Day president takes swipe at politicians

THE 2017 Bridgend Taff Ely Urdd Eisteddfod in Pencoed has enjoyed a “fantastic turnout”, according to organisers.

On Monday there were 17,366 visitors and they said they had broken the past two years’ visitor records since then with 20,631 visitors on Tuesday and 15,875 visitors on Wednesday.

During yesterday’s events on the Maes, day president Martyn Geraint slammed politicians’ treatment of school pupils as “machines” help the children? They just feel the added pressure,” he said.

“The parents: does the data help? No. The teachers – they are just worried about everything else they could be doing.

“And that leaves the politicians. Oh yeah, the data helps the politicians as they test the children endlessly. So we have to ask, are the politicians worthy?”

He recalled an experience where he said he encountered such an “unworthy politician” while serving as a governor at Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg in Church Village, formerly Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen.

As a resident of Pontypridd and former pupil of YG Rhydfelen, Martyn said he was honoured to serve the new generation of pupils.

“And then in 2012 I was suspended because I continued to argue for the children and the staff against injustice.

“The situation in Rhydfelen showed that some politicians were not bothered about people’s opinion as long as they got their own way. But is that the situation throughout the whole of Wales?

“I am fortunate to visit schools throughout Wales every year. Very often I hear of teachers that are under pressure and a number that are ill and under stress. And what about the jobs that are not filled because no-one is worthy?