The RP Weekly: 1 April 2022

The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School - 1 April 2022.

The RP Weekly with Parent Information

1 April 2022

Looking Ahead

with Mrs Lucy Davies and Mr Phil Sutton

Parent Information Update – Week Beginning 25/04/22

Coming Soon

For the week beginning (w.b.) 25 April 2022, or earlier:

Over Easter – our annual audit of information held on the pupil database will be taking place over the Easter break. Parents will receive a pre-populated form by post during w.b. Monday 11 April which shows the information we currently hold on file. Parents are asked to amend/update the information and return the form to the school in the self-addressed envelope provided by Friday 29 April.

Monday 25 April – school is closed to pupils but open to staff for a training day.

Tuesday 26 April – first day of Trinity Term. With the start of the new term comes a new set of after-school clubs and activities; available options can be viewed by clicking the links below:

Prep Clubs – Trinity Term 2022.

Senior Clubs – Trinity Term 2022 [please note that Year 7 and 8 Outdoor Education will include watersports on a rotation basis].

Tuesday 26 April – trip to The Play That Goes Wrong; 18:30 – 22:15.

Friday 29 April – Gold DofE practice departs; the trip returns on Monday 2 May.

Looking further ahead:

w.b. Monday 2 May – Year 7 and 8 exams; timetables will be sent out in due course.

w.b. Monday 9 May – Year 9 and 10 exams; timetables will be sent out in due course.

Thursday 12 May – the Rydal Penrhos Colours and Extra-Curricular Awards Evening.

Extra Information

Covid update – we are continuing to update our risk assessment within Welsh Government and Conwy Borough Council guidelines.

Uniform questions answered – look out for a separate document coming home in the holidays.

Holiday Club – SchoolsBuddy is now taking bookings for our exciting holiday club. Group A (Pre-School – Year 1) and Group B (Year 2 – Year 8) timetables can be found at this link here and on our website. Holiday club is £45 per day (08:30 – 17:30) inclusive of all trips, activities, and meals.

Easter Sailing Activity Days – now open for booking for children and young people from age 7 to 17. The dates are 8, 9, 11, 12 and 13 April. Please book through SchoolsBuddy. If your children have friends from outside school who would like to attend with them, they can also book using ClubsBuddy (rydalpenrhos.clubsbuddy.net).

Open Day – Pre-School and Prep parents are invited to see their children’s classrooms and meet their teachers on the morning of Friday 6 May. The timetable for visits is below; please email lparry-williams@rydalpenrhos.com to confirm your attendance.

	Start	Finish	Guide
Pre-School	11:05	11:55	Miss Spencer
Reception	09:00	09:50	Mrs Devilleforte
Year 1	09:55	10:45	Mrs Woodthorpe
Year 2 (2CC)	11:05	11:55	Mrs Culver/Miss Richards
Year 2 (2RD)	09:00	09:50	Miss Davies
Year 3	09:55	10:45	Mrs Oliver
Year 4	11:05	11:55	Mr McLeod
Year 5	08:35	09:25	Mrs Chamberlain
Year 6	08:35	09:35	Mrs Pyves

GCSE Revision Courses

Last chance to book!

Easter is the key revision period for GCSE pupils and so we are holding a special revision week during the Easter holidays with our warm, friendly teaching staff for those across the North Wales area to assist with their exam preparations.

The GCSE Revision Week will take place over three days from 11-13 April 2022.

Excellent value for money at £150/day for eight hours of distraction-free study, including lessons and all food and drink.

This is a can’t miss opportunity for any GCSE pupil sitting exams this year.

Current GCSE pupils at Rydal Penrhos can book their place for FREE using the Schools Buddy App.

For external pupils, register and book here.

Anyone else wishing to book their place on our GCSE Revision Week, or for more information, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or call 01492 530155.

Open Day

Booking open for May Event

Rydal Penrhos is pleased to announce details of a special Open Day next month, which will take place on Friday 6 May 2022 and is set to provide prospective pupils and their families a first-hand opportunity to see for themselves what goes on during a typical day at the school.

This is an exciting time to join the Rydal Penrhos community. The school is flourishing from Pre-School to Sixth Form, examination results and value-added scores remain of the highest standard and things have a much more familiar feel to them across academic subjects and extra-curricular activities with decreasing restrictions from the Welsh Government.

The Open Day will be held in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines at the time and booking is advised for anyone looking wishing to attend. The event will be split into two sections to accommodate anyone looking to visit both Prep and Senior sites.

Prep visitors – 9am-12pm
Senior visitors – 1-4pm

Those in attendance will get individual tours from the school and speak with teaching and admissions staff to get a broader perspective of the day-to-day life of a pupil, the diverse curriculum and exceptional pastoral care.

There will be a host of things to enjoy throughout the showcase, which will feature core academic departments such as English, Mathematics, Art, Drama, Music and Science.

Our thriving extra-curricular provision will also be on full display as pupils young and old go about their usual activities.

The Open Day will take place from 9am-4pm and refreshments will be available following tours.

Anyone wishing to book their place at our Open Day, or for more information, please call 01492 530155, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or use our online form.

Girls' Hockey

U16 squad represent Eryri at national finals

It’s been an incredible start to the hockey season at Rydal Penrhos across all age groups.

The school has kept up development with specialist coaching sessions during the restricted period that prevented competitive action from taking place, something that’s enabled our talented young players to hit the ground running with some outstanding results since the start of term.

The school is proud to have multiple national titles over the last decade, which could continue in the coming weeks with U16 and U18 squads all winning their Eryri heats and qualifying for the Welsh Schools’ Championships.

Rydal Penrhos U14 girls and boys U18 squads have or will be representing the region in Newton. This week, it was the turn of the U16 girls’ team after they clinched the Eryri crown with an impressive victory over Ysgol Friars in Bangor.

It was another eye-catching performance from the group, who defended well, controlled possession throughout and demonstrated real conviction in front of goal to emerge victoriously.

Another standout feature from the triumph was much-improved communication and teamwork, which has been worked on heavily over recent months under the leadership of hockey coach Dan Rippon and other dedicated staff.

This was another fantastic experience for the team, who performed well in the face of some stern competition.

Prep Spring Concert 2022

Pupils shine on stage!

One of the most eagerly-anticipated dates on the Rydal Penrhos events calendar returned on Wednesday 30 March, with more than 200 people packing out the school’s Memorial Hall for the annual Prep Spring Concert.

This was another huge milestone in terms of normality returning after COVID-19 restrictions eased and followed on from a memorable Four Choirs Concert last week.

Deputy Principal and Head of Prep Lucy Davies got the concert underway with an introduction, which featured individual and group performances from Reception right up to Year 6.

The standard of each performance on stage was magnificent. Pupils have been working exceptionally hard under the guidance of music staff in the lead-up to the concert, which came across with accomplished composure and delivery in equal measure.

Mrs Davies, said: “Thank you to our music staff, Mr Pete Williams, Mr Alan McGuiness and Mrs Sue Hughes, for their hard work and perseverance in bringing this concert to fruition.

“The past two years have been a very difficult time for singing and music-making across the school but our staff have continued to show that music plays a pivotal role in our mental health and well-being.

“The sheer joy of performing together was seen at the concert and hopefully is continuing the revival of all things musical at Rydal Penrhos School.”

Our aim is to have every pupil learning an instrument of their choice and we have a full group of talented peripatetic teachers who all have spaces to take on pupils from Year 1 onwards in any instrument.

If you would like your child to have lessons in a 1:1 situation, please contact music@rydalpenrhos.com and we will put you in touch with the relevant peripatetic teacher.

A huge well done to everyone involved in such a sensational evening!

Modern Foreign Languages

Pupils take part in pen pal scheme

We are always looking for ways to inspire through learning at Rydal Penrhos.

Our exceptional teaching staff care deeply about each pupil under their care and often go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure goals are not only met but often succeeded with outstanding examination results, high value-added scores and meaningful progress on a daily basis from Pre-School to Sixth Form.

Another fine example of this came recently from Mrs Sophie Beech, who is a Spanish and French teacher within the school’s Modern Foreign Languages department. She got in contact with a friend working as an English teacher in Beuzeville, France regarding a pen pal project involving pupils from Rydal Penrhos and their peers from the picturesque French region.

The Year 8 and 10 groups have been participating in the project, which involved writing letters detailing a little bit about themselves, what school is like, and the recent challenges to learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs Beech has been hugely impressed with the dedication demonstrated by each pupil participating in the project, which also improves reading and writing in French during a crucial stage of their development.

She said: “I lived in Normandie and have been going for years to that area. It is a very interesting region which has a very rich history. The Normandy beaches, the impressionists, beautiful cliffs in Etretat, the beautiful town of Honfleur – a charming fishing village.

“The pupils in both countries are very keen to communicate and expand on their vocabulary and sentences. Our pupils have responded really positively, and they are looking forward to their next letters and hopefully seeing the pen friends on zoom (via teachers’ computers) soon.”

This has been another extremely worthwhile academic initiative for Rydal Penrhos pupils. Something that is a little out of the ordinary but captured their imaginations along the way.

History

Presentation held for Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils on Ukraine/Russia

The events unfolding in Ukraine are affecting everyone across the globe. Rydal Penrhos pupils young and old are taking a keen interest in developments, with a recent pupil-lead donation campaign drawing a significant amount of support from the school community, who gave vital items, clothing and financial aid that is a testament to their caring nature.

This situation has also provoked some thoughtful discussions within older year groups with more knowledge of what’s transpiring on a daily basis. Something that’s been encouraged in an extremely supportive fashion by the school’s compassionate teaching staff.

Another example of this support came recently when pupils in Key Stage 4 and 5 (Years 10-13), provided multiple requests for a broader perspective on the history of Ukraine and Russia and how events leading up to what we see transpiring today played a role.

This resulted in history teacher Maria Freeman organising a special discussion/presentation with Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils, detailing the background of Ukraine as a nation and the long and short-term causes behind the Russian invasion a few short weeks ago.

Mrs Freeman then gave pupils additional information regarding where the situation stood at the time of the presentation, the ever-changing scenarios and also provided pupils will some helpful tips surrounding avoiding disinformation on social media.

The discussion also included a “knowledge check” section that debunked some myths or confirmed facts from questions about Ukraine, the Russian Empire, Vladimir Putin and even the origins of the Black Plague.

This was a hugely informative session for those in attendance. Our thanks go to Rydal Penrhos pupils for wanting to know more about a very important current topic and to Mrs Freeman for supporting their thirst for knowledge.

Stars of the Week

Congratulations!

Stars of the Week

Reception - Ebenezer
Year 1 - All of Year 1 with Asher holding the certificate
Year 2 - Paige and Ajwaa
Year 3 - Ollie
Year 4 - Angus and Max
Year 5 - Archie
Year 6 - Steffan
Artist - Oscar in Year 6 for his Mexican clock
Special award to our student teachers, Mr Walters, Miss Fitzpatrick and Miss Middleton and thank you for all of their help and hard work!

Street Dance

Prep provision going from strength to strength

We are proud of our strong academic ethos here at Rydal Penrhos, which forms the core of our outstanding provision. However, our wonderful pupils are also encouraged to take advantage of the varied extra-curricular clubs available to give their overall development another significant boost.

Whether children are just starting out their journeys through education or getting ready for the next stage as Sixth Formers, Rydal Penrhos endeavours to treat every pupil as an individual with a broad academic curriculum and extra-curricular options that cater to every possible passion and interest they may have.

This takes place after typical classroom lessons come to a conclusion, featuring areas such as sports, outdoor education, information technology or the performing arts. Areas that are now thriving once again thanks to relaxed COVID-19 restrictions.

One of the most popular additions to the extra-curricular schedule within the Prep, since it was introduced, is the school’s Street Dance initiative, with pupils participating in coaching sessions relating to the specific dance technique, discovering the intricacies surrounding the discipline and practising within a group on new routines.

Street dance is a vernacular dance. This means that it developed naturally as a part of the culture of the time. Vernacular dances are usually interpretive and social by nature, meaning they encourage interaction with their audience and are a product of their surrounding. An example of a vernacular dance is break dancing, which was created in the 1970s in New York City.

Those involved have developed their dancing skills substantially over the last few weeks, which is a testament to their hard work and commitment to yet another exciting option in their particular field of interest.

Hopefully, this is a trend that can continue long into the future and there might be a chance for parents and the school community to witness a few Street Dance routines for themselves in the not-too-distant future.

Music

Every Prep pupil given chance to learn an instrument

After a period of significant change amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Rydal Penrhos pupils with a talent for all things music are getting back down to doing what they love under the expert guidance of staff.

Development has continued encouragingly over the last two years despite the uncertainty, and things now look much more promising moving forward with many activities resuming as planned since the start of the academic year.

We have seen the Community Choir re-launched, a Community Wind Band formed, a Four Choirs Concert take place and it was the turn of Prep pupils to take the Memorial Hall stage for their annual Spring Concert this week.

It’s an exciting time throughout the Prep, which is once again a hive of activity with restrictions easing considerably in recent weeks. Pupils are thriving across multiple areas and another initiative with a musical twist is something that’s really hit the ground running thanks to the sterling commitment of staff.

The school recently gave all Prep pupils an opportunity to learn how to play a musical instrument. This was implemented to boost overall development and might just ignite a passion not yet discovered in some of the school’s youngest pupils.

Year 1 pupils have been busy learning how to play the chime bars throughout the opening stages of their musical journey, with Year 2 focusing on the trumpet during special sessions with Mrs Sue Hughes.

Year 3 got the chance to hone their ever-improving skills on the keyboard, Year 4 turned their musical attention to the recorder with Mr Pete Williams and Years 5 and 6 are also learning to play the keyboard under the tutelage of Mr Alan McGuinness, a teacher with an exceptional amount of conducting experience.

These new skills were put to good use during the Prep Spring Concert, which makes a welcome return to the calendar after last year’s event was cancelled due to ongoing restrictions implemented by the Welsh Government.

A huge well done to all our pupils for their ongoing going efforts and also to our amazing staff team at Rydal Penrhos for their tireless dedication to providing an exceptional all-around education.

Sailing

Former pupil competes in major US event

We are always thrilled to hear about the success of our former Rydal Penrhos pupils. Many go on to achieve great things thanks to the exceptional foundation they receive at the school, which includes thriving in business and also within a sporting environment.

Sailing has been a core part of Rydal Penrhos history for more than 60 years. The school’s centre is accredited by the Royal Yachting Association and has produced a wealth of internationally-recognised sailors who gained significant success throughout their time working with our qualified instructors.

One of the best sailors to ever emerge from Rydal Penrhos is Zac Blomeley, who attended the school from 2012-19 and is currently making a real name for himself on the Waszp sailing circuit.

Zac, who has also been inspiring current sailors at the school in a coaching capacity in recent months, earned another significant milestone by qualifying for the prestigious SailGP Waszp Inspire Championship of Champions, which took place in San Francisco, California last weekend.

In the lead up to the event, where Zac was representing the United Kingdom, the promising sailor spent the day working alongside Sir Ben Ainslie and the SailGP Team GBR, honing his skills in readiness for the challenge that lay ahead.

Zac managed to qualify for the competition by securing an overall win with a commanding display in marginal conditions at the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth, which was the finest performance of his blossoming career to date.

Throughout the season, promising young sailors were selected through their governing bodies, WASZP Class association and SailGP Inspire racing events to ensure the highest level of diverse talent and a 50:50 gender balance.

In addition to racing in the WASZP Grand Final, the young athletes took part in lead-up training clinics in San Francisco with professional foiling coaches, as well as meet-and-greets with athletes and senior members of SailGP staff.

Video

Prep Spring Concert

Mr John Boyer

Rydal Penrhos remembers former Head Gardener

Everyone at Rydal Penrhos was deeply saddened to learn that Mr John Boyer passed away recently. His time as Head Gardener at the school spanned more than 40 years, which began in 1971 and ended long after the typical retirement age.

Mr Boyer would often be seen on his mower keeping the school grounds absolutely immaculate, doing everything with a smile on his face and a polite wave to staff and pupils that came across him. He was an integral part of Rydal Penrhos life and was much-loved and respected among his peers.

Before arriving at Rydal School, Mr Boyer was a farmer based in Maghull on Merseyside. He decided to move to the Colwyn Bay area with his wife after they honeymooned in North Wales and loved it so much they chose to make it their permanent home.

He witnessed some landmark changes across the site, which saw Rydal merge with Penrhos College to become Rydal Penrhos. Mr Boyer also saw some pupils – Mike Leach and Rick Maple – go on to become teachers due to his longevity.

Mr Boyer came from a Christian Guest House and, by chance, walked past a shop window and saw the job advertisement at Rydal School. The rest, as we say, is history.

His presence across campus also drew some notoriety from pupils, who managed to get a one-time interview with Mr Boyer for the student newspaper in 2010 which was entitled “The Secret Gardener“.

During the article, Mr Boyer spoke about many interesting things, including his earliest memories of working at the school and elements of the job he cherished more than anything.

“The first day I started at Rydal, a lovely Collie dog named Monty came to meet me. That dog came every day to me for many years. He went from house to house on the tractor-trailer. He belonged to Mr and Mrs Grimes who were Houseparents at Walshaw.

“When they moved to Upper Colwyn Bay, he still came down every day until he was too old to walk back up the hill, so we took him home by car.”

“In the mornings, the pupils used to cross the quad and walk on the grass for morning prayers. I used to hear the lovely music every morning.”

We will always appreciate the man who kept the grounds so beautiful for us.

Facilities

A wedding venue with a difference

As the wedding season fast approaches, brides and grooms are gearing up for their upcoming nuptials and all nervousness and glitz that comes with them.

Not only this, but those in the planning stages will be busy putting the finer and more important details in place ahead of the big day this year or in the not-too-distant future. Rydal Penrhos is becoming an increasingly popular venue for weddings after the school announced ambitious plans to offer occasions to the wider community. With stunning listed buildings in picturesque surroundings, it’s not hard to see why.

Staff at the school are very experienced when it comes to wedding planning and Rydal Penrhos can host anywhere from 40-250 guests inside or outside depending on the wedding requirements. Guests will be surrounded by illustrious history and grandeur or should they choose, take advantage of more relaxed surroundings within the school’s grounds under the marquees.

The school is in the final stages of renovating the Osborn Hall, which was formally the school chapel and dining hall. It is a beautiful room that boasts a vaulted ceiling, wood panelling, stained glass windows and parquet flooring. It is a magical setting for a wedding.

Whether it’s a wedding ceremony, the reception or the entire occasion, the Osborn Hall is the perfect spot and seeing is believing.

The Memorial Hall is one of the grandest, oldest most beautiful buildings on the Rydal Penrhos estate. As you dance the night away or walk up the aisle you can look up and enjoy the beautiful painted ceiling and be enveloped by the history that echoes around this dramatic room.

The hall can host up to 150 guests and is perfect for dances, weddings, and once again opens onto the quad and gardens and treasured “cloisters” that form just one of the many photographic opportunities on the estate.

With the summer months rapidly nearing, Rydal Penrhos also has the benefit of the New Field area with a Pavilion and marquee for those beautiful occasions in the sunshine to celebrate and Rydal Penrhos is fortunate to have its very own place of worship, St John’s Church, and we also have our school chaplain who will only be too happy to discuss your service with you.

Arranging everything wedding-related can be a stressful business. Rydal Penrhos can also assist in this critical area with a team of dedicated event planners available to help you plan and enjoy your perfect day or evening. They are also working with local suppliers to ensure that everything is on hand to create the wedding of your dreams.

Anyone wishing to require more information about Rydal Penrhos as a potential wedding venue can email events@rydalpenrhos.com, call 01492 530155 or register your interest online here.