Latest news with #Ioan
Cambrian News
3 days ago
- Sport
- Cambrian News
Support Ioan Drosinos Jones at Abersoch Golf Day Event
The golf day will be held on Saturday, 7 June and will included an 18-hole Am-Am tournament for teams of four people (gents, ladies or mixed), Pro Challenge on hole 18, yellow ball competition, evening dinner, prize presentation, auction and a free draw for all participants to win one of six, 30 minute coaching lessons with Ioan.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Politics
- Wales Online
Wales' post-16 Welsh Bacc is partly 'pointless' and hurting other subjects, claim students
Wales' post-16 Welsh Bacc is partly 'pointless' and hurting other subjects, claim students They want it made fully optional for students without schools and colleges losing funding as a result Coleg Sir Gar students Sam Bartlett (left) and Ioan Armstrong (right) (Image: Ioan Armstrong ) A group of A level students have slated the Advanced Skills Welsh Baccalaureate, a compulsory post-16 subject in most maintained schools and colleges, as "a waste of time". They say it is affecting study and grades for more important subjects as well as causing unnecessary added stress at exam time. Coleg Sir Gar AS students Ioan Armstrong and Sam Bartlett said the Wales-only qualification had some value, for some students, but was not A level equivalent as claimed. They want it it to be made optional without schools and colleges losing funding as a result. The teenagers have written to Education Minister Lynne Neagle asking her to change the funding, raised the matter with their college, and organised a 137-signature petition with classmates. They have also made Freedom of Information requests about the cash received for institutions for running the "Welsh Bacc", as it's colloquially known. The qualification is not a compulsory requirement from the Welsh Government, but the pair claim that it is compulsory in effect because of the valuable and vital funding Cardiff Bay gives to schools and colleges to run it. This meant schools and colleges demanded that students take the Welsh Bacc, although it was not a legal requirement, they said. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Ioan and Sam were told in reply to information they asked for under FOI that Coleg Sir Gar received more than £360,000 annually for running the Welsh Bacc. They calculated that this was the equivalent to the pay for around seven lecturers and not money the college could afford to lose, so said they understood why it made the course a requirement. The students stressed they were not criticising Coleg Sir Gar, or other schools and colleges, or calling for the qualification to be shelved. They just wanted the system which meant it was effectively compulsory, changed. The pair argued the stress the qualification caused already under-pressure students went against the Welsh Government's own wellbeing guidance, which, ironically, is part of the course. Ioan, 17, who is studying politics, psychology and sociology A levels plus (reluctantly) the Welsh Bacc, and wants to go to university to study politics, pointed out that some university courses, such as medicine in some institutions, did not accept the qualification as A level equivalent in their offers, although the qualification holds the same UCAS points as an A level. "We are campaigning for a policy change where colleges still get the funding if Welsh Bacc is optional," said Ioan, 17, adding: "The Welsh Government claims it is optional when in practice it is compulsory. The Welsh Bacc will not be useful to me, but this isn't just about me." He claimed "the Welsh Bacc is not in the slightest bit as valuable as an A level". He also claimed some teachers did not agree with the qualification being "forced" on students and that it was all coursework and "parroting from online". He said he had found parts of the course "pointless", including having to take personality tests and reading information about wellbeing targets in Wales and for the UN. He claimed much of the course was repeated across other more important subjects anyway. "I am concerned I might get lower grades because of the time I have to spend on the Welsh Bacc. I take it seriously in the sense I don't want to fail, but it takes so much time. I am stressing about it when I could be revising for my AS exams." Sam, 16, is studying A level law, sociology and politics and wants to do a civil service apprenticeship, not university, after A levels, and he said the Welsh Bacc could be useful for some, but not all students, and they should be able to decide. "This is not just about our personal experience," he insisted, adding: "The Welsh Bacc course takes time away from other subjects and grades. This is not about getting rid of the Welsh Bacc, it's about making it optional. "As a course the Welsh Bacc encompasses useful skills like how to plan but that doesn't mean it should not be optional. I can guarantee that doing Welsh bacc half the class is on their phones - it has quite high pass rates though." Sam claimed the Welsh Bacc course was time consuming rather than intellectually challenging: "The practicalitity of it is I get my Welsh Bacc work done the night before it's due because it's that easy. You could use AI to do it all. It's pointless." When they wrote to Education Minister Lynne Neagle, Ioan and Sam received a reply from her officials explaining that colleges (and schools) received funding to run the Welsh Bacc, as they did for other courses. The reply said guidance was being reviewed. The Welsh Government officials told them: "Although the expectation is that all young people aged 14-19 have the opportunity to study the Welsh Baccalaureate and associated Skills Challenge Certificate (the predecessor to the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate), they have the right not to. It is not statutory, and schools and colleges should be using some flexibility to ensure that they are providing opportunities that are in the best interests of their learners. "Medr's (the funding body) expectation is that all colleges in Wales undertake a thorough Initial Advice and Guidance (IAG) process with all their learners before enrolment ensues. "Although Welsh Government is clear that it is not compulsory for learners to take the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate, school sixth forms and colleges are able to set their own curriculum offer and admissions policies. The guidance for schools and colleges on what they should offer more widely is available as part of "Local Curriculum for students aged 16 to 18 Guidace". You will note that this guidance predates the introduction of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate. "Following the creation of Medr, Welsh Government is currently reviewing the guidance and will be considering, as part of this work, if any further information is needed on the role of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification within 16-19 learning. This work is likely to be subject to public consultation, and I would be happy to share the details of this with you at the appropriate time, should you wish to contribute your views and that of your peers?" Coleg Sir Gar said no-one was available for comment. In a Written Statement in April, Lynne Neagle hinted at a review saying: "We will work with partners to refresh the guidance on local curricula for 16 to 19-year-old students." A Welsh Government spokesperson said: 'The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales provides learners opportunities to develop and apply key skills in practical situations. "We are clear that it is not compulsory for learners to take the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate; school sixth forms and colleges are able to set their own curriculum offer and admissions policies. They should ensure that they are providing opportunities that are in the best interests of their learners.'. The welsh Bacc post-16 explained In September, 2023, the new Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3) replaced the existing Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate qualification The Welsh Government says on its website that the qualification aims to equip students with practical skills, personal development, and social awareness, making them "better prepared for higher education, vocational training, and the workforce". It's designed to be integrated with traditional academic studies and is often studied alongside A levels or other vocational qualifications. "Welsh Bacc is a valuable qualification for post-16 students in Wales, designed to enhance skills and prepare them for future pathways. It's a composite qualification that includes a Skills Challenge Certificate and supporting academic achievements. The Advanced level is particularly relevant for those pursuing higher education, with its UCAS points equivalent to an A-level." The Skills Challenge Certificate is a key part of the course and is assessed through four areas: an individual project, enterprise and employability challenge, global citizenship challenge, and community challenge. To achieve the Welsh Bacc, learners must also meet specific requirements related to GCSEs in English or Welsh language, and mathematics or mathematics-numeracy. The Advanced level Skills Challenge Certificate (SCC) carries UCAS tariff points and is equivalent to an A level, according to the Senedd. Article continues below
Metro
18-05-2025
- Metro
Europe's 'undertourism capital' is a quiet paradise with return flights from £62
Protests and tourist taxes are changing the travel landscape across Europe, as several popular holiday destinations push back against visitors. Last summer, anti-tourism demonstrations swept Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, while Venice and Amsterdam increased tourist charges. Today, British holidaymakers are preparing for mass protests on the Canary Islands. Thousands of disgruntled locals are set to take to the streets on Sunday afternoon to fight mass tourism under the slogan: 'Canary Islands has a limit.' But Europe still has plenty of quiet corners, if you know where to look. One such place is Teleorman, a remote and underexplored part of southern Romania that has just been named the least visited place on the continent. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. The region, which borders Bulgaria, recorded just 20 overnight stays per 1,000 residents in 2023, according to a new study by Which?. That's compared to Zante, a Greek island of 40,000 residents, which clocked six million overnight stays the same year — or 150 for every resident. In Teleorman, essentially, you've about as much chance of winning £50 on the lottery as bumping into another tourist. The nod comes as Romanians vote in a pivotal presidential run-off that could radically alter their country's position in Europe. The election, which has been described as a head-to-head between pro-western and anti-western Romania, pits a Trump-allied ultra-nationalist agitator against a centrist independent. Experts have called it the most important vote in the country's post-communist history. It doesn't have the beautiful buildings or swish cafes of Romania's capital Bucharest, but what Teleorman lacks in urban sophistication, it makes up for in history and natural beauty. Teleorman county is one of Romania's poorest areas. The roads are lined with wild poppies and the absence of commercialisation endears it to travellers looking to escape tourist traps. Alexandria, the region's capital, is a small but charming city of cathedrals, museums, and a 5,000-seat football stadium. Its rivers are an excellent place to try your hand at fishing, surrounded by valleys and verdant fields. Teleorman roughly translates to 'wild forest', and there are plenty of green spaces to reflect that. The Vedea Forest Park, for example, is a great destination for hikers. In the southern part of the region, the Danube Valley gives way to ponds and tributaries that flow into the mighty Danube River, creating a spectacular vista. This part of the world has weathered many wars and Communist rule, a chequered past that's reflected in historical landmarks such as the Saint Ioan Valahul Monastery, a ruined structure on the outskirts of Poiana village. The monastery was recently restored, and a young monk now hosts tours that take you through the site's cultural significance. Teleorman is home to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul Church, famous for its four towers – two big and two small – that form the shape of a cross. Built between 1902 and 1904, it was last restored in the 1930s with the help of the local community. Steeped in unassuming solitude, this place is worlds away from the chaos of Europe's busiest destinations. Teleorman, Romania (21.54 tourists per 1,000 residents) Dytikos Tomeas Athinon, Greece (64.13) Călăraşi, Romania (123.97) Olt, Romania (148.3) Severoistočen, North Macedonia (177.84) Podunavska oblast, Serbia (277.83) Arr. Soignies, Belgium (284.11) Targovishte, Bulgaria (332.15) Rybnicki, Poland (351.1) Benevento, Italy (398.17). If you prefer a city break but can't cope with the chaos of Paris or Madrid, a 90-minute drive from Teleorman is Bucharest. Romania's capital has long been described as the 'Paris of the East' for its lavish architecture and tree-lined boulevards. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Bucharest was a hotspot for French artists and intellectuals, who frequented the city. At the time, society mirrored the Parisian way, with a focus on fashion, elegance and sophistication. Likewise, prominent Romanian artists, including Constantin Brâncuși, studied in Bucharest before making their names in Paris. Recently ranked 9th in The Times' roundup of '24 of the best affordable city breaks in Europe', the city is also actively welcoming tourists. The Romanian government is pouring money into accommodation and public transport in a bid to attract travellers, while other countries are pushing them away. Metro's Alice Murphy travelled across Romania in 2023 and fell head over heels for Brasov. A train ride from Bucharest in the heart of Transylvania, she says you'll find a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern city life. Brasov's Old Town, which is protected by Unesco, is quainter than its counterpart in the capital. Embroidered with medieval buildings, including the Gothic Black Church and the Council House, the city is home to Rope Street, the narrowest street in Romania. The Bucharest to Brasov train takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, with prices ranging between £5 to £14. In summer, the mercury in Romania hovers around 35°C. The hottest August on record topped a sweltering 44.5°C. With that in mind, the best time of year to visit is generally considered to be May into early June, or September into early October, when the average daily temperature rests at 25°C. More Trending If you want to avoid the cold, January is a no-go, with lows of -4°C. From London, Ryanair and Wizz Air run direct routes to Bucharest from London Stansted and Luton. According to Google Flights, return flights in October are now available from £62. To get to Teleorman, the best option is to fly to Bucharest and drive the final leg, which takes about an hour and a half. Public transport is limited in this part of Romania, and there is no train. Zakynthos (Zante), Ionian Islands, Greece (149,886.95 tourists per 1,000 residents) Istria County, Croatia (133,466.93) Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain (118,720.31) Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain (117,785.17) Dodecanese Islands, Greece (113,790.45) Tiroler Oberland, Austria (112,716.37) Pinzgau-Pongau, Austria (109,009.7) Cyclade Islands, Greece (104,152.63) Kerkyra (Corfu), Greece (100,079.59) Außerfern, Austria (97,299.12). Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Everything I ate in a weekend of pintxos hopping in San Sebastián MORE: 'Lively' European city named world's most walkable and flights are just £66 MORE: This UK beach is 'more relaxing than the Algarve' — two hours from London
Leader Live
17-05-2025
- Leader Live
'Our Dream Farm' Eryri farmhouse available to book!
Located in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), the four-bedroom National Trust farmhouse is situated on 600-acre working hill farm Llyndy Isaf which comprises of lowland fields, woodland and mountain pasture. The property boasts views over Llyn Dinas and easy access to the Nant Gwynant Valley's most popular trails and landscapes. Presenter Matt Baker said "I'm so delighted that Sara and Ioan were awarded the tenancy by the National Trust. Not only are they a wonderful couple, they're passionate farmers and talented land managers who I'm sure will be an asset to the farm and the Trust. Guests can enjoy the crackling wood burner (Image: Submitted) "I can't wait to go and stay in their B&B." Sara and Ioan, who secured the 15-year tenancy, impressed Trystan Edwards, National Trust General Manager, and Giles Hunt, the National Trust's Land and Estates Director, with their vision, commitment to sustainable farming, and deep connection to the landscape. Well-equipped kitchen (Image: Submitted) The couple moved into Llyndy Isaf just before Christmas. Ioan said: 'Farm tenancies are hard to come by and opportunities like this don't come up very often and so you have to seize the opportunity when it comes up and go for it like we did.' 'We have been busy over the past few months getting to know the farm and landscape, settling in and tending to our flock of 65 sheep. We are currently in the middle of our first lambing season. Fortunately, it's been great weather which is a massive help for lambing." There are four beautifully appointed bedrooms (Image: Submitted) The pair have opted to live in the annex so they can let the farmhouse as a holiday home. 'The farmhouse is fully booked this month so it's going well', said Sara The programme followed seven applicants on their journey to try and secure the National Trust tenancy. Gather around the spacious table in the dining room (Image: Submitted) The eight-part series, produced by Big Circus Media, is available to stream on Channel 4. The series aims to showcase the realities of a career as a tenant farmer, the vital role farmers play in helping nature thrive while running a sustainable business, Welsh culture and language, as well as highlighting how important farming is for rural communities in Wales. Finalists Ryan and Lowri, from Conwy, withdrew from the process in the business plan discussion stage.
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as 'dangerous' star quits England for Wales and Dupont in surprise move
Tonight's rugby news as 'dangerous' star quits England for Wales and Dupont in surprise move The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Dupont has made a surprising new move in the rugby world (Image: Getty Images ) These are your evening rugby headlines on Friday, May 16. 'Dangerous' Welsh-qualified star leaves England for Wales Scarlets have confirmed the signing of "dangerous" Welsh-qualified full-back Ioan Jones following his depature from Gloucester. The 20-year-old, who hails from the West Country, is eligible to play for Wales through his father and has previously admitted "temptation" to represent them on the international stage. However, he joined Gloucester's development pathway progamme as a teenager and opted to represent England at age-grade level before winning the World Rugby U20 Championship with them last year. Jones played nine senior games for the Cherry & Whites this season, making appearances in the Gallagher Premiership and Challenge Cup as well as representing Hartpury in the RFU Championship. However, it was announced earlier this week that he would be departing Kingsholm at the end of the campaign, with Dwayne Peel's side snapping him up to bring him to Wales. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free A strong attacking player with aerial prowess and solid defensive skills, Jones has joined the Scarlets' senior academy but will join up with the senior squad for pre-season training the summer. "We are looking forward to welcoming Ioan to the Parc and it is great to see another young Welsh-qualified player committing to the Welsh game," said Peel as the signing was confirmed on Friday. Article continues below 'Ioan is an exciting attacking player who has excelled at U20s level and has already had experience with Gloucester in the Premiership and Challenge Cup. He will add to an exciting young pool of back three players we have at the club.' Scarlets Academy head coach Scott Sneddon added: 'Ioan is a talented player with good fundamentals. He is a dangerous runner, with an excellent skillset and is good aerially. "He has been part of a winning team with England U20s and was a real threat in the side that won the World Cup and the Six Nations last year.' Meanwhile, Jones said he was "extremely excited" to be joining the Parc y Scarlets side, adding: "Scarlets are a club with great history and an unbelievable fan base and I'm looking forward to ripping in come the start of the season. 'I'm excited to play under Dwayne Peel who has more than convinced me this is the right club to help take my game to the next level. To walk in the footsteps of so many legends like Jonathan Davies, Stephen Jones, Phil Bennett, is a hugely exciting prospect for me. 'The Scarlets are a young dynamic team that I'm looking forward to being a part of to continue their progression. I can't wait to wear the Scarlets jersey and give my all to help the club succeed.' Dupont makes surprise move France superstar Antoine Dupont has become a stakeholder in American side Rugby FC Los Angeles (RFCLA). The 28-year-old scrum-half and his company Ouest Coast have decided to invest in the franchise, which is currently competing in its second season in Major League Rugby. It comes after the French captain sparked rumours of his potential involvement with the club having been spotted in public sporting a RFLCA cap. After being welcomed into the franchise's ownership group, Dupont said he was "excited by the opportunity", which the club hailed as the start of a "new era". 'Rugby is more than just a sport; it's a community with strong values," he said. "Beyond competitive success on the pitch for RFCLA, I am excited by the opportunity to grow rugby's popularity in the States and establish an energetic hub of rugby culture that attracts players, fans, teams, and partners from around the world. 'Los Angeles is a unique place, combining the best of sports, entertainment, fashion, and culture – I can't think of any other place that provides such opportunities for youth development, high performance, and commercial success to go hand-in-hand.' Meanwhile, RFCLA chief executive Pete Sickle added: 'We feel very privileged that Antoine has chosen RFCLA as the pathway to inspire new rugby players and fans and to join us in growing a global rugby brand. "He is as dedicated to expanding the rugby community as he is to competing on the pitch ,and his vision for integrating the athleticism and core values of rugby will prove invaluable to building a bright future for rugby in LA and throughout the U.S." Hughes starts as Scarlets make play-off bid Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel has named his side to face Hollywoodbets Sharks as they bid to secure a URC play-off place in their final game of the regular season. After last weekend's stunning win over the Lions, the region could have their place in the play-offs secured even before their match in Durban on Saturday evening gets underway. But Peel wants his side's destiny to be in their own hands and has named a largely unchanged side for the clash, with two changes seeing Ryan Elias and Archie Hughes come into the starting lineup. Hughes has been handed his fourth senior start as he replaces Gareth Davies - who flew home from South Africa after suffering a rib injury against the Lions - at scrum-half, while Elias comes in for Marnus van der Merwe, who drops to the bench. In the back three, Blair Murray, Tom Rogers and Ellis Mee line up together, with Johnny Williams and Joe Roberts in the midfield and Sam Costelow starting alongside Hughes in the half-backs. Alec Hepburn, Elias and Henry Thomas pack down together in the front row with Alex Craig and Sam Lousi in the engine room and Vaea Fifita, captain Josh Macleod and Taine Plumtree in the back row. The Sharks have named a formidable matchday 23 stacked with Springboks, with Eben Etzebeth, Makazole Mapimpi and Bongi Mbonambi among those included. "There are a lot of things that can happen before our game, but the key for us is that our destiny is in our own hands," said Peel. "The Sharks have been going well, they are a team stacked full of Springboks so to get what we need is going to take a big effort. "The challenge of us is matching their physicality. That will be key. But as much as knowing the quality in their side, this is about ourselves, we are comfortable with how we want to play and it is about being able to replicate last week's performance this week. "We are prepping as normal, we want to try and get a result, we want to keep the momentum we have built having won our last four games." Scarlets: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Joe Roberts, Johnny Williams, Ellis Mee; Sam Costelow, Archie Hughes; Alec Hepburn, Ryan Elias, Henry Thomas, Alex Craig, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Josh Macleod (capt), Taine Plumtree. Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Sam Wainwright, 19 Dan Davis, 20 Jarrod Taylor, 21 Efan Jones, 22 Ioan Lloyd, 23 Macs Page. Ospreys make seven changes Ospreys head coach Mark Jones has made wholesale changes to his side to face Emirates Lions in their final game of the United Rugby Championship season. With both sides already out of the play-offf race, Jones has decided to make seven changes to his team for Saturday afternoon's match in Johannesburg, with Jac Morgan left out of the matchday 23. The other changes see Steffan Thomas replace his cousin Gareth at loosehead and pack down alongside Dewi Lake and Tom Botha, while James Ratti and James Fender replace Will Spencer and Adam Beard in the second row. Harri Deaves replaces organ in the back row with, and with Ratti moving to lock, Will Griffiths goes to blindside flanker with Morgan Morse retaining his place at number eight. Reuben Morgan-Williams comes in for Kieran Hardy at scrum-half, but Dan Edwards continues at fly-half and Keiran Williams and Evardi Boshoff also retain their places in the centres. Ryan Conbeer comes in for Keelan Giles on one wing, with Luke Morgan replacing Dan Kasende on the opposite flank and Jack Walsh continuing at full-back.. Twenty-year-old prop Kian Hire could also make his debut off the bench. Ospreys: Jack Walsh; Luke Morgan, Evardi Boshoff, Keiran Williams, Ryan Conbeer; Dan Edwards, Reuben Morgan-Williams; Steffan Thomas, Dewi Lake (capt), Tom Botha, James Ratti, James Fender, Will Griffiths, Harri Deaves, Morgan Morse. Replacements: Sam Parry, Garyn Phillips, Kian Hire, Lewis Jones, Lewis Lloyd, Kieran Hardy, Owen Williams, Iestyn Hopkins. Edinburgh hoping to leapfrog Welsh teams By Gavin McCafferty, PA Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt hopes momentum and a sell-out home crowd can help drive them into the United Rugby Championship play-offs. Edinburgh sit in 10th place in the URC table ahead of their final league match against Ulster at the Hive Stadium on Friday night. They need to jump two places to secure a quarter-final spot and Champions Cup rugby but are four points behind Scarlets and just two behind each of Benetton, Munster and Cardiff, with their four rivals for the top eight all facing different opponents. Everitt said: 'Last weekend's gritty victory in Galway was a testament to the resilience and character within this squad and it provides us with real momentum as we head into tomorrow night's match against Ulster. 'The passion and energy of our supporters at Hive Stadium have been incredible, and that atmosphere will be absolutely crucial in driving us forward once again. To be playing in front of third consecutive sell-out crowd will be simply amazing – it underscores the connection we have with our city. 'We know we are playing for Edinburgh, for our supporters, and we are determined to deliver a performance they can be proud of.' Article continues below Edinburgh welcome back winger Harry Paterson after concussion and Scotland centre James Lang has brushed off the injury that forced him out of the victory over Connacht. He replaces Mosese Tuipulotu, who misses out with a knee injury. Long-serving pair Jamie Ritchie and Mark Bennett return to the matchday 23 for what could be their final home appearance.
