Education

Llanychllwydog School achieves Language Charter Gold Award

Published

3 years ago

July 6, 2023

LLANYCHLLWYDOG SCHOOL is thrilled to announce that it has become the first Welsh-medium school in Pembrokeshire to be honoured with the prestigious Language Charter Gold Award for its exceptional commitment to the promotion and utilisation of the Welsh language.

This recognition highlights the school’s dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of Wales while fostering an inclusive and rich Welsh learning environment for its learners.

The Language Charter Gold Award is given to schools that demonstrate outstanding efforts in promoting the Welsh language across all aspects of school life and in the community. The award also recognises how Llanychllwydog School has promoted Welshness by instilling a deep sense of cultural pride, celebrating Welsh traditions, fostering enjoyment of Welsh as a living language and creating an environment where the language thrives.

Llanychllwydog School is not only dedicated to nurturing the Welsh language with its learners but also plays a crucial role in developing Welsh within the broader community. Recognising the importance of promoting Welsh beyond the classroom, the school actively engages with individuals and groups who are learning the language.

At Llanychllwydog School the ‘Criw Cymraeg’ create opportunities for learners in the area to join them in school on celebration days to practice and immerse themselves in the Welsh language in a supportive and inclusive environment. By fostering connections and collaboration with the wider community, the school actively empowers individuals to embrace the language and enriching the cultural fabric of the region.

Catrin Phillips, Welsh Language Devlopment Officer for Pembrokeshire County council congratulated the school on their outstanding achievement. “It was a pleasure to award the school for their unwavering dedication to upholding the cultural values of the area and nurturing a generation of linguistically proficient and culturally aware individuals,” she said.

She added: “Llanychllwydog School’s commitment to developing Welsh within the community is a testament to its vision of ensuring that the language remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come.”

Headteacher Amanda Lawrence expressed her delight at receiving the Language Charter Gold Award, saying: “This achievement is a testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff, learners, parents, and the wider community. At Llanychllwydog School, we believe that language is the key to preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage. We are immensely proud of our learners for embracing the Welsh language and immersing themselves in its rich history.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, congratulated the school on receiving the award, saying “I am delighted to hear that the great efforts and hard work of the learners and staff at Ysgol Llanychllwydog have been recognised by their receiving the Language Charter Gold Award. As a Welsh learner myself, I know the importance of using and immersing yourself in the Welsh language and making sure it is fun for learners and everyone involved. Diolch yn fawr pawb!”

Education

Carmarthenshire schools praised as careers pilot expands nationwide

Published

7 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SCHOOLS in Carmarthenshire have been recognised for improving careers education as a national rollout of a new award scheme moves a step closer.

The Careers Wales Quality Award (CWQA), which has been piloted since September 2023, has involved 66 schools and education settings across Wales. These include primary and secondary schools, special schools, pupil referral units and EOTAS provisions.

Among those taking part are Ysgol Glan-y-Mor, Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, Ysgol Gynradd Llandybie and Burry Port Community Primary School.

Early feedback from the pilot suggests schools have strengthened leadership and planning around careers education, improved engagement with parents and employers, and increased pupils’ involvement in shaping their own learning. Teachers have also reported greater confidence in delivering careers-related lessons.

The scheme focuses on careers and work-related experiences for learners aged three to 16, aligned with the Curriculum for Wales.

Registration has now opened for schools across Wales to join the programme from September 2026.

The award is split into three stages — leadership, development and impact — designed to help schools build a structured approach to careers education and demonstrate its impact on pupils.

A national rollout will also introduce Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, aimed at recognising progress while allowing flexibility for different schools.

Mark Owen, Head of Stakeholder Services at Careers Wales, said the pilot had helped shape the scheme ahead of its wider launch.

He said: “High-quality careers and work-related experiences play an essential role in helping learners understand their options and develop the confidence and skills they need for the future.

“We’re encouraged by the positive impact we’re already seeing and look forward to welcoming more schools to take part.”

Education

Milford Haven School celebrates Year 11 leavers as ASPIRE awards evening

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL recently hosted a special ASPIRE celebration evening to honour its 2025 Year 11 leavers.

The event recognised the hard work and commitment shown by pupils throughout their studies, as well as their examination successes, while marking the start of their next chapter.

A highlight of the evening was a return visit from former pupil Ben Robertson, who attended as guest speaker. He shared his journey since leaving school, including building a successful career in digital marketing. Ben now works as a Digital Marketing Manager at Paragon Bank and was recently named Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2025.

Staff said it was a pleasure to welcome back former students and hear about the varied and exciting paths they are now pursuing.

The school also thanked award sponsors for their continued support in recognising student achievement.

Well done to the Class of 2025.

Education

Pembrokeshire schools recognised in Careers Wales pilot as national rollout begins

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SCHOOLS in Pembrokeshire have been recognised for their role in a major Welsh pilot scheme aimed at improving careers education, as a national rollout prepares to open later this year.

The Careers Wales Quality Award (CWQA), launched in September 2023, has seen 66 schools and education settings across Wales take part, including Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi and Pembrokeshire Learning Centre.

The scheme focuses on strengthening careers and work-related experiences (CWRE) for pupils aged three to sixteen, in line with the Curriculum for Wales.

Early feedback from pilot schools highlights a number of benefits, including stronger leadership and planning, improved engagement with parents and employers, and increased confidence among teachers delivering careers-related learning.

Schools also reported that the programme has helped ensure careers education remains a consistent priority across school life.

Gareth Williams, of Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, said: “Being part of the pilot has made us realise we are doing more than we thought.

“It’s encouraged us to rethink things like parent evenings by inviting employers in, and it keeps careers high on the agenda in everything we do.”

The award is delivered in three stages—Leadership, Development and Impact—guiding schools from planning their approach to fully embedding careers education and demonstrating its impact on learners.

Careers Wales says the pilot has helped shape the scheme ahead of its wider launch, with participating schools working closely with curriculum coordinators to refine the framework.

The national rollout will introduce Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, allowing schools to progress at their own pace while recognising achievement.

Mark Owen, Head of Stakeholder Services at Careers Wales, said: “High-quality careers and work-related experiences are essential in helping learners understand their options and develop the confidence and skills they need for the future.

“The quality award provides a clear and supportive framework for schools to embed this work across the curriculum.”