Reception
Class enjoy action-packed term of fun and learning
From building bird nests and bug hotels in the Forest School to constructing castles in STEM lessons, Rydal Penrhos' Reception class continue to have fun as they learn and grow.
Reception is one of the most important year groups in the journey of a Rydal Penrhos pupil from Pre-School to Sixth Form. Much like Year 7 and Year 12, it represents the transition into a different part of school with all new opportunities, expectations, routines and experiences.
If a child is happy when they are in Reception, then that strong start to their time in school will translate to a rich experience over the following years. This can have a strongly positive consequential effects that span well into their later years of school – not just in terms of academics, but also personal flourishing more broadly.
It is a truism to say that there is only one chance to make a first impression in life, and nowhere is this more evident than in a child’s first days, weeks and months of school life following Nursery and Kindergarten.
Thankfully, Rydal Penrhos pupils find themselves in the safe hands of Reception teacher Mrs Louise Devilleforte. A long-time member of staff and experienced educator, Mrs Devilleforte knows better than most how to help children of Reception age thrive.
Every child is unique and by the time they reach Reception they have a growing understanding and awareness of their own set of skills, experiences and perspectives that they can bring to the classroom. At Rydal Penrhos, our approach is centered around providing a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages each child to grow and develop at their own pace, in their own way.
The day-to-day activities in Reception class are diverse and exciting, aimed at fostering a love of learning and curiosity in young minds. From exploring the natural world through outdoor adventures, to engaging in messy play and creative arts and crafts, there is never a dull moment. As unique individuals, our children each learn in very different ways, so we ensure that there are plenty of different avenues and opportunities for exploration and discovery.
In addition to the core skills of reading, writing and numeracy, Reception pupils have the chance to take part in a range of different pursuits, from drama to sports to music (Reception certainly made their mark and delighted parents during the recent Prep Spring Concert). These activities help to develop well-rounded individuals who are confident, resilient and adaptable.
To offer you an insight to what life is like in Reception, we have compiled a small selection of all the amazing endeavours pupils have taken part in over recent weeks.
Admission into Reception
For prospective parents who might be considering the next steps in their child’s education when they move up from nursery to school, we would encourage you to contact our admissions team to discuss the opportunities that would be available to your child at Rydal Penrhos.
We have a select number of places remaining for the start of the new academic year in September, so please enquire now to avoid disappointment!
admissions@rydalpenrhos.com01492 530 155
Forest School
Reception have continued to put their creativity and love for nature on full display during their Forest School sessions.
In one instance, using shredded wheat, they worked together to construct some beautiful bird nests, demonstrating their impressive teamwork in the process.
Pupils also had the opportunity to build a bug hotel, using natural materials found in the forest, such as twigs, leaves, and rocks.
The Forest School remains a beloved feature of the Rydal Penrhos experience and these activities not only fostered an appreciation for the nature but also helped develop essential skills such as problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking.
Bird Art for Spring Concert
Drawing on their appreciation of nature, derived from their time in the Forest School, Reception used their artistic skills to create beautiful British birds to decorate the stage at the Prep Spring Concert.
Using a range of colours and techniques, the students produced stunning artwork that showcased their creativity and talent.
Opportunities to express themselves artistically like this are aplenty at Rydal Penrhos. Pupils benefit from the Prep's wonderfully cosy and well-stocked Art Studio, where pupils are encouraged to explore and experiment with different mediums and styles. These experiences not only provide a chance for students to develop their artistic skills but also promote self-expression and confidence.
STEM Castle-Building Project
As part of an ongoing STEM project on castles, Reception put their creativity and engineering skills to the test by designing and building their own castles using Lego and stickle bricks.
STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths, is a core part of the Rydal Penrhos curriculum from the youngest year groups.
The castle project provided an excellent opportunity for students to explore engineering concepts such as structure, stability, and design. Given the imagination, knowledge and positive collaboration on display, we look forward to seeing the results of Reception's next big project!
Balance Boards
Reception pupils had a blast at playtime when they got the chance to try out balance boards, which provided both good fun and a great test of their balance and agility.
Play is seen as an essential part of a Prep education, as it allows children to develop important skills such as socialisation, creativity, and problem-solving. In addition to providing a break from academic work, playtime encourages physical activity and promotes overall health and wellbeing.
The balance boards are just one example of the many exciting opportunities for fun available to Prep pupils during break time. With the playground overlooking the North Wales coast and Irish Sea, pupils also have an amazing location to play in.
Shop Role-Play Activity
Reception enjoyed taking part in a shop role-play session, where they were able to use their imagination to create a fun and interactive shopping experience.
Role-play activities like this can help promote visualisation, imagination, communication and social skills. In addition, it offers pupils a fun introduction to the concepts of money and trade, which can help develop understanding of the wider world and the value of goods and services.
KS1 Easter Egg Hunt
The Easter excitement was palpable as Reception students joined their Key Stage 1 peers for an exciting egg hunt in the Prep playground.
The children eagerly searched for colorful eggs hidden in all sorts of nooks and crannies, laughing and cheering with delight as they discovered each one.
With the help of their older peers, the Reception students were able to find all the hidden eggs and were rewarded with a sweet treat for their efforts.
The event was not only a fun-filled activity for the children but also provided an opportunity for them to bond with their peers across different year groups, further consolidating the Prep's feeling of community and inclusivity.
