Simeon and Hannah share their thoughts on the Lent term
The commencement of the Lent term saw a step forward allowing pupils to connect across year groups. After a refreshing break, it was rewarding to see the pupils benefit from the relaxation of COVID guidelines, and see a revival in the whole school community contribution. This was especially apparent in the music and drama department with the phenomenal production of Matilda the Musical Jr. taking place; we appreciate the support and praise given by familiar faces of the Rydal Penrhos community to the school’s and the pupils’ efforts.
From our own personal leadership roles, as the senior cadet and first team hockey captain, we can see the school once again becoming a welcoming hub where every pupil contributes to the ethos and atmosphere of the school. The Combined Cadet Force were thrilled to be greeted by the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards and establish a partnership which will undoubtedly nurture the junior cadets’ leadership and field craft skills for years to come. Being able to mix year groups has allowed for improved confidence in leading and learning for junior and senior cadets alike. The extension of the rugby and hockey seasons into the Lent term has also allowed for various triumphs against fierce competitors, who were clearly intimidated by our newly issued first team kits kindly gifted by a former pupil of Rydal Penrhos.
With UCAS deadlines pending and the end of the university application process in sight for Year 13, the benefits of these specific opportunities and numerous others became especially prevalent. This more stressful period revealed the importance of co-curricular activities, because whilst giving us chance to stretch ourselves beyond the classroom, they also let us enjoy the act of just getting involved. Small moments such as these will be especially savoured as the approach to final exams begins for Year 11 and Year 13.
–Hannah Davies, Deputy Head Girl, and Simeon Murphy-Thomas, Deputy Head Boy