Rydal Penrhos Society
Michael Arditti’s latest novel explores the life of King David through three of his wives in what has already been hailed as 'the #MeToo movement meets the Old Testament'.
Previewed in the press as one of the books to look out for in 2020.
The Anointed was published on 22 April and is now available to purchase.
Simon Braithwaite was appointed into a prominent leadership position at a school in the North West recently.
The former pupil earned the role of Headteacher at Bury Church of England High School shortly before the coronavirus pandemic.
We wish him the very best of luck in his new role.
Alex Sharples, who left the school in 2016, was accepted on to the prestigious CTC Aviation School, which has seen him undertake a gruelling and highly advanced series of modules in the hope of securing employment at the end of the programme.
Part of this saw Alex reside in Hamilton, New Zealand, where he successfully completed his foundation flying training on an aircraft called the DA20 Katana.
The 21-year-old also spent considerable time enhancing his skills in multi-engine aircraft DA42, and he logged hundreds of hours of experience before returning to the UK for his multi-engine instrument rating.
After coming through his practical and written assessments with flying colours, Alex has now been offered a first officer position with EasyJet, where he will be flying the Airbus A320.
He said: “It’s been hard work. My first year was all theory exams. I had to do 14 exams in the space of six months, each exam is around 50 questions and it was a 75 per cent pass mark.
“Classes started at 8am and finish at 4pm Monday to Friday. I found each subject very interesting as it was about something I am very passionate about.
“For example learning the in-depth technical details to how aircraft generate lift, how aircraft use satellites and ground-based navigation aids to navigate around the world, learning how to plan commercial flights with regards to fuel and mass and balance and a lot more.
“Thank you to all my friends and family for all their support throughout my training and helping me to make my dreams come true.”
Jessica Maudsley, Mili Jayadeep, Sara Owen and Becky Lawton, successfully completed her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award after coming through the final stages of a strenuous assessment process.
The quartet managed to secure the exceptional distinction under the expert guidance of programme co-ordinator Dr Jim Lewis to ensure she adds her name to the long list of success stories emanating from Rydal Penrhos.
In order to achieve the accolade, they had to take part in gruelling expeditions under testing conditions along with other candidates, and all four attended a ceremony at a royal venue with other successful pupils from across the country to receive their awards.
Cyd Cowley, who left the school in 2015, was the special guest at the latest Scientific Society lecture on Tuesday, January 28 in the Carnegie Room.
The former pupil discussed the topic of ‘Researching Fusion’, where he will talk about his experiences with the complex topic as a PhD student.
He also spoke on the way technology can combat the current energy crisis, and how nuclear fusion is affecting our society.
Cyd was an immensely strong academic during his time at Rydal Penrhos, scoring an exceptional 44 out of a possible 45 points from his International Baccalaureate examinations, which put him among the best in the country in 2015 and was one of the highest scores in the school’s history.
This followed on from a truly extraordinary set of GCSE results, where Cyd attained A* grades in all subjects.
Senior School Head Sally Ann Harding, said: “We are always thrilled to welcome back our former pupils, who are always looking to assist the next generation with their academic progress whenever they can."
Sean Lonsdale, who attended Rydal Penrhos from 2011-15, has agreed a long-term extension with Exeter Chiefs after impressing considerably during the campaign before it was brought to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 22-year old has made 31 appearances for the Chiefs since joining the club from RGC 1404 in 2016. He is one of the real success stories from the school’s programme that has produced a wealth of professional players and youth internationals in recent years.
The talented forward will now look to progress even further with the top-flight outfit in the coming years to enhance his reputation as one of the brightest young players in the country.
Rob Baxter, director of rugby at Exeter Chiefs, said: “Sean is one of those stories you really like, rugby-wise. He kind of came as an academy player, although he didn’t actually come through our academy. He took a chance by leaving Wales and investing in that change of rugby environment.
“He’s still young, getting involved in games now, and he’s got that ability to play right across the back five, which has made him a really valuable member of the 23 on numerous occasions. It’s one of those things you like to talk about as a success story, in a way, as a young player who has come here and worked hard and is reaping the rewards almost week by week.
“He’s never let us down and he’s improving all the time. As well as all the important games he’s played in, myself and Rob Hunter [forwards coach] can still see that good element of development in him.”
Lonsdale is referred to as a “silent assassin” by Chiefs’ coaching staff and Baxter hopes the player can not only progress his own game in the future, but also inspire other youngsters who are looking to follow in his footsteps.
Elishia Phillips, who left the school in 2016, is studying Drama at the University of Chester, took on the North West Tough Mudder in Malpas, Cheshire in aid of Ataxia UK.
This is a charity that is close to the heart of Elishia, with friend and fellow ex-Rydal Penrhos School pupil Scarlett Salisbury suffering with the condition until her passing last year aged 21.
Elishia, who also works as a booking administrator at the Zip World Centre in Llanrwst, was joined at the event by Scarlett’s brother Henry.
She greatly surpassed her target thanks to a wealth of donations that eventually came to £1,900.
She said: “Scarlett was such an inspiration to everyone.
“My friend never let it overcome her, or become her main personality trait, and she inspired me and so many others with her determination and strength.
“The Tough Mudder was so much fun and I would like to thank all those that donated.”
The school recently raised almost £800 for Ataxia UK in Scarlett’s honour following donations from its recent Creative and Performing Arts evening, which the 2016 leaver was an enormous part of before moving to Bangor University.
They are also held a Charity Ball in memory of Scarlett and Tom Watson on Friday, October 11, with all proceeds split between Ataxia UK and the Anthony Nolan Trust.
Scarlett was a massive part of school life from 2009 until 2016 and she left behind a fantastic legacy at Rydal Penrhos, where she thrived in her role as Prefect during her final year at the school.
