staff of Broad Haven deserve a huge amount of credit for achieving such a positive report from Estyn.

“Whenever I visit the school it’s clear to see the teachers and pupils have an excellent rapport with each other and this is shown in the report’s findings.”

Estyn’s report on Broad Haven School can be found on www.estyn.gov.wales

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

11 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

18 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

19 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.