Celebrating academic and sporting success

30 July 2024

Remiel Wharton has much to celebrate. The young man from Mynydd y Garreg, Carmarthenshire, has just graduated from the Postgraduate Certificate of Education course at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and has also won the Dr Howard Tanner Memorial Award for PGCE Secondary Mathematics students.

Remiel Wharton playing touch rugby for Wales in the World Cup 2024 and scores against Sinagpore. Picture credit sportphoto.wales

Picture credit: sportphoto.wales. Remiel Wharton scores a try for Wales’ Men’s Open team against Singapore in the Touch Rugby World Cup, 2024.

But, Remiel did not have the opportunity to attend his graduation ceremony held recently as was is representing the Wales Men’s Open Team in the Touch Rugby World Cup held in Nottingham between 15 and 21 July.

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 says:

“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 namely Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth and Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, where he had the opportunity to teach pupils of different ages in Welsh and English.

He says:

“During the year I have also completed four assignments investigating various aspects of teaching in schools and this has given me the opportunity to reflect on my methods of teaching.

“My main intention when joining the course was to ensure that I was organised. I also wanted to make sure I was professional when doing placements. I am passionate about ensuring that pupils are prepared for real life by the time they leave school and so I was keen to try to include this in my teaching.

“The highlight of the course was the opportunity to meet as a group of PGCE students and share our experiences and ideas so that we could learn from each other and develop as PGCE students. It was also a nice opportunity to socialise with the other students on the course”.

Remiel continued:

” PGCE students have a heavy workload, so it is very important to be organised when completing the course. The most important thing is to communicate with fellow students to ensure that you are on the right track and that you can help others when they ask too – a problem shared is a problem halved”.

“I would recommend this course to any prospective teachers; when a lesson goes well and you see progress and understanding in the children, it’s a great feeling. I have developed my confidence, self-evaluation skills, and professionalism during the course.

And now, the celebration continues as 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.

And what about his rugby career? Remiel is Vice-Captain of the Men’s Open Touch Rugby Team who has won 31 caps and scored 33 tries for Wales in 3 competitions – 2 Euros in 2022 and 2023 and the World Cup this year.

Picture credit: sportphoto.wales. Remiel Wharton scores a try for Wales’ Men’s Open team against Singapore in the Touch Rugby World Cup, 2024.