30 Education


THE HERALD FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3 2017


Minister sees Yr Athrofa ambition First-class award for UWTSD graduate UNIVERSITY OF WALES


TRINITY SAINT DAVID graduate Morwenna Stewart has been awarded a British Education Award at a prestigious ceremony in London. Morwenna, who graduated from


UWTSD with firstt class honours in Graphic Design in 2015, came top of her category. She received her award at a black-tie dinner in the Grand Connaught Rooms in London. The British Education Awards individual


celebrate


student EDUCATION SECRETARY


Kirsty Williams was presented with a radical new approach to teacher education during a recent visit to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Vice-Chancellor


Professor


Medwin Hughes and Professor Dylan Jones, Director of Yr Athrofa (Institute of Education), put forward their ambitious vision to empower teachers and support schools to develop the education workforce. Professor Jones introduced the


three core strands of Yr Athrofa – the Professional Learning Partnership; Centres of Research and Innovation; and the Wales Education Commission – that build on the proud history of teacher education in South-West Wales. The Professional Learning


Partnership, built upon a genuine parity of esteem and shared accountability, was founded with a group of 120 schools across Wales and has re- defined how initial teacher education (ITE) and professional learning can be delivered. The net result will be the


development of a new ITE curriculum, with the university and partner schools jointly responsible for the


construction and delivery of all training programmes. It marks a radical departure from


more traditional modes of teacher education and follows a clear directive from Ms Williams that Wales’ ITE system needs to change. Professor Jones said: “The Cabinet


Secretary has called for an overhaul of ITE in Wales and we recognise the important role universities, in partnership with schools, have to play in raising standards. “It is imperative future and existing


teachers have the requisite skills and knowledge to deliver Wales' new national curriculum – and improving the quality of education and training available will be crucial. “Huge potential exists within


Wales' education system and we are committed to playing our part in driving positive change and empowering schools for the benefit of all learners. “The Professional Learning


Partnership has responded positively to the Welsh Government’s blueprint for curriculum reform and ITE, with schools actively engaged in plotting a new and exciting course for both existing and future teachers.” Headteacher Chris Parry was


invited to share with the Cabinet Secretary his involvement in Yr Athrofa’s work. Mr Parry is one of the founding


members of the Professional Learning Partnership, which involves primary, secondary and special schools in both English and Welsh-medium settings. Professor Hughes said: “It was


a pleasure to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and to provide her with an overview of our exciting plans for the future. “The university is proud of its


rich history in teacher education and, through our newly-established Yr Athrofa, looks forward to building a new and exciting legacy. “We are wholly committed


to transforming education and transforming lives – and consider it our national mission to harness the strength that exists within Wales’ education system and beyond for the benefit of all learners. “The young people of Wales


deserve the best education and the teachers of Wales deserve the best support possible. They will be at the forefront of our minds as we move forward onto our next chapter.”


achievement and celebrate scholars that who represent the best that can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Morwenna, who entered university as a mature student, acted as a mentor to her fellow students throughout her course. She combined her studies with a part time internship at UWTSD Swansea Student Union and is also an active volunteer at her local RNLI lifeboat station in Mumbles. Whilst juggling all of these responsibilities, Morwenna achieved one of the highest marks ever awarded for her portfolio work and was awarded a first class degree in June 2016. She has since started her own business, Wenna Designs, which she runs from her home in the Gower. She was awarded a British Education Award in the degree category to mark her achievements. After the award, Morwenna said: "Well, it's been an incredible


evening, meeting some very talented and inspiring people at the British Education Awards and celebrating successes in education. I'm very humbled and proud to have won in the degree category Wales, for my Graphic Design degree at the Swansea College of Art at UWTSD! Can't believe it! Big thanks for everyone's support and best wishes, especially to my lecturer, Donna!"


Donna Williams, who is the Course


Director of BA Graphic Design, nominated Morwenna for the award. She said: "All the staff, fellow


graduates and students are delighted that Morwenna has won the British Education Awards. Morwenna is an extremely humble gifted artist. She would have found all of this attention rather strange but, sometimes, it's good to remember that good things happen to good people. Well done Morwenna."


Make ‘Daily Mile’ a runaway success PRIMARY schools across Wales


are being encouraged to take part in The Daily Mile – an easy, fun way to improve children’s health and well- being.


The initiative sees primary


school children run, walk or jog for 15 minutes every day. It is inclusive, simple and free, with no equipment or set up required. Rebecca Evans, Minister for


Social Services and Public Health, and Education Secretary Kirsty Williams have sent a joint letter to headteachers to encourage them to consider simple and innovative approaches to improve the health and well-being of children during the school day. Rebecca Evans said: “We want


to ensure children across Wales have good physical, emotional and social


health and well-being. This is why we are encouraging to schools to take part in innovative schemes to help children be more active, such as The Daily Mile.


“The initiative builds upon the


good work already taking place throughout Wales, such as the Welsh Network of Health Schools Scheme.” Education Secretary Kirsty


Williams said: “Creating more fun opportunities for young people to get moving is key to ensuring they achieve the recommended 60 minutes a day of physical activity. “Engaging with The Daily Mile


will support primary schools to implement the new curriculum, which puts a focus on making physical activity a more routine part of the school day.”


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