8-Jun-2006
- Rhydfelin school pupils recently had learned
about the life cycle of the Atlantic salmon and
how cleaner rivers help us all to live in a better
environment. Fisheries officers from Environment
Agency Wales explained how the two were linked
together. Salmon can now move upstream of Treforest
Weir, following the construction of a fish pass,
three years ago.
The Year 9 pupils at Cardinal
Newman (Roman Catholic) School in Rhydfelin were
taking part in a recent (22 May) Sustainability
event organised by Mid Glamorgan Education Business
Partnership (EBP).
Pupils were able to get involved
in a variety of activities and interactive workshops
hosted by guest speakers from the Agency and a
number of other organisations (see notes).
Environment Agency Wales Fisheries
officers Mark Samuel and Roger Watkins gave the
Atlantic salmon presentation.
Natalie McNamara the head of
Year 9 said: ‘The day was very educational and
very interesting for pupils, who learned about
different environmental issues. It was a worthwhile
exercise which made pupils think about what ‘sustainability’
actually means and how they can play their part
in creating a sustainable world.’
During the afternoon the pupils
had an opportunity to work in small groups, to
put together presentations on their chosen topic
and present their findings to the rest of their
year.
Pupils at Cardinal Newman said:
‘It was a very enjoyable day. We didn’t realise
how the way we live our lives can effect the environment.’
Claire Makin from EBP said:
‘This ‘Sustainability Challenge’ event was delivered
to all of Year 9 as part of EBP's World Of Work
Programme which all pupils in Years 7 through
to 11, participate in. Hundreds of employers work
with schools on a regular basis and this commitment
is a key ingredient to our success.’