Wednesday, February 28, 2018 southwalesargus.co.uk/news 1 2 southwalesargus.co.uk/news Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Message A pleasure from the Judges’ praise for to host editor outstanding work awards

WELCOME: Argus editor DELIGHT: Managing Nicole Garnon director Newsquest and Somerset Hussain IN just over a week’s time Bayoomi we will be hosting an awards evening to celebrate and WE are absolutely delighted highlight the fantastic work to be celebrating the second which goes on in the field of Gwent School and Education education in Gwent. Awards. And today we want to give Last year’s inaugural event just a hint of the sort of work was a great success and we we will be showcasing at that have no doubt that this year’s event. awards will be just as good. For we are featuring the fi- It is our pleasure to host nalists in all 15 categories in these awards. this year’s Ar- Teaching is arguably one of gus Schools and Education the most important profes- Awards. JUDGES: Karen Welch, Western Power Distribution; Nicole Garnon, South Wales Argus editor; Catherine Parsons, sions there is. It affects every To get to this point has South Wales Argus head of events; Laura Lloyd-Lewis, from Coleg Gwent; Jamie James, from the University of South single one of us. not been easy. We were in- Wales; Argus reporter Angharad Williams, and Hussain Bayoomi, managing director of Newsquest Wales and Somerset This year we have seen undated with nominations Picture: christinsleyphotography.co.uk some great nominations that from parents, pupils, schools, showcase individuals and teachers and others putting teams, those who consist- THE finalists have been By Angharad Williams awards consisted of Jamie edge or a connection to any ently walk the extra mile for forward names of the people chosen in the South Wales James, Head of School, of the nominees was ex- they think go the extra mile 01633 777005 their pupils and students. Argus Schools and Educa- school of education, early cluded from voting in that These individuals dedicate to provide great education in tion Awards. [email protected] years and social work at the category. this corner of Wales. Twitter: @ArgusAWilliams their lives to their profession. Held in partnership with University of South Wales, Finalists were chosen in More often than not they do And their were many who the University of South Karen Welch from Western each of the 14 categories, are great supporters and not get the recognition they Wales, the awards recognise also recognise the value of Power Distribution, Cathe- with a further award given deserve. champions of nurseries, pri- the extraordinary commit- schools and educators from rine Parsons, head of events to the School of the Year mary and secondary schools. And that is whey we ment and dedication that across Gwent. at the South Wales Argus, which will be chosen from launched these annual This is a real celebration of school staff bring every day There was a broad range of Laura Lloyd-Lewis from Co- the Primary and Secondary all the work that goes on in awards. whether they are teachers, nominees, from teachers and leg Gwent, Angharad Wil- School of the Year winners. I want to thank our key education day in and day out further education lecturers, teaching assistants to gover- liams, South Wales Argus We are featuring the in Gwent. sponsor, the University of head teachers, teaching as- nors and office staff. Newsquest MD Hussain Bay- awards finalists in the next South Wales, for their sup- And while the panel of sistants or administrative Nominations were sent in oomi and South Wales Argus few pages. Winners will be judges had the difficult task port. Without their help and staff. by schools, parents, pupils editor Nicole Garnon. announced at a presentation the backing of all our other of picking a winner for each The South Wales Argus and local education authori- At a judging day held at the evening on March 8 at Chep- category today is a chance to sponsors these awards would wants to reward the in- ties for staff who do out- Argus offices in Newport, stow Racecourse which will not be possible. celebrate all the deserving novation and creativity standing work to inspire and nominations were consid- be hosted by Roy Noble, finalists who made it to the I looking forward to cel- that takes place in schools engage pupils and students. ered by the judges. one of Wales’ most popular ebrating with you all at Chep- final cut. and colleges every day and The judging panel for the Anyone with prior knowl- broadcasters. Congratulations all! stow Racecourse on March 8.

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+44(0)1633 509741offi[email protected] ev-entz.co.uk CrawfordStreet, Newport,NP197AY Wednesday, February 28, 2018 southwalesargus.co.uk/news 3

Awards recognise the best – right across our schools

HEAD: Kerry Waters, head of DRIVE: Ceri Parry, from Ysgol Gymraeg PRAISE: Suzanne Hamer, from Archbishop ASSISTANT: Karen Rogers, from St Primary Casnewydd (Newport) Rowan Williams VA School, Portskewett David’s RC Primary School, BEING head teacher at a By Angharad Williams Nominated because of her school is a challenging but re- enthusiasm, care and love for warding role. 01633 777005 the children she works with, Our finalists reflect the very [email protected] she has taken on the role of best. Twitter @ArgusAWilliams maths subject leader at the Sponsored by George Street school. Furnishers, the Head Teacher ing a culture of learning at Another finalist is Karen of the Year Award is given to the school and leads a school Rogers, from St David’s RC a head who provides outstand- of well-behaved children who Primary School, Cwmbran, ing leadership and inspires love going to school. who is described as kind, car- the school to achieve success. The third finalist is Kerry ing, understanding and sym- Suzanne Hamer, of Arch- Waters, from Pontnewydd Pri- pathetic. bishop Rowan Williams VA mary School. She supports autistic chil- School, Portskewett, was nom- He has been working at the dren on a one-to-one basis inated for the pride she takes school for 10 years and shows and does and does anything to in the school. leadership and dedication. support pupils and encourage She enables her staff to He has built a rapport with them in school life. bring out the best in her pu- pupils, parents, staff and gov- Finalist Tania Webb, of Cw- pils. Parents praise her for the ernors which contributes to mffrwdoer Primary School, respect she shows pupils and the school’s success. Pontnewynydd, works tire- say this is reflected in each George Street Furnishers is lessly to make the learning and every child. also sponsoring the Teaching environment stimulating. The second finalist is Ceri Assistant of the Year Award. Described as inspiring, par- Parry, from Ysgol Gymraeg Finalist Lisa Hillman, from ents say she makes pupils feel TIRELESS: Teaching assistant Tania Casnewydd. The head of the Deighton Primary School, individually special and helps CARE: Teaching assistant Lisa Hilliman, Welsh-language primary Tredegar has been working in them work to the best of their from Deighton Primary School, Tredegar. Webb, from Cwmffrwdoer Primary School, education for 10 years. Pontnewynydd school is described as driv- ability. Picture: christinsleyphotography.co.uk Working together to be the Best. George Street Furnishers are proud to be part of the South Wales Argus School and Education Awards 2018.

19-24 George Street, Newport, NP20 1EN • 01633 214241 (Just off George Street Bridge on A48) www.georgestreet.co.uk 4 southwalesargus.co.uk/news Wednesday, February 28, 2018

A lifetime of achievement and lecturers all recognised

LECTURERS: Peter Britton, Cerys Rees and Gareth Pugh, of Coleg Gwent, all shortlisted in the Further Education Lecturer of the Year award

FURTHER education is also By Angharad Wiliams nold from St Julian’s Primary being recognised by the South School and Peter Friswell Wales Argus Schools and Edu- 01633 777005 from Coed Eva and Blenheim cation Awards. [email protected] Schools. There are three lecturers Twitter:@ArgusAWilliams Ms Arnold started working from Coleg Gwent in the run- in the school as a mid-day su- ning for the Further Education Gareth Pugh also from the pervisor in the 1980s and now Lecturer of the Year award campus has a real aged 70 and still working at which is sponsored by Wester,n passion for his subject and is the school. She is described as Power Distribution. able to share this with his stu- someone who is always cheer- Peter Britton from the Cross- dents. ful and always willing to help keys campus is described The interactive media lec- everyone and is seen as a pillar as someone who lives and turer and course leader works of the community. breathes his subject. He works hard to make the industry rel- Mr Friswell is the chairman with students of all levels and evant for his learners and con- of governors for Coed Eva and backgrounds and explore eve- sistently thinking of new ways Blenheim primary schools and ry avenue to get them to suc- to do things. is committed to the communi- ceed. There are people who have ty. He is not afraid to challenge Cerys Rees from the cam- dedicated their lives to educa- decisions but is also supportive pus is a sports lecturer who al- tion, from school staff to gover- of teachers and school staff. ways ensures the learner expe- nors and fundraising parents. He is highly respected and rience is paramount. She has The Lifetime Achievement attends school trips as a volun- the passion for the learners to Award, which is sponsored by teer, he reads to pupils, attends succeed and will provide them Western Power Distribution, school fundraising activities ACHIEVERS: Christine Arnold and Peter Friswell are the two finalists in the Lifetime with invaluable opportunities. finalists are Christine Ar- and takes part in assemblies. Achievement Award Wednesday, February 28, 2018 southwalesargus.co.uk/news 5

Inspirational primary teachers in awards final Digital school award THE use of digital technol- ogy in education is being recognised by the Digital Innovation Award. Sponsored by Coleg Gwent, the first finalist is Luke Mansfield from St Julian’s Primary School in Newport. He is described as some- one who is always think- ing of new and innovative ways to teach children, giv- NOMINATED: Billy Peebles a teacher at JOY: Charlotte Kembrey teaches at Griffithstown POPULAR: Sarah Jarman, from Cwmffrwdoer ing them technology skills they need for the future. Lodge Hill School. Picture: christinsleyphotography.co.uk Primary School Picture: christinsleyphotography.co.uk Primary School Marcus Price-Stephens TEACHERS who educate Cwmffrwdoer Primary Another finalist, patients. These visits have Primary School, is a from Mount Pleasant Pri- our youngest learners are mary School has put time School in Pontnewynydd Charlotte Kembrey from made a huge impact and finalist for the award and and effort into raising being recognised by an is a popular reception Griffithstown Primary the people at the hospital motivates his class with digital competency at the award. teacher. School, was nominated now look forward to new ideas and fresh new school. Primary Teacher of the The finalist is described for her work at a local the weekly visits by the ways of teaching. Technology is being used Year sponsored by Coleg by parents as someone hospital. children. He can relate to each throughout the school and Gwent. who displays her love of She promoted ward Billy Peebles, from child in his class and bring he has achieved a high Sarah Jarman from teaching through her work. visits by pupils to elderly Caerleon Lodge Hill out their strengths. level of digital confidence among staff and pupils. Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Helyg in Blaina is nominated for the online educational soft- ware “Giglets”, an online reading resource accessed by pupils inside and out- Shining a light on the side of the school. This not only improved the standard of reading at the school, but also in- creased pupils enjoyment of reading too. Innovation is also cele- brated by the New Teacher best of local schools of the Year Award, which is sponsored by Audi Car- diff Part of Mon Motors THE Primary School of the The Secondary School of of School of the Year, which as warm and welcoming and have no communication Group. Year Award is sponsored by the Year Award, which is will be announced at the staff work together to create skills to gain confidence to Samantha Arnold from Audi , part of Mon sponsored by Ev-Entz, also award ceremony. a strong team that supports express themselves. Chepstow School is a final- Motors Group. recognises schools which Another award that recog- each other and the pupils. Puddle Ducks South East ist for the new ways she The three schools in the have had a positive year. nises the work of those edu- The communication class Wales is another finalist. teaches and her positive running for this award are The finalists are Caerleon cating the youngest pupils at Kimberley Nursery School They offer baby and pre- influence on her pupils. Primary School, in Comprehensive School, is the Early Years Education in Newport, is a class for chil- school swimming lessons, Georgina Powell from Newport, Griffithstown Pri- Brynmawr Foundation Award, which is sponsored dren with social and commu- open to all children. Milton Primary School is mary School, and School and St Joseph’s RC by St John’s College, Cardiff. nicational difficulties. Children are taught vital also a finalist for creating Willowtown Community Pri- High School in Newport. Bellevue Children’s Nurs- The vast majority have a personal survival skills and activities for pupils and mary School in . The winner of the Primary ery in Cwmbran is a finalist diagnosis of autism and the water confidence, and classes including things that she The award recognises a and Secondary School of the that does outstanding work teachers support pupils and also act as a bonding experi- knows the children like. school which has had an out- Year Awards will be in the in their community. they clearly love their work. ence for parents and children She is described as a cred- standing academic year. running for the overall title They nursery is described T class helps children who in a supportive setting. it to her school.

ored nesaf lein ar gyfer ein digwyddiad ag wch ar- Mae Coleg Gwent yn falch o fod yn gysylltiedig â ofrestr C Gwobrau Ysgolion ac Addysg Argus De Cymru 2018

Coleg Gwent is pleased to be associated with The South Wales Argus Schools & Education Awards 2018 n event Register online for our next ope 6 southwalesargus.co.uk/news Wednesday, February 28, 2018

New Rewarding excellence teachers in teaching of Welsh in final

NEWPORT: Georgina Powell of Milton Primary School. Picture: christinsleyphotography. co.uk THE New Teacher of the Year Award, which is spon- sored by Audi Cardiff Part of Mon Motors Group, has two finalists. Samantha Arnold from Chepstow School was nomi- nated for the way she finds interesting new ways to teach. The pride she has in her class is clear for all to see. Described as a positive influ- ence on her pupils her char- acter shines through. Georgina Powell from Mil- ton Primary School in New- port creates activities for pu- pils that include things that she knows the children like. She incorporates their hob- bies in to their work, making it fun for everyone. She lives, breathes and sleeps teaching WELSH: Gareth Watkins, of Ysgol Bryn Onnen, Lisa Williams, of School and Ceri Parry, from Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd and is described as a credit to her school.

THERE are also awards for By Angharad Williams Gymraeg Casnewydd is also want to learn the language. Nevill Hall Hospital who those working through the a finalist in this category. The Best has demonstrated out- medium of Welsh. 01633 777005 Parents say she inspires Initiative Awards, spon- standing commitment to The Welsh Teacher of the [email protected] the culture of the school and sored by St John’s College, learning Welsh and now Year Award is sponsored by Twitter@ ArgusWilliams inspires pupils to use the Cardiff. speaks it fluently. the Build- Welsh language in the school The finalists are Pwyllgor Ysgol Gymraeg Y Fenni ing Society. and in daily life. Ardal y Fenni a’r Cylch are the third finalists for The award celebrates a The third finalist is Lisa for their work organis- their work with the An- teacher that inspires and He is described as a teacher Williams from Croesyceiliog ing events to promote the eurin Bevan University engages pupils to learn the whose passion for the Welsh School. Welsh language to Aber- Health Board’s Welsh Lan- Welsh language. language is infectious and She is described as ‘Inspi- gavenny for school chil- guage Unit, where they The finalists include Ga- his pupils love learning and rational’ and her passion for dren and the people of Ab- worked together on the reth Watkins from Ysgol are inspired by his lessons. the language inspires those ergavenny. Planting the Seed partner- Bryn Onnen, . Ceri Parry from Ysgol around her and pupils now Dr Andy Summors from ship. CHEPSTOW: Samantha Arnold

Welsh Independent St John’s College, Cardiff Aleadingindependent dayschoolfor boys&girls aged 3-18 Secondary School ChoirSchooltoCardiff Metropolitan Cathedral of theYear 2017 Please contactAdmissionstoarrange avisit: TheSundayTimes - 029 2077 8936 www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com@SJCCardiff CharityNo. 701294 Parent Power Proudsponsors of theSouth WalesArgus Schools and EducationAwards Wednesday, February 28, 2018 southwalesargus.co.uk/news 7

Going above and beyond for children in our high schools

FUN: Owain James, PASSIONATE: Ion Thomas, of St Joseph’s RC from School Newport. Picture:christinsleyphotography.co.uk

FINALIST: Rachel Rudge, from High Cross Primary School TEACHERS don’t always get the recognition they de- TEAM: The ASD Base Staff at Cwmbran High School serve for doing a role which is often challenging but ulti- mately rewarding. teacher that always has a teaches and he inspires his sis. One parent said they Secondary Teacher of the smile on his face at school. pupils of all abilities to suc- have gone above and beyond Year, sponsored by the South Teaching is his life, his love ceed. to care for her child who has Wales Argus, recognises and his passion and he holds The Above and Beyond extremely difficult needs. those teachers who work in a belief that every child can Award, which is sponsored Rachel Rudge from High our secondary schools. succeed. Described as going by the Monmouthshire Cross Primary School is de- Owain James from St Jo- the extra mile he makes a Building Society, reflects the scribed by parents as “the seph’s RC High School in difference to the education amazing work done across perfect primary teacher”. Newport is described as a of pupils. the education sector. She has been a teacher for MUSIC: King Henry VIII’s Matthew Hunt has been teacher who makes lessons Ion Thomas from Ysgol Finalist Catherine Jones more than 10 years and does nominated for Secondary School Teacher of the Year fun. Pupils say he is always Gyfun Gwynllyw in Ponty- is the owner of the Owl and everything to make sure her willing to give up his lunch pool goes above and beyond the Pussycat Nursery in children enjoy learning. She Cwmbran High School are stream school. time or break to talk to them when it comes to his pupils. Caerleon. adapts to every child’s needs also finalists for the chal- They work tirelessly to or parents. They say that whatever the She was by a parent for the and has even fundraised for lenging work they do. deal with sometimes very The second finalist is Mat- subject they are struggling way the nursery caters for supplies with the pupils by The staff support the challenging situations but thew Hunt from King Henry with, if he can offer any her daughter. doing a sponsored skipa- needs of each and every always strive to ensure the VIII School in Abergavenny. help he always will. He is She ensures that children’s thon. student giving them the op- student has the support they He is described a special passionate about what he needs are met on a daily ba- The ASD Base Staff at portunity to access a main- need.

Proud sponsors of the Above and Beyond Award at s. this year’s Education Award www.monbs.com

Monmouthshire Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register Number: 206052. Telephone calls may be monitored and/or recorded for security and training purposes.Head Office: Monmouthshire House, John Frost Square, Newport, NP20 1PX Tel: 01633 844350 Fax: 01633 844445 8 southwalesargus.co.uk/news Wednesday, February 28, 2018