Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has marked an exceptional year for its Education Programme, reaching a record 93,897 pupils!
Offering free education resources to all, the programme provides access to high-quality learning experiences for pupils, helping to build social value, especially in areas of deprivation. It enhances knowledge and understanding and fosters a sense of shared responsibility towards water.
Laugharne School said in their review:
“The workshop is brilliant. Pupils really enjoyed the activity. Excellent opportunity for discussion, planning and maths.”
While Saundersfoot Primary School’s reaction was:
“Fantastic - Thank you to the teacher. The children were 100% engaged throughout the tasks and didn't want it to end! Excellent opportunities for collaborative work. A Wonderful and professional morning. Diolch!”
The not-for profit company has seconded over 80 teachers to the company so far, creating a more dynamic, real-world learning environment for pupils. This is in line with the National Curriculum for Wales, which focuses on the four core purposes - capable learners, enterprising contributors, informed citizens and confident individuals.
Sageston CP Primary School said the session was:
“A very high quality presentation which met the objectives stated. A very good and relevant link made to the new curriculum. A very hands-on workshop which the children thoroughly enjoyed. Presenter Steph was excellent!”
Pembroke Dock Community School also enjoyed the assembly and workshop:
“Teacher was very engaging, the assembly was interactive and age-appropriate, which the children enjoyed. The workshop was practical and developed children’s persistence and problem solving skills.”
In addition, the workshops have reached pupils in Tavernspite, Templeton, Stepaside, Narberth, Prendergast, as well as Mary Immaculate RC Primary School, Castle School and Waldo Williams Primary, amongst other local schools.
Claire Roberts, Head of Community Engagement at Welsh Water, said:
"Our success in reaching over 93,000 learners this year demonstrates the appetite and value of this support, which engages with future generations at the heart of each community. Through seconding teachers and offering hands-on, accessible education, we're not only supporting in shaping our future generations, but also contributing to the social value of communities.”
By offering outdoor environmental education sessions, school outreach assemblies, classroom-based workshops, and live, online education sessions, the programme ensures that the benefits reach far and wide.
Of the 464 evaluation forms received from schools, 459 expressed high satisfaction with the support offered, reflecting the programme’s value in the education sector.
There are currently 219,000 pupils in full-time primary school education in Wales. That 93,897 pupils have been reached during the past academic year offers a sense of the scale and success of the delivery of this education programme.
With 700,000 pupils reached since its launch in 1998, Welsh Water's Education Strategy exemplifies a deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility and the nurturing of future generation's knowledge and skills to protect a most precious resource.