Welsh Government outlines its approach to qualifications

 Education Minister Kirsty Williams has today (Tuesday, November 10) confirmed Wales’ approach for qualifications in 2021 and her decision that there will be no end of year exams for learners taking GCSEs, AS levels or A levels.

The Minister outlined:

• that in place of exams, the Welsh Government intended to work with schools and colleges to take forward teacher-managed assessments,
• that this should include assessments that will be externally set and marked but delivered within a classroom environment under teacher supervision.
• her expectation this work will form the basis for centre-based outcomes which will be linked to an agreed national approach to provide consistency across Wales.

The announcement has been made after considering detailed advice published by Qualifications Wales on the delivery options available as well as the interim findings of an independent review into this year’s exams process.

The Minister also discussed options with a range of people including learners and their families, head teachers, college leaders, the Children’s Commissioner and universities across the UK.

Confirming her policy decision, Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “The well-being of learners and ensuring fairness across the system is central in our decision making process.

“In line with the recommendations of both Qualifications Wales and the Independent Review, there will be no exams for GCSE or AS level learners next year. A-level students will also not be required to sit exams.

“We remain optimistic that the public heath situation will improve, but the primary reason for my decision is down to fairness; the time learners will spend in schools and colleges will vary hugely and, in this situation, it is impossible to guarantee a level playing field for exams to take place.

“We have consulted with universities across the UK and they have confirmed that they are used to accepting many different types of qualifications.

“They expect a transparent and robust approach which provides evidence of a learner’s knowledge and ability. 

“Our intended approach does just that, as it is designed to maximise the time for teaching and learning. 

“Cancelling exams provides time for teaching and learning to continue throughout the summer term, to build the knowledge, skills and confidence in our learners to progress in whatever they decide to do next.”

The Minister said Welsh Government would work with teachers to take forward teacher-managed assessments and that they should include assessments that will be externally set and marked, but delivered within a classroom environment under teacher supervision.

Teachers would have flexibility when it is best to undertake them, in the context of results timelines

The Minister said: “The full approach to this will be developed by school and college leaders, supported by Welsh Government and advised by Qualifications Wales and WJEC.

“My policy intention is that this will form the basis for centre-based outcomes which will be linked to an agreed national approach to provide consistency across Wales to assure universities and colleges of our approach. 

 “This work will be completed in the autumn term to provide time for implementation from January and we envisage that the first assessment activities will not commence until the latter half of the spring term.”

The Minister also reiterated that a £50 million package of support has been put in place to support learners in exam years to develop the skills and knowledge they need to confidently progress.

The Minister added: “This remains a highly challenging year and what I have announced today sets a course which removes pressures from learners and provides clear time for teaching and learning. 

“I now look to our schools, colleges, qualifications bodies, and the wider education sector to work cooperatively and collaboratively through the year to support our learners and enable them to progress with confidence.”

The situation for Vocational Qualifications is more complex and will require extra work.

The Minister confirmed Welsh Government officials would continue to support Qualifications Wales as they work closely with other regulators to ensure a ‘pragmatic approach that works in learners’ interests and gives them clarity about the way forward.’

* Denbighshire County Council has welcomed the decision from the Welsh Government Education Minister about GCSEs and A Levels arrangements for  2021.

Kirsty Williams MS announced today (Tuesday) that GCSE and A Level students would not be sitting examinations in May/ June 2021, but will receive grades based on assessments carried out in schools. 

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Children, Education and Public Engagement, said: “ It is great news that a decision has finally been made which means  that our young people are not being left in limbo and facing a lot of uncertainty.  I hope the Minister’s announcement really provides some peace of mind to students, schools and families about the arrangements for next year.  It has been such an uncertain period for them all but it means that schools can now get on with the task of continuing to provide the right level of support that students need.

 

“Coronavirus has had such an impact on the school timetable this year that going down the route of no examinations was absolutely the fairest outcome for our young people. 

 

“We will be working with schools, as well as at regional and national level to ensure that the process is followed and provides fairness to everyone”.

 

Government cash available for innovative businesses

* Minister for Economy, Transport, and North Wales, Ken Skates.

The Welsh Government is making funding available to support businesses with innovative products and services that will help communities and the public sector adapt to the challenges of coronavirus. 

The Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), which can offer up to £50,000 to promising projects able to start in January 2021 and complete by the end of March, will also be important for schemes that can support the public sector after the EU Transition period. 

The focus will be on creating better lives closer to home, by delivering against three key objectives that support the Welsh Government’s Economic Action Plan. These are to: 

• Build Back Green - enabling businesses and communities to adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 with a focus on a healthier, cleaner and more sustainable Wales. We are looking for solutions that enable people to continue to work closer to home, considering accessibility and safety whilst maintaining a sense of community and connection.
• Create sustainability and security in supply chains - supporting place-based and needs-led driven business supply chains to secure jobs for the future and to safeguard against further supply chain disruptions so that communities have access to healthy food sources.
• Support mental and physical wellbeing for all generations - developing new products and services to address mental health, improve access to care, and support the resilience of communities throughout the pandemic and beyond.

Solutions could include ways to use emerging digital and smart technology to support the mental wellbeing of people within communities; reduce the impact of emissions on health; tackle the impacts of food poverty; or reduce unemployment and the need to commute.

Minister for Economy, Transport, and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: "The coronavirus pandemic is the biggest public health emergency this country has ever faced. We need people with expertise, entrepreneurship and innovative thinking to work with us and help deliver sustainable solutions to the challenges it poses to the long term wellbeing of our communities and economy.

"I am incredibly proud of the ingenuity and sense of community Wales has demonstrated in dealing with the impacts of coronavirus virus, but there is much more to be done as we continue to adapt to the ever changing landscape in which we live and work.

"The Small Business Research Initiative provides important funding for firms to link with the public sector and deliver important solutions to specific challenges. I encourage those with an interest to get involved."

Lynda Jones, SBRI Centre of Excellence manager, said: "COVID 19 has affected us all, and for this challenge we are seeking innovations that will help support long term health and wellbeing whilst supporting communities and the economy.

"Successful applicants will have the unique opportunity to collaborate and work closely with a team of experts from the relevant sectors to help develop their solutions.

"The Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) has a total of £250,000 available to offer successful projects."

Businesses have until 12pm on November 27, 2020 to submit their ideas.

* For more information, e-mail: SBRI.COE@wales.nhs.uk. For more information and to submit a project for consideration, visit: sdi.click/betterlives.

Former councillor receives letter of thanks from MP

 

* Former councillor George Hughes.

Following his recent resignation from Llangollen Town Council former mayor George Hughes has received a letter of thanks and wishes from the area’s MP.

As revealed by llanblogger, Mr Hughes, 81, quit the council last week saying only that he had found himself disagreeing with the direction it was taking.

He had served three terms on the council and was town mayor from 2007-2009.

Born, bred and educated in Llangollen, he worked for 25 years as a plant operator at the Monsanto chemical plant in Acrefair.

Later he spent 10 years as a retained firefighter based in the town. He retired about 20 years ago.

Mr Hughes said he would continue to be a member of Shape My Llangollen, the group of volunteers which has been tasked by the Town Council to produce Llangollen’s official input into the emerging Denbighshire Local Development Plan.   

The letter sent to him by Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes says: “I would like to say thank you for your work on Llangollen Town Council.

“You work on the Town Council and as town mayor have been an invaluable contribution to community in Llangollen.

“I am also very pleased to hear that you are continuing on Shape My Llangollen.

“Once again I thank you for all the work you have put into the Llangollen area and it is greatly appreciated.

“I wish you all the best for the future.”

Mr Hughes said: “I feel very glad and pleased to have received the letter from the local MP.

“It’s nice to be appreciated and to see him taking an interest in the town.”   

Railway's urgent bridge appeal half way to £15,000 target

* The bridge over the River Dee which needs urgent repairs to its timbers. 

The appeal launched by Llangollen Railway to repair a Victorian bridge vital to its running of trains is already half way to its target.

As llanblogger revealed, the railway put out the urgent call to its supporters during the last week of October for £15,000 to revive Dee Bridge, built in 1865 and now in desperate need of new timbers if it is to continue services next year.

In a Facebook post fundraiser officer Paul Bailey said: "If we are to run trains over the Dee Bridge next year we first have to renew the timbers on the bridge.

"This work, including purchasing the timbers, is costing £15,000 - monies the railway currently has not got.

"We have therefore launched an appeal to raise these monies without which we will not be able to carry out the necessary repairs to run train services in 2021."

Mr Bailey now reports "a fantastic response from our supporters."

And he said: "We have already reached half this amount in just one week but still require another £7.5k before we can order the timbers for this work to be done.

"Thank you to everyone that has donated to this appeal."

A railway spokesperson explained: "The bridge dates from 1865 when the line opened but is a remarkable survivor as the scrapman didn't demolish it in 1968 when the line was closed by Beeching.

"Without it remaining in situ the infant Llangollen Railway would never have got beyond Pentrefelin.

"The LR society, as it was, renovated it in 1984 with some grant aid as part of the extension to Berwyn.

"The need for renewal now is for the timbers which support the rails across the steel structure - a regular maintenance job.

"It is made more complex this time by the lack of income when no trains are running, with the appeal to members and supporters for cash to allow the expensive new timbers to be purchased ahead of replacement work in 2021.

"If anyone wishes to contribute to this appeal please contact me on 01490 450271, or email paulbaileywincham@yahoo.co.uk for payment methods."

Roadworks alert for Church Street

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:  

Church Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

11 November — 12 November

 

Delays possible - Traffic control (multi-way signals)

 

Works location: Church St, Llangollen...

 

Works description: Highway improvement works as part of Welsh Government COVID 

scheme....

 

Responsibility for works: Sir Ddinbych - Denbighshire

 

Current status: Advanced planning

 

Works reference: QR007S000000000400

Veterans take part in live-streamed Remembrance service

 

* Veterans take part in the remembrance service in Centenary Square.

* Father Lee Taylor leads the service.

This morning a film crew from Llangollen company Orb Sound & Lighting filmed and live-streamed on Facebook a small group of local forces veterans taking part in the traditional service of Remembrance in Centenary Square.

The service, which included the traditional wreath-laying on the war memorial, was led by Llangollen Vicar, Father Lee Taylor.

This followed Llangollen Town Council’s decision, announced recently, that due to coronanvirus restrictions it would not be staging the usual public ceremony.

In advance of the screening Orb specifically asked members of the public not to gather at the square to watch the event.

These pictures of the service were taken remotely by llanblogger.

The service was watched live by around 40 people.

* The area's two county councillors, Melvyn Mile (left) and Graham Timms laid their own wreath on the war memorial.

Hospice team gets Dai walking again

* Dai Davies being put through his paces during a 

physio session at Nightingale House with Leah Evans. 

Former Wales, Everton and Wrexham goalkeeper Dai Davies, of Llangollen, has spoken about how physios at Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham got him walking again after 10 weeks of hospitalisation.

Dai, who has terminal pancreatic cancer, had been a patient at the Royal Liverpool Hospital for almost two months during the summer, where he was unable to see family loved-ones due to the Covid-19 restrictions. In August he was transferred to Nightingale House.

The move meant Dai could be reunited with his wife Judy, and his three children Gareth, Rhian and Bethan, whilst receiving palliative care and rehabilitation, following his decision not to opt for chemotherapy treatment.

Dai said: “Coincidentally, my consultant Dr Grace Ting at the Royal Liverpool, knew about Nightingale House as she’d done a placement here during the early part of her career. She decided it would be the best move for me and my family and she was right. It was close to home and their visiting policy meant such a difference as I was able to see my wife and family.”

The hospice team facilitated Dai’s transportation from Liverpool to Wrexham and so began his palliative care journey to Nightingale House. 

This wasn’t his first experience of hospice care as Dai had been a Bowen Technique* mentor for lymphoedema nurse specialist Eilish Lund back in the early noughties, so he was familiar with the surroundings, although he admits it has transformed quite a bit since then.

He said: “I hadn’t been on my feet for ten weeks as I’d been lying down in hospital looking out of the window at a concrete wall. When I came to Nightingale House the brilliant physio team had me up and about very quickly. I’m no stranger to gyms but their powers of observation are excellent, as they will tell me when I’ve done enough for one session.

“There is such an air of peace and calm around the hospice and you can leave your worries behind you when you step inside. It was wonderful that I was able to have the option to come here as the choice gave me back control of my treatment.”

Dai and Judy, who have been together for nearly 30 years, have been extremely impressed by the new modernisation facilities at Nightingale House, that were completed during the summer lockdown. Dai visits the hospice for weekly physio sessions and said he has been inspired by the team caring for him.

Judy said: “Sometimes people hear the word ‘hospice’ and only assume that it is just a supportive place for someone to leave this life however a hospice is so much more than that. We are both extremely grateful that the care and rehabilitation that Dai has received in Nightingale House has also enabled him to come back home so much sooner after such a long stay in hospital.

“All the staff are angels and their care and kindness has been endless. On Dai’s arrival someone had even put a small vase of fresh sweet peas from the beautiful hospice garden on his bedside table and it is thoughtful little touches such as this that can make such a difference to one’s overall wellbeing.”

Dai said the entire experience had been wonderful and added: “There is such team work here - it is as if everybody working here is born to do the job; like their calling. Nightingale House is above and beyond what we expected, with exceptional food, facilities and gardens.

“I would say to anyone who is reading of my experience in the hospice that if you find solace in this then please do reach out to the team in Nightingale House. There is pure unconditional love here that will take away any fear that you may have.”