Why we need to end tests for our children
MUSICIAN Martyn Geraint called for politicians to put an end to tests and targets in children’s education
Speaking as Day President at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Bridgend the popular S4C children’s presenter said the constant need for tests and meeting targets was having a demoralising effect on education.
He said he often visits schools across Wales and met “stressed out” teachers who simply wanted to work with the children.
“A youngster might get 99% in a test but no one will applaud but are more likely to ask why didn’t a score of 100% be achieved. The politicians are never satisfied and it’s having an effect on children.
“Tests don’t do anything for them apart from interfere with their education,” he added.
Mr Geraint, 54, called on the Urdd to ensure the movement provides children of all abilities with the chance to shine.
“The Urdd must offer experiences to everyone, especially the less academically talented but who have other abilities. A young Gareth Bale took part in Urdd sport activities some years ago,” he said.
Martyn, well-known as the presenter of Slot Meithrin and then Planed Plant Bach on S4C for 15 years, has fond memories of the Urdd.
“But my first memory is feeling frustration as a young child that there were no competitions for under 8s at the time. Later came the pride of hitting the drum on stage at the ’73 Urdd Eisteddfod in Pontypridd, singing translations of ‘ Long Haired Lover from Liverpool’ and ‘Power to all our friends’ in a concert at the Pavilion.
“I tasted success at the ’76 Eisteddfod in Porthaethwy with the Ysgol Rhydfelen Boys Party.
“I feel the experiences I’ve had competing and performing on stage have been invaluable and have benefited me greatly in my career. The annual travelling and having to adapt to a new environment was a great way of getting to know Wales
“It is these experiences that will give the young people of Wales the confidence to put their own unique stamp on this country and the world,” he said.
The son of a couple active in their community in the Vale of Clwyd for many years echoed the Urdd’s wishes to appreciate the work of teachers and volunteers working with youngsters.
Twenty five years ago the John and Ceridwen Hughes Memorial prize was awarded for the first time. The prize is awarded annually for substantial contribution to the lives of young people in Wales, in memory Gerallt and Dewi Hughes’ parents.
Dewi Hughes said in his parents day as headteacher of Ysgol Rhydgaled near Denbigh it was expected the “Sgwlyn” would help out as clerk to the community council, teach Sunday School and carry out other voluntary work.
“It was, of course, a different time and a different era but the basis is still the same. Children need to be given the right experiences and the right leadership,” he said.
Aled Rees from Porthyrhyd and Rhinedd Williams from Llanddarog received the award in the pavilion for their work in the Gwendraeth Valley.