The Parkes telescope - one of the largest in the world

A group of Cardiff students took control of one of the world’s most powerful radio telescopes this week as part of an innovative Cardiff University astronomy link-up.

AS and A-level students from Cardiff schools including Whitchurch High and Howells visited the University’s School of Physics and Astronomy which is playing host to the Parkes telescope, one of the world’s most powerful radio telescopes.

The 64m radio telescope, situated 400km west of Sydney, Australia was used to receive the television transmission of the Apollo 11 moon walk in 1969 and allows astronomers the chance to observe pulsars, along with a whole host of other astronomical observations.

By remotely accessing the radio telescope and working directly with the telescope’s Australian-based operators, students will be given the chance to view pulsars – which are spinning, magnetised neutron stars, left over from massive star explosions.

Pulsars spin and emit radio waves in beams from their poles. The spinning causes the beams to sweep across the Earth, creating pulses of radio waves. By taking control of the telescopes the students have the chance to witness first-hand some of the most striking images and undertake real-time scientific research.

Mr Chris North, from Cardiff University’s School of Physics and Astronomy, said: “Pulse@Parkes is an innovative project that allows students interested in astronomy a unique opportunity to take control of one of the world’s most powerful radio telescope. We are delighted to be hosting it here in Cardiff for its first visit to the UK.

“The students will have the chance to take part in real science with the measurements adding to an archive which may eventually help scientists detect the elusive gravitational waves predicted by Einstein’s theory of general relativity.”

The event is open to A-level and AS-level students with a keen interest in astronomy. The measurements used by the students will also form part of an archive of data that is used to monitor and record the characteristics of pulsars throughout our galaxy, such their distance, their rate of spin and any unusual characteristics.

Cardiff University’s Astronomy Group carries out research in many areas of astronomy, in particular the formation of stars, the origin and evolution of galaxies and the cosmic microwave background.

The University’s School of Physics and Astronomy has one of the most active Gravitational Physics Groups, and remains one of the largest research groups in the School. The Group’s search for gravitational waves is focused on transient events such as supernovae and binary neutron stars and black holes, and stochastic gravitational waves.

Six primary schools are involved in the initiative under the Assembly Government’s schools-based counselling programme. It is also the first scheme in Wales for leading UK charity The Place2Be.

Funded jointly by Cardiff Council, the Assembly Government, HBOS Foundation and Private Equity Foundation, the Place2Be scheme places qualified counsellors within a number of local schools to form a hub. Herbert Thompson, Ninian Park, Glan yr Afon, Moorland, Grangetown and Windsor Clive primaries are all involved in the Cardiff scheme.

At each site there is a dedicated ‘Place2Be room’ and a specialist on-site team, consisting of a School Project Manager (a fully qualified counsellor or therapist with experience of working with children) and up to six trained counsellors who volunteer their time. Each team is based on site in the school between two-and-a-half and three days a week and offers a range of immediate and accessible interventions to the children.

Parents and carers are also supported with advice, consultation and, where appropriate, an introduction to other agencies that can provide further support. A range of services are also offered to teachers and school staff to support their complex, demanding roles within the school community.

In addition to the school based work, multi-agency workers such as school nurses, education psychologists and education welfare officers are linked closely to the service. This helps to ensure a joined up package of care and onward referrals to specialist agencies.

Executive Member for Schools and Lifelong Learning Councillor Freda Salway said: “This scheme is a proven, supportive way to give the many children who need it the helping hand to improve their lives, both in the short and long terms. The schools have worked for some time to secure this aid and I know the skills of the various agencies and individuals involved will be of huge benefit.”

Cardiff Place2Be Project Manager Linda Nicklin said: “The Place2Be scheme is committed to supporting troubled, unhappy children in schools. Ten percent of five to 15 year olds have a diagnosed mental health problem, 80 percent of children who show behavioural problems at the age of five go on to develop more anti-social behaviour and over 90 percent of young offenders have had a mental health problem as children. What we are aiming to do is help young children at a very early age to stop such problems later in life.”

Professor Sir Martin Evans

Cardiff University will today mark the Inauguration of its new President, formally passing the honour from one major figure in the University’s history to another.

The Inauguration of Professor Sir Martin Evans as the 22nd President of Cardiff University will take place at a special ceremony (23 November, 5:30pm National Museum Cardiff), which will also recognise the outstanding contribution of Lord Neil Kinnock as president (1998-2009). The President is the most senior of the University’s honorary officers.

The University’s new President, Professor Sir Martin Evans, FRS won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2007 – the most prestigious honour in world science- for a breakthrough which is transforming modern medical science. Sir Martin was the first scientist to identify embryonic stem cells, which can be adapted for a wide variety of medical purposes. His discoveries are now being applied in virtually all areas of biomedicine – from basic research to the development of new therapies. Sir Martin is heralded worldwide as “the father of stem cell research” and named as one of “ten Britons who have shaped our world.”

Sir Martin succeeds Lord Neil Kinnock, who has held the post since 1998, having first studied at the University in the 1960s. Cardiff University is also where Lord Kinnock met his wife Glenys Kinnock, where he had his first taste of political leadership as President of the Students’ Union and where, in the last eleven years as President he has gained enormous pleasure in overseeing the international recognition won by University staff and students.

Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, Dr David Grant said: “It has been a major challenge for the University to find a successor to such an outstanding President as Neil. In Professor Sir Martin Evans, I know that the University has appointed a dedicated friend, ambassador, advocate and supporter of Cardiff University. Lord Kinnock, has presided over a period of immense development and great achievements at Cardiff and, Sir Martin who has led many of our developments will be a guiding-light as we strive for even greater success.”

Professor Sir Martin, Cardiff University said: “I am delighted and deeply honoured to accept my new role as President of Cardiff University.

Neil has presided over one of the most remarkable periods of growth and success in the University’s history. The University has much to look forward to in the future as we make exciting and significant progress in pursuit of our vision to be one of the world’s leading universities.”

Lord Kinnock said: “I am delighted that my successor Professor Sir Martin Evans is someone of real global distinction. I will continue to observe the ongoing success and new achievements of Cardiff University – but it will be as an observer rather than a participant. I will always of course, with or without any formal title, be ready, willing and eager to proclaim the worth of this University to which I owe so very much.”

A major new initiative to expand and enhance the University’s postgraduate research community will also be announced at the event. Recognising that the University’s President Professor Sir Martin Evans is one of the leading researchers of the age, the University will launch the President’s Research Scholarships. Marking the University’s largest investment in postgraduate scholarships, nearly £4M will enable around 80 talented and promising students to pursue postgraduate research studies at the University. The President’s Research Scholarships will be a significant addition to the University’s existing scholarship investments, aiming to enhance the number of people undertaking significant, challenging and innovative research to PhD level at Cardiff University.

Young people who are interested in a career in psychology are being given a unique opportunity to find out more about the profession at a special event being held at City Hall in Cardiff.

An insight day has been arranged by the British Psychological Society, in partnership with Cardiff Council and Careers Wales Education Business Partnership, for people aged between 16 and 19.

Taking place on Tuesday, November 24 from 9.30am to 3.30pm, the event will look at a variety of careers and specialisms within psychology.

Psychologists will speak throughout the day and answer questions on their different specialisms.

Among the speakers will be Dr. Ruth Paradice who will explain the work of educational psychologists and their work with children, with educational psychologists from Cardiff Council available to answer questions on their work. Dr. Katie Thirlaway will give an insight into how psychological principles are used to promote changes in people’s attitudes, behaviour and thinking about health and illness and Dr. Richard Neil will talk about the work of sport psychologists with both teams and individuals from amateur to elite levels of competition.

Nic Bowes will also give a fascinating insight into how forensic psychologists work on criminal investigations and try to understand psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour and the treatment of criminals.

Other talks include Dr. Alyson Smith who will explain how clinical psychologists work with mental and physical health problems such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, addictions and relationships; Dr. John Boddy who will focus on occupational psychologists and how they work with organisations and Dr. Mike Dunn who will give a summary on the research and teaching element of psychology. There will also be an opportunity to hear about the experiences of a current psychology student so people can get a feel for what an undergraduate psychology degree may involve.

Places are limited so if you are interested in attending, please contact Deborah Fry for an application form by email EBP@cardiff.gov.uk or telephone 2087 3789 by Friday, November 13.

Earlier this year the final decision was passed to the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills following objections received by the Council to the publication of a statutory notice detailing the proposed changes. This followed a full public consultation on the plans.

The changes will now be implemented on a phased basis:

• Cefn Onn Primary School will close on August 31, 2012.
• From September 2010 Cefn Onn Primary School will not admit any pupils to the Reception age group. These pupils will be offered a place at either Coed Glas, Llysfaen, Thornhill or Llanishen Fach primary schools.
• The Cefn Onn catchment will be re-allocated among the catchment areas of Coed Glas, Llysfaen, Thornhilll and Llanishen Fach primary schools, with effect from September 2010.

Cardiff Council is committed to making sure the high standards of education at Cefn Onn continue. Officers will work closely with parents of children already attending the school, who may wish to transfer their children elsewhere before the 2012 closure date. At this point, any pupils who would have continued their attendance at Cefn Onn will be offered places in neighbouring schools to complete their primary education.

The Cefn Onn nursery unit will continue to admit pupils while the school is open and will close in August 2012.

In order to accommodate the additional pupils and provide improved facilities for all pupils a significant investment will take place at Coed Glas, Thornhill and Llysfaen primary schools. As a result the number of children able to be admitted to Thornhill and Llysfaen Primary Schools at reception age will be increased to 60 from September 2010. In addition both schools will provide 48 part-time nursery places.

Following the closure of Cefn Onn investment will also take place in Ysgol Y Wern, involving the removal of demountable buildings and improvements to the permanent buildings remaining on the site, currently shared between the two schools.

Places for any children who attend or would have attended the Hearing Impaired Unit at Cefn Onn Primary School will be made available at the Hearing Impaired Unit at Coed Glas Primary School.

Executive Member for Schools and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Freda Salway, said: “I am confident the Assembly’s decision to agree our proposal will improve primary school education throughout this area of Cardiff. One of the main aims of our schools reorganisation policy is to help primary school children participate effectively in the Foundation Phase, achieve high standards at Key Stage 2 and transfer seamlessly to secondary education.

“We must make the best use of resources by creating secure, viable primary schools in every area of the city, while matching the number of places in these schools to the number of local children. The changes we will now take forward at Cefn Onn and its neighbouring schools reflect these aims.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all staff at Cefn Onn for the hard work they have contributed to the school. This decision is obviously significant but staff efforts remain invaluable and I am confident the best levels of provision will continue up until the date of closure.”

Liberal Councillor Salway - steering the proposals for Cardiff City and County Council

As previously reported in NOW Cardiff – parents in Whitchurch are being  invited to undertake a consultation to decide the future of education provision in the area. Cardiff council are offering three options, all of which  involve reducing the size of Whitchurch High School, selling off some school land and merging Eglwys Newydd and Eglwyn Wen. Option three also contains the provision of a Welsh-medium primary school and nursery on the Heol Don site.

Meanwhile, the Governors of Whitchurch High School, currently the largest school in Wales, have started campaigning against the proposed reduction. They have issued a statement: “Whitchurch High School is a good school and is moving from strength to strength, therefore the Governors are opposing the reduction of our school.”

Part of the campaign by the school is to apply for Foundation status. Foundation schools are able to determine their own admissions, own their own sites and land, and employ their own staff. The governing body of the school met in July and resolved to make such an application.

The Chair of Governors, Joyce Crandon stated:  ”I am delighted with the governing body’s decision which will maintain the educational opportunities and standards which are available at Whitchurch High School.

“The school has recently had an excellent inspection by Estyn, which highlighted over one hundred outstanding features in the school, and found the school to be continuously improving teaching and learning opportunities.

“As a Foundation School Whitchurch will still offer a comprehensive education on a non selective basis and will continue to go from strength to strength”.

Option 1

• Reduce the size of Whitchurch High School, to 9 forms of entry
• Replace Eglwys Newydd and Eglwys Wen Primary Schools with a new build 2 form entry English-medium primary school with nursery on the Heol Don site
• Extend and refurbish Ysgol Melin Gryffydd, increasing its capacity to 2 form entry with nursery on the current site.
• Dispose of Eglwys Newydd school site, a small part of Whitchurch High (lower school) site and a small area of the Ysgol Melin Gruffydd and Eglwys Wen site.
• The new English-medium school on the Heol Don site will also share a pitch with Whitchurch High School (Upper School) site.

Option 2

• Reduce the size of Whitchurch High School, to 9 forms of entry
• Replace Eglwys Newydd and Eglwyn Wen Primary Schools with a new 2 form entry English-medium primary school with nursery on the Eglwys Newydd site, by extension and partial refurbishment of existing buildings.
• Extend and refurbish Ysgol Melin Gryffydd, increasing its capacity to 2 form entry with nursery on the current site.
• Dispose of a small part of Whitchurch High lower and upper school sites, a small area of the Ysgol Melin Gruffydd and Eglwys Wen site and the Heol Don site.

Option 3

• Reduce the size of Whitchurch High School, to 9 forms of entry
• Replace Eglwys Newydd and Eglwyn Wen Primary Schools with a new 2 form entry English-medium primary school with nursery on the Eglwys Newydd site, by extension and partial refurbishment of existing buildings.
• Ysgol Melin Gruffydd to become a 2 form entry Welsh-medium Primary School with Nursery in a new build school on the Heol Don site.
• Dispose of a small part of Whitchurch High lower site and the Ysgol Melin Gruffydd and Eglwys Wen site.
• The new Welsh-medium school on the Heol Don site will also share a pitch with Whitchurch High School (Upper School) site.

Whitchurch High - to become a Welsh Medium school?

Drop-in sessions and public meetings on options for the future of primary and secondary education in Whitchurch will be taking place throughout November.

A consultation period on the proposals will run until December 18. A series of consultation meetings has been arranged in the area for interested parties to learn more about the options for change, which form part of Cardiff Council’s Schools reorganisation process.

Drop-in sessions are being held at Llandaff North Library on Tuesday November 24, from 2pm to 7pm, on Wednesday November 25 from 9am to 1pm and at Whitchurch Library on Wednesday November 25 from 2pm to 7pm and on Thursday November 26 from 9am to 1pm.

Exhibitions containing maps and plans of the three proposed options will be on display at these sessions. More information will be available and further views sought at a series of public meetings.

These will be held at:

Whitchurch High School

3/11/2009 6pm – 7:30pm

3/11/2009 7:45pm – 9:15pm

Eglwys Newydd Primary School

4/11/2009 7pm

Eglwys Wen Primary School

9/11/2009 7pm

Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd

10/11/2009 7pm

Gabalfa Primary School

12/11/2009 7pm

Coryton Primary School

17/11/2009 7pm

Hawthorn Primary School

18/11/2009 7pm

Birchgrove Primary School

19/11/2009 7pm

Llanishen Fach Primary School

23/11/2009 7pm

Rhiwbina Primary School

24/11/2009 7pm

Following the consultation period, the Executive will consider all the issues and any views received and will then decide how to proceed.

As well as airing views at the consultation meetings, members of the public can submit their comments about the proposals via the Council website or by emailing schoolresponses@cardiff.gov.uk. Exhibitions will also be available for viewing at every school involved in the proposals.

Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway, said: “We know there has been a great deal of interest in the proposals for the reorganisation of schools in Whitchurch.

“We are still facing an increasing demand for Welsh medium places and surplus provision in English medium schools across the city. This consultation period provides an excellent opportunity for interested parties in the Whitchurch area to find out more and air their views.”