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Education

GCSE Results Day: Pembrokeshire celebrates success amid challenges

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STUDENTS across Pembrokeshire joined thousands throughout Wales today, celebrating the release of their GCSE, Welsh Baccalaureate, and vocational qualification results.

Formal GCSE exams were held this year, integrating various support mechanisms in response to the challenges imposed by the pandemic. These measures included providing advance information on exam content and adopting a supportive grading approach.

During his visit to Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham, The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, expressed his admiration for the resilience and determination of the students. He said, “It’s inspiring to see what our learners have achieved. These learners have faced immense challenges impacting their learning opportunities as they’ve navigated through their secondary schooling and onto their GCSEs.”

He also took the opportunity to remind students who may feel disappointed with their results that there are numerous avenues open for their next steps, whether it’s A-levels, vocational training, apprenticeships or seeking advice from their schools.

Echoing these sentiments, Thomas Baden Tudor, Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, expressed his admiration for Pembrokeshire’s students. In a heartfelt message from County Hall in Haverfordwest, he said, “Congratulations to all the students receiving their GCSE results today. Your outstanding efforts during these challenging times are commendable. Also, my heartfelt thanks go out to all the educators and staff who’ve guided these students on their journey.”

To help students with choices, Dr Nick Smith, Principal at Oxford Home Schooling, highlighted the various pathways available to students who might not have achieved their anticipated grades. He emphasised the plethora of opportunities available – from contacting course representatives at colleges to considering apprenticeships, work experiences, or even a gap year.

For those pondering over the next step in their academic journey, Dr Smith pointed out, “When it comes to A-levels, there are a myriad of subjects to choose from, and it’s even possible to pursue them independently from the comfort of your home.”

Commenting on the news that GCSE grades in Wales are down on last year, Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Minister Laura Anne Jones MS said: “Congratulations to students receiving GCSE results today and the teachers and support staff who have worked exceedingly hard and faced severe disruption over the last couple of years. I would like to wish everyone the best of luck with whatever they choose to do next. There are an abundance of options available to you, including A-levels and apprenticeships.

“As was the case with A-levels, results are down on last year. It is also concerning that exam entries are down this year, particularly with Mathematics (down 0.3%), Mathematics-Numeracy, (down 8.3%) English Literature (down 29.1%) and ICT (down 15.5%). The drop in exam entries is particularly significant amongst children from a disadvantaged background, Labour need to explain how they will tackle the drop in exam entries of such important subjects, and ensure our children aren’t left behind.

“Ultimately, there is more to education than just exam results and Wales deserves better, Labour are failing our children with their underfunding and continue to cut the education budget. This has placed our schooling system bottom of the UK league table, with Wales continuing to take a different approach to our counterparts in England. With 25% of students missing 15 days or more of education, the Labour Government must get their act together and do better in providing top tier education in every school in Wales.”

As Pembrokeshire joins the rest of the nation in celebrating the hard work and tenacity of its young minds, the collective sentiment remains one of hope, resilience, and optimism for the future. The journey to today might have been paved with unique challenges, but it has only made the success stories all the more inspiring.

RESULTS DAY LIVE: Advice from international education specialist

This year has undoubtedly been challenging for everyone sitting their examinations, particularly after the last few years of disruptions caused from both the pandemic and industrial action. Many are saying it is too soon for exams to return to pre-covid levels with some students still recovering the learning they lost during the COVID-19 period. While pupils have been warned that their grades may not be as high as previous years, it’s hugely important for them to remember that they still managed to make it to this point! Sitting exams is no mean feat, and for many they are never a pleasant experience, but they still showed up and sat them regardless.

This year’s students have withstood one of the most chaotic educational periods in history. That accomplishment alone is remarkable, and the fact that they’re moving forward with their lives with exam results in hand, is something to celebrate.

I know that exam results may feel like the be all and end all right now, but for anyone who may be disappointed or disheartened by their results, here are my five top tips on how to deal with how you’re feeling and what positive steps you can now take.

Top tips:

• Don’t panic: If your results aren’t quite what you were hoping for, you are going to be upset, so don’t fight it; let yourself be upset for a little bit, and then start to think practically about your next steps and remind yourself what you’re working towards. Your results are likely to have been impacted by a number of things outside of your control, and you’re comparing them to the results of recent years which were marked using an entirely different system. You’ll never have a mark against your name because you’ve failed. You can still do well and succeed, even with having to re-sit a module or an exam.

• Talk about it: Make sure you talk through how you’re feeling with your loved ones so they can support you. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to your teachers if your results aren’t what you were hoping for. They know how to navigate this situation and will have seen their pupils in this position many times. Discuss with them what your options are going forward and ask their opinion on where they believe your strengths lie, and how you can improve your results if you re-sit a module or exam.

• Ask for support: Beyond your teachers, consider reaching out to career advisors or pastoral support staff at your school. If you need additional help, especially for re-sits, seek assistance from tutors or other educators. Additionally, don’t hesitate to contact professionals in your desired industry to gain insights about their career paths and advice on how to succeed in your journey.

• Consider a plan B: Exam grades do not define success; there are many other ways to achieve your goals and aspirations. Remember that ‘clearing’ doesn’t have to be a negative thing– it can be your best friend if your results weren’t what you hoped for! Also keep in mind that while GCSEs may be a good route for those looking to go on to A Levels, they may not carry quite as much weight for students whose ambitions lie elsewhere. Students who are working towards skilled, hands-on or vocational careers may find more benefit in qualifications such as BTECs and apprenticeships.

• Evaluate your strengths and interests: Take some time to assess your strengths and to understand what truly motivates and interests you. If your exam results don’t match your aspirations, there may be other education or career opportunities that better utilize your skills and meet your interests. More than anything, don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone’s educational journey is different.

Education

Disabled children ‘denied rights to education’

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DISABLED children and young people in Wales are being fundamentally let down and denied their right to education, Senedd Members warned.

Buffy Williams, who chairs the children’s committee, led a debate after an inquiry found many disabled children do not have equal access to education and childcare.

The Labour politician raised concerns about the Welsh Government rejecting six of the 32 recommendations emerging from the committee’s 239-page report.

She welcomed recognition that more must be done to uphold children’s rights to education.

But, addressing Welsh ministers, Ms Williams warned: “We do not feel that your response commits to a step change in the pace and scale of the action required to do so.

“Our committee, like the online advisory group, worries that maybe you are not giving these issues the priority they deserve.”

She told the Senedd that families’ distressing experiences left an imprint, with the committee hearing some children are thinking about and attempting suicide due to a lack of support.

Ms Williams said parents, carers and young people on the advisory group believe ministers’ formal response to the report fails to recognise the seriousness of the issues families face.

She warned the Welsh Government appears to have “resigned” itself to a substantial shortfall in inclusive childcare for disabled and neurodivergent children.

Criticising ministers’ decision to rebuff calls for mandatory training on disability for all school staff, she stressed the importance of understanding and meeting children’s needs.

Ms Williams, who represents Rhondda, said the Welsh Government’s response appears to delegate responsibility for equity in childcare and education to councils.

She asked: “What more will it take for the Welsh Government to step in, to give local authorities the support they so clearly need?”

Gareth Davies said support for disabled children is patchy across Wales, with schools lacking funding, staff and expertise to deliver inclusive education.

Mr Davies, the Conservatives’ shadow mental health minister, warned that disabled children disproportionately experience bullying in school as he called for greater safeguards.

Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan described the committee’s inquiry as heartbreaking, with failings having a devastating impact on families.

She told the debating chamber or Siambr that children as young as five or six have been traumatised and failed by the education system.

Carolyn Thomas, a Labour backbencher who chairs the petitions committee, stated the Senedd has received five petitions on Wales’ additional learning needs (ALN) reforms.

“The sheer number of petitions and signatures highlights the strength of feeling,” she said.

South Wales East Laura Anne Jones warned ALN support is one of the most pressing issues facing families, with lower-level needs “falling under the radar”.

She said it is disgraceful that so many teachers and assistants still lack basic neurodiversity training, which leads to disabled children’s behaviour being wrongly labelled disruptive.

Calling for urgent action, the Conservative criticised ministers for failing to accept “crucial” recommendations, saying: “Inclusive education is not a luxury, it is a right.”

Hefin David, whose daughter is autistic, sought to place the debate in historical context as he drew on his own family’s experiences.

He said: “In the 1970s and ’80s, my daughter would have been in an institution for most of her early life, she would have spent the whole time there.”

The Caerphilly Senedd Member recognised that progress is sometimes not fast enough but he emphasised that young people are being treated better today than ever before.

Dr David, who is stepping down from the children’s committee, said: “To take too much of a downbeat note on these things is to devalue the experience of those who suffered.”

The Labour politician described the 32 recommendations as “too many”, warning this is problematic in terms of setting people up to fail with resources spread so thin.

Responding to the debate on November 12, Lynne Neagle apologised to families for their experiences which she said made for distressing and sobering reading.

Wales’ education secretary said: “I am truly sorry … and I say on behalf of the [Welsh] Government that it is not good enough.”

Ms Neagle, whose first job after university was working with parents of disabled children, recognised that families too often feel the need to fight for support.

“It affected me deeply,” she told the Senedd. “And I want to acknowledge that not enough has changed for enough families – we can and we must do better.”

She said: “Rights on their own are not enough, they must be translated into action…. I know too many children and families have been waiting too long for their rights to become action.

“Like them, I am impatient for change. As a government, we will not stop until we get it right for all children and young people in Wales.”

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Business

Kurtz addresses Employment and Skills Convention

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SENEDD Member Samuel Kurtz kicked off an Employment and Skills Convention at the Cardiff City Stadium recently, organised by the Learning and Skills Institute. The event sought to unite organisations, businesses, and training providers to discuss critical issues surrounding employment and skills development across Wales.

The convention featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including local Samuel Kurtz MS, who is the Shadow Minister for the Economy and Energy; Rhys Morris, Managing Director of The Busy Group; and Megan Hooper, Director for Employment and Skills at Serco. Together, they explored strategies for increasing employment and the positive impacts this can have on individuals, young people, and the broader community.

Following the event, Samuel Kurtz said: “It was a privilege to speak at this convention and to underscore the vital role of collaboration between government and the private sector in aligning skills and training with the evolving needs of our economy.

“By enhancing skills and creating jobs, we can foster a resilient workforce that will not only meet today’s demands but also drive essential green infrastructure projects, ensuring a prosperous future for young people in Wales.

“Welsh Government Ministers must acknowledge their role in addressing high levels of economic inactivity. Introducing employment targets is essential to support people in re-entering the workforce and contributing to Wales’ economic growth.”

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Education

Concern over ‘highest-ever’ school bullying rates

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RATES of bullying in Welsh schools have reached record levels, with more than one in three children and young people reporting being bullied, the Senedd heard.

Gareth Davies raised concerns about a 6% increase in bullying between 2021 and 2023, according to a survey of more than 130,000 pupils in 200 secondary schools.

The Conservatives’ shadow mental health minister told the Senedd: “These results are higher than ever previously reported in the survey, which is deeply troubling.”

He said the latest survey showed regression on “just about every metric of pupil wellbeing”, including growing social isolation and a rise in behavioural issues.

Mr Davies, who worked in the NHS in north Wales for more than a decade, pointed to a 2021 legal duty to have regard to the mental health of children and young people.

He said: “The mental health of pupils has declined and reports of bullying in schools have only increased, so the Welsh Government have failed in that duty, unfortunately.”

Plaid Cymru’s Cefin Campbell called for an update to 2019 anti-bullying guidance for school governing bodies following a commitment from the Welsh Government eight months ago.

The shadow education secretary focused on the impact of poverty, warning the high cost of school uniforms can cause stress and lead to bullying.

Mr Campbell, a former lecturer, expressed concerns about penalties, such as detention, for pupils over non-compliance with uniform policies.

Raising a report on “horrific” experiences of racism in Welsh schools, he said one pupil was told a classmate did not want to sit next to them due to the colour of their skin.

“That’s entirely unacceptable in our schools,” said Mr Campbell.

Labour’s Carolyn Thomas warned children’s mental health is at an all-time low, pointing to smartphones and social media as major contributing factors.

She said: “They can be used to bully, manipulate and control, sending young people into an isolated world of despair, not thinking they can get out of it or go to somebody for help.”

The North Wales politician highlighted a petition calling for a ban on phones in schools.

Rhys ab Owen, an independent who represents South Wales Central, stressed that bullying can impact people for decades to come after school.

“But it’s an issue that doesn’t affect learners equally,” he said. “In Cardiff, around a third of learners come from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

“And I was staggered to read a survey from 2020, which said that 61.5% of learners had expressed stereotypes over skin colour, religion and nationality.”

In a statement on November 12 to mark anti-bullying week, Lynne Neagle accepted that bullying continues to be an issue in Welsh schools.

Pledging to prioritise the problem, Wales’ education secretary said new statutory anti-bullying guidance will be published for consultation after Christmas.

Ms Neagle pointed to concerning trends, including 42% of girls scoring high or very high in a questionnaire on psychological problems compared with 27% of boys.

She told the Senedd: “I wouldn’t want to be a teenager growing up today.”

Ms Neagle stated the Welsh Government provided more than £800,000 this year for one of the biggest surveys of children and young people in the UK.

She said: “The link between bullying and mental health is well known. At its most extreme, young people have taken their own lives as a result of being bullied. This is a tragedy for the young life lost, for their family and friends and for whole communities.”

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