Introduction
Mr Tom Hutchinson
Dear Pupils, Parents, Carers, and Friends of Rydal Penrhos,
Welcome to the Rydal Penrhos Newsletter. As you browse the pages of this latest issue, you will see that the half-term just passed, although short, was as busy and alive as ever. I am delighted to have the opportunity to reflect on some of the highlights.
The recent half-term break marks the midway point of the academic year. Personally, this being my first year in post, the time seems to have flown by, while at the same time, I am very aware of the incredible amount that our pupils and staff have achieved in that time. Our community has met the challenge I set at my very first Chapel service, all the way back in September: to ‘do all the good you can’. In the process, I have been continually reminded what makes this school great, and why its future is so strong.
Pre-School
Following our highly encouraging CIW Report last term, our Pre-School team continue to excel, constantly looking to broaden our children’s horizons and improve their own practice. With the site move in September approaching, the team have spent plenty of time in their new surroundings, fine-tuning plans for this exciting project.
Child-led learning has resulted in several fascinating topics of exploration and discovery this term. Space was one of the key themes that captured the children’s imagination; I was lucky enough to help with a session in which our pupils were exploring the topic of spacecraft, but our pupils have also spent time thinking about planets, aliens, stars and much more.
Providing an all-around cultural education is an important feature of our approach across the school and in the Pre-School this has manifested in the observation of national and international celebrations. From Saint Dwynwen’s Day to the Big Welsh Rhyme Time, Pre-Schoolers continue to feel the influence of Welsh language and culture in their day-to-day development. Meanwhile, Lunar New Year activities provided a fun introduction to foreign traditions and customs.
Our Stay and Play activities continue to be a hit with pupils and parents. I would like to thank all those who participated in our latest session and look forward to inviting you into our Pre-School again soon.
Prep School
I am continually impressed with how our Prep School pupils apply themselves to all parts of school life, from their individual pursuits to their responsibilities to one another. Working with our Prep School pupil leadership team this term has been a particular joy, from our regular discussions about their day-to-day ideas and observations, to the recent tour of Old House. Just like the Year 6 pupils who took part in January’s transition day, our Prep School Council members felt immediately at home in new surroundings; a very promising sign for September.
The Prep School has been buzzing with sporting activity from the first day of term. From a haul of silverware at the national school skiing competition in Llandudno, to a successful trip to Nant Conwy RFC for a U11 rugby tournament, our pupils have been giving their all in every sport that we offer. This bodes well for the second half of term, which brings with it many more fixtures and tournaments.
With spring on its way, I am glad to report that the Forest School continues to fascinate and engage the children. From the first days of term – when it was announced that the school had received the Gold Award from the Woodland Trust – to the Big School’s Birdwatch last week, our pupils are putting the forest to memorable and commendable educational use.
Senior School
The beginning of a new calendar year marks the start of a run-up to summer exams and in preparation for this our exam candidates have participated in mock examinations to develop their technique and figure out where their strengths and weaknesses are within the syllabus. I would like to commend the seriousness with which our pupils have approached these papers; I am sure the benefits of this hard work will be apparent come results day.
Some brilliant team performances have paved the way to national championship appearances for many of our hockey teams during this upcoming half-term. This is not to exclude the efforts of our talented sportspeople across a range of other disciplines. For our rugby players, the coming weeks will be particularly exciting, with the First Rugby 7s team travelling to the renowned Rosslyn Park tournament in London.
Elsewhere in the Senior School, our GCSE and A-Level Drama students have put their talents to the test by performing their selected pieces for visiting examiners, while pupils in Years 9 to 11 have done the school proud during the recent UKMT Maths Challenge. The way our pupils engaged with this competition once again demonstrated their passion for learning, which goes above and beyond the classroom curriculum.
For our whole school, the next half-term promises to be busy and rewarding once again. The unification of the Pre-School, Prep School and Senior School onto one site approaches ever nearer, but while this exciting prospect draws closer into view, we cannot and will not be distracted from the day-to-day task of providing a first-class education to our children and young people.
I wish you all the best for the second half of term and eagerly anticipate sharing further updates on our school's exciting developments.
Warm regards,
Mr T HutchinsonPrincipalRydal Penrhos School