A newly-qualified teacher had to miss his graduation ceremony as he was representing Wales in the Touch Rugby World Cup.
Remiel Wharton from Mynydd y Garreg, Carmarthenshire, has just graduated from the Postgraduate Certificate of Education course at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. He also won the Dr Howard Tanner Memorial Award for PGCE Secondary Mathematics students.
But Remiel did not have the opportunity to attend his graduation ceremony as he was representing the Wales Men’s Open Team in the Touch Rugby World Cup held in Nottingham. Remiel is Vice-Captain of the Men’s Open Touch Rugby Team who has won 31 caps and scored 33 tries for Wales in three competitions – two Euros in 2022 and 2023 and the World Cup this year.
A former pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin and Ysgol y Gwenllian Kidwelly, Remiel went on to study Mathematics at Cardiff University before choosing a PGCE course at UWTSD.
He said:
“I moved from England at a young age to Carmarthenshire with no contact or experience of the Welsh language. I attended Welsh medium schools throughout my time at school and achieved my GCSE and A level exams through Welsh. I then went on to complete a Mathematics degree at Cardiff University. I was attracted to UWTSD after having an interview with a member of staff, Jessica Roberts. Her personality and enthusiasm for education confirmed my decision to study here.”
He chose to study the PGCE course having enjoyed completing an ‘introduction to teaching mathematics’ module in his final year at university. The module introduced him to the theory of education and pedagogy, giving him a completely new perspective on the work and methods behind the lessons he had received when a school pupil.
During his time at UWTSD he completed placements in two schools in Carmarthenshire where he had the opportunity to teach pupils of different ages in Welsh and English.
Remiel has secured a job for QTS (Newly Qualified Teacher) year at Ysgol Plasmawr in Cardiff.
Jessica Roberts, Senior Lecturer for Maths and Numeracy said:
“Remiel was an outstanding Maths PGCE student in both his academic studies and pedagogical development, securing A grades in every assignment. He became knowledgeable of effective and innovative maths teaching, and throughout all university modules and experiences was keen to offer ideas and eager to learn. It was a huge pleasure as Remiel’s Maths lecturer, to be a part of his journey to becoming a successful teacher of Maths, and I wish him all the very best for his future career at Ysgol Plasmawr where he has secured a teaching post.”
