‘WHAT do I learn or teach?’ The above words were written by the Welsh poet Vernon Watkins and the question asked is as pertinent today (literally) as it was when he penned it.

I was mowing a lawn this afternoon when my wife stopped me in my tracks to tell me that the proposal to eliminate sixth form provision for the new Haverfordwest secondary school had been thrown out by a majority of councillors.

So what do I learn? I learn that we have young people who have worked tirelessly to get their voices heard, I learn that with persistence and right on your side you can win against all the odds, I learn that democracy at a local level is alive and well.

So what do I teach? What I have always taught, that intelligence and independent thinking must never give way to obduracy and arrogance.

I was privileged to teach sixth forms for well over 30 years. That experience gave me great joy and just a little, I hope, to those I taught. In my experience the benefits of a sixth form to a school are incalculable, benefits that some decision makers simply do not seem to understand.

Well done to the councillors who had the courage to vote for what is clearly the best option for our young people.

I hope that the electorate will take note and give support to those who do not simply court popularity but judge issues on their merits, and act accordingly.

But most of all well done to the students of Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton schools. Your parents and teachers should be proud of the way in which you have conducted your campaign – with perseverance, dignity, commitment and intelligence.

You have been, at times, treated with disdain and attitudes that have been patronising in the extreme.

You have withstood all that, battled on and attained the moral high ground. The people of Haverfordwest and the surrounding area are in your debt.

It is now beholden on the council to accept that you have won the argument and that future plans should reflect what you have fought so hard to achieve.

BARRY CHILDS

Llangwm