Manorbier School primary pupils have had yet another busy and fruitful half term. They ended the spring term by acquitting themselves admirably at a Philosophy Conference held at Swansea University. The conference, attended by the director of education and advisors of Swansea LEA, as well as delegates from the university, was aimed at introducing Swansea schools to philosophy teaching. Along with a handful of other schools from across Wales, Manorbier was invited to show how the topic is run in Pembrokeshire. A small delegation of students, dressed as Greek philosophers, not only gave a talk demonstrating their new website, but then answered questions from the assembled delegates for over half-an- hour. Yet another example of the maturity of our youngsters. Year 5 and 6 students took part recently in the Carew Castle Great Tournament 1507 celebrations. They had such a fantastic time that Year 1 pupils felt compelled to follow suit. The intrepid time travellers visited the castle last week, clothed in robes of the day. Overseen by Pembrokeshire coast education officers, Teresa, Master David and Mistress Emma, servants of Sir Rhys ap Thomas, they prepared the castle rooms ready for the arrival of the tournament guests. History was certainly brought to life and all had a wonderful day. The Year 5 and 6 students are obviously feeling itchy feet as they ventured out to Pemberton's Chocolate Factory last Monday. Aside from the obvious pleasures of nine to 11-year-olds making a visit to the hub of chocolate making, the visit had some serious research opportunities. As part of their Design Technology studies, the students are designing and making their own packaging (they will be making the biscuits to go with them shortly). To this end, they spent a long time looking at the different packaging designs and methods used by Pemberton's. They also had a tour of the factory looking at the chocolate-making process and finished up in the Tasting Room, where they each decorated their own chocolate and then promptly ate it. Entrepreneurs of the future maybe, but only if they can stop eating the profits! The whole school has been benefiting from visits by PC Bendle, the police school liaison officer, and dog-handler, PC Mark Brown and his dogs. The officers have been talking to the children about the emergency services and the role of the police, ambulance, coastguard and fire service. The younger children got to dress up in the appropriate costumes and to learn how and when to call the emergency services, while the older students covered the same areas, as well as a broader range of anti-social behaviours. Their visits were highly informative and helpful and the antics and high level of training of PC Brown's police dogs, Clint the German Shepherd and Poppy the Labrador, amazed and enthralled everyone.
