EDUCATION NEWS

Flying the flag for girl’s rugby

In March, St David’s College girls rugby team travelled to Roslyn Park Sevens. From its humble beginning in 1939, Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens has been held every year since becoming one of the oldest continuous tournaments in the world. Originally it was a knock out competition for public schools but as interest grew it was extended to include grammar, comprehensive and preparatory schools. In 1998 the first girls (U18) competition was inaugurated. This year there are 32 female teams competing. The St David’s College squad of 14 travelled to London on Monday 20th of March before competing all day Tuesday. They were in the same group as Seaford College, Wellington College, and Oakham School. The girls needed to top their group to secure a place in the knockout stages. However, a narrow 2pt defeat in the opening game to Seaford College meant that despite resounding victories in the remaining two games against Oakham School and Wellington School, missed out on top spot finishing 2nd. No mean feat considering most of the team have been playing rugby for less than 2 years! “The girls were all super excited to go and compete in such a prestigious and well-known tournament, they had a brand new traveling kit and really look the part,” said coach Jess Kavanagh. “Anything can happen in a 7s tournament as it’s such a fast game. We really hoped we would make it to the knockout stages – but it wasn’t to be. I am immensely proud of all the girls. They played really well and were a credit to themselves and our school.”

Children’s University secures

£800,000

funding to expand scheme across North Wales

A new scheme which aims to inspire a love of learning among children and young people in North Wales by promoting access to extracurricular activities is being expanded after securing more than £800,000 of funding.

Wrexham Glyndwr University (WGU) will work with Bangor University and a number of partners to pilot the scheme over the coming year as part of a shared civic mission commitment to work in partnership to end social inequality in the region. The new funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) will enable partners to build on the success of the Wrexham and Flintshire Children’s University pilot, enabled by WGU and the Wrexham and Flintshire Public Service Board. The pilot worked with schools, community groups and learning destinations, encouraging children and young people to complete 30 hours of extracurricular activity, with the aim of raising aspirations and rewarding participation. Nina Ruddle, Head of Public Policy Engagement at WGU, said: “Securing this funding is an exciting leap forward. We anticipate that thanks to this funding, we will be able to reach more children and young people and engage them in this exciting scheme.”