The RP Weekly: 11 December 2020
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School.
The RP Weekly
11 December 2020
Dr Baker
Former pupil returns to dish out challenge prizes
There was plenty of excitement in the air at Rydal Penrhos Prep School as a former pupil returned for a special presentation ceremony.
Dr Mark Baker, who is the project leader behind the restoration of Gwrych Castle, visited Rydal Penrhos on Friday 4 December and received a warm welcome from Prep School head Lucy Davies upon his arrival.
The main purpose of the visit was for Dr Baker to present prizes to the winners of the Prep School’s ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ themed challenges, which took place over the last three weeks and culminated in a final ‘Escape the Cellar’ task that was their toughest of the entire initiative.
Before the presentation, Dr Baker was given a tour of his old school by younger members of the Rydal Penrhos community, where they outlined the challenges involved and how much they enjoyed them.
This was followed by Dr Baker handing the chosen winners from their respective year group certificates as a result of their exceptional efforts throughout the challenges, and there was even time for a question and answer session with the visitor.
Topics surrounding the castle project Dr Baker has been involved in were discussed, in addition to questions surrounding the hit reality show being hosted by Gwrych Castle.
Dr Baker attended the Prep School before moving on to Rydal Penrhos senior school and he began the project to restore the castle back to its former glory whilst still a pupil.
The Grade I listed site was left to rot for decades, but the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust has worked tirelessly over the last decade to restore prominent rooms and gardens across the picturesque area.
The trust bought the castle in 2018 and a substantial effort from Dr Baker and the Trust enabled its grounds to be opened to the public soon after.
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos would like to thank Dr Baker for giving up time out of his busy schedule to attend the presentation, which our pupils thoroughly enjoyed.
Estates
Grounds team revovate memorial benches
Rydal Penrhos prides itself on the immaculate grounds in which senior and prep pupils thrive on a daily basis both in and out of the classroom.
This is thanks in no small part to the outstanding commitment shown by its Estates team, who are a vital component in what makes the school such an exceptional place to work and learn.
Seeing is believing when it comes to the vast landscape of Rydal Penrhos. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the Colwyn Bay coastline, the school’s picturesque senior school is almost like stepping into a Harry Potter novel and the Prep School ‘castle’ comes with stunning views, an incredible Forest School site and is also the home for boarding pupils.
The grounds team have been working hard on a special project in recent weeks involving the memorial benches located both in the Quad and at the New Field sporting facility, which is one of the best surfaces anywhere in the region and hosts national cricket youth matches during the summer. These benches have been donated over the years by families of former pupils as a mark of remembrance and fondness from their days at Rydal Penrhos that they loved so much.
Some benches have also been dedicated to those who gave so much to the school, including former teacher and historian Rob Tickner and John Pepper, who dedicated a lot of his time to the Rydal Dolphins Cricket Club, which is still going strong to this day.
This is yet another fine example of what being part of the Rydal Penrhos community means. Many former pupils still hold a close affection for the school long after they depart, which is a testament to the solid foundation they are given from which to build a successful career.
We would like to thank our Grounds team for going above and beyond the call of duty yet again and making the benches look so refined.
Sailing
Llion's journey from novice to national squad selections
Llion Morris continues to make strides in a sailing environment. The Year 10 pupil has gone from a novice youngster to one of the brightest young prospects anywhere in the country thanks to the exceptional dedication and passion he’s displayed during his first few years of what promises to be a fantastic career.
To say Llion has achieved plenty over the years would be something of an understatement. He is currently ranked No. 8 in the Laser 4.7 National boys qualifiers after a notable showing during the latest series of races in October.
There are 5 further qualifiers scheduled for January and March 2021 for consideration for the Europeans and World events in July/August – which would be the pinnacle of Llion’s young career to date.
His level of consistency at high-profile competitions is extraordinary. Here is just a snippet of what the pupil has accomplished so far.
- Won 1st for 3 Llandudno club races.
- Won 1st British Youth Sailing (BYS) regional event in Topper in Mumbles 2019.
- Welsh Topper Championship Trophy 2019.
- Won the Welsh Topper Championship at Pwllheli April and won the plate 2019.
- Won CYCR gold Topper Trophy summer 2018.
- Won Bala on board Topper Slate Trophy, 2017.
This incredible list of achievements caught the attention of national selectors from a very early age. Llion has progressed through RYA Cymru Wales squads onto GBR level, which is a strong indicator of the hard work he’s putting into improving.
- Welsh Laser Transition squad (4.7 Laser): Aged 15 yrs – current.
- RYA GBR Topper squad 2019/2020: Aged 14 yrs.
- Welsh National Topper squad 2017/2018 + 2018/2019: Aged 12, 13 and 14 yrs
- ITCA (GBR) Topper squad 2018/2019: Aged 13yrs.
- Welsh Regional Topper squad 2016/2017: Aged 11yrs.
As one of the very few schools in the UK able to teach sailing and water-sports as part of our enhanced school curriculum for pupils from Year 3 to Year 8, Rydal Penrhos offers certification at RYA Level 1-4 and beyond; Sailing with Spinnakers, Performance Sailing, Seamanship Skills and powerboat courses up to Level 2.
Llion is also thriving from an academic perspective, which he is combining superbly well with his sailing training after being given ‘elite athlete’ status by Sport Wales during the coronavirus pandemic.
He also took it upon himself to assist the local community during the first lockdown period earlier this year, making PPE for keyworker facilities from home alongside his sister and Prep School pupil Sophie.
CCF
Hoard of new recruits join initiative
One of the newest initiatives in school is its Combined Cadet Force, which has gone from strength-to-strength since its inception thanks to the tireless commitment of programme leaders Capt. Alun Brown and Sgt. Phil Hilton, together with the unrivalled enthusiasm of pupils and teacher Fleur Coates.
Its popularity during the autumn term has grown even further, with the introduction of 26 new ‘recruit’ cadets into the Army Section.
This number takes the full CCF roll to 38 and ensures that the Army Section is looking in a healthy position for the future.
Captain Brown, said: “The increase of 26 new Year 8s is fantastic and we are all excited about the opportunities that they will soon be able to enjoy.
“The restrictions of the global pandemic have proved tricky for the continuance of training but the Rydal Penrhos CCF staff have worked hard to adapt to the new regulations which keep the cadets safe while having fun.
“The Year 8s now parade on a Tuesday afternoon while the Year 11 Leadership Cadre known as Waterloo Platoon meet after school to train in a separate location.
“When regulations permit, the Year 11 senior cadets will be promoted to leadership positions leading and managing the training of our younger cadets – something to look forward to later in the year when our regulations permit.”
The Year 8 contingent – also known as Lucknow Platoon – recently started their Army Proficiency Certificate training programme learning basic skills in map reading, first aid and drill under the guidance and support of Sergeant Hilton and Mrs Coates.
The Cadet Team Training Team (CTT) has been allowed to start returning to school units under strict COVID-19 regulations.
Sgt. Nik John from 160 Brigade CTT assisted with the training of the Year 8s and has just issued the new kit and equipment.
“We look forward to them looking smart and proud in their new uniforms,” added Captain Brown.
Year 11 will also be participating in their Methods of Instruction and Leadership Skills course next year, which is set to further boost key transferable skills to use in their daily lives.
Another major bonus for the older members of Rydal Penrhos’ thriving CCF is the news regarding the Cadet Centre for Outdoor Training (CCAT) in Capel Curig, which will soon be re-opening its doors and offering a huge amount of exciting opportunities and experiences while gaining accredited qualifications.
Capt. Brown, said: “I would personally like to thank the CCF staff; Sgt. Hilton, Mrs Coates and also 160 Brigade CTT for all their hard work and efforts, and of course our new Year 8 recruits for being so willing to try new things and get involved in a new club.
“I hope as regulations permit during the course of next year we will be able to take them out of school to experience a host of exciting activities while also welcoming our sponsor regiment The 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards to visit them in school.”
Prep School
Pre-Prep get creative at Play Dough Club
Some of the youngest members of the Rydal Penrhos community have been getting their creative juices flowing this term as part of the Prep School‘s exciting clubs initiative.
One of the most popular activities available for the Pre-Prep is the Play Dough Club, with staff putting together a fun-filled series of tasks designed to enhance creativity and improve communication.
This has seen each pupil produce some eye-catching designs from the challenges presented to them by staff, including a recent session that involved making aliens and ice cream using the soft modelling material used by children across the world.
Activities such as this away from their day-to-day lessons are a great way of building key skills in a relaxed setting, boosting additional areas of their development and having some fun at the end of the day in the process.
The Prep School’s exceptional teaching staff have produced a diverse series of clubs and activities to enjoy throughout the academic year, which will further develop key skills in a relaxed setting away from the classroom.
They are focused on five categories:
- Creative Arts
- Performing Arts
- Reading, Games and Quizzes
- Sport and Activity
- Wellbeing and Personal Skills
This is a further example of how Rydal Penrhos Prep School strives to give pupils the very best start to their education in pursuit of a successful future at Senior School and beyond.
The school’s strong academic ethos, incredible support system, small class sizes and making the most out of Rydal Penrhos’ location on the North Wales coast has proved highly beneficial over the year, which is further reflected with so many former Prep pupils gaining exceptional GCSE and A Level results this summer.
University
Bangor Law School lecture benefits pupils
Senior School and Sixth Form pupils at Rydal Penrhos got a taste of university life thanks to a special online lecture recently.
Chaynee Hodgetts lecturer in Criminal Law and Head of Undergraduate Admissions at Bangor University spoke with Year 11 and Sixth Form pupils at Rydal Penrhos who might be interested in studying Law once it’s time to move on to the next stage of their journey.
This was done in a virtual setting due to the restrictions surrounding COVID-19, but it was still a worthwhile experience for each pupil in attendance and is sure to stand them in good stead when they embark on higher education in the coming years.
Some interesting examples were used to illustrate aspects of the law during the lecture, which also included detailed explanations regarding the content within a Law degree and the hard work involved.
Other prominent topics for discussion included the Joint Honours possibilities that come with studying Law, in addition to the wide variety of occupations open upon achieving a degree – including becoming a solicitor or barrister.
The importance of choosing a course with accreditation for those taking Legal Practice courses at postgraduate was also stressed to Rydal Penrhos pupils.
Rydal Penrhos not only offers an exceptional academic and extra-curricular education to its Sixth Formers, but staff also go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure each pupil is fully ready for the next step.
Extensive preparation for university forms part of the Sixth Form timetable. This is a highly beneficial addition to the curriculum – especially to both Year 12 and 13 – as they look to acquire all the information possible before making important decisions on their future.
Mike Farnell, who is Head of Careers, has been at the forefront of the school’s incredible success in this vital area in recent years, which has seen many former pupils go on to achieve a phenomenal amount in the working world.
Celebration Chapel
Rev'd Dr Stephen Plant to deliver special message
Rev’d Dr Stephen Plant will be the special guest speaker at Rydal Penrhos’ virtual Celebration Chapel.
The Dean, Chaplain and Runcie Fellow in Theology; Senior College Lecturer and Director of Studies in Theology at Trinity Hall, Cambridge has produced a special message as part of the final Celebration Chapel of the term on Friday 11 December, with Rydal Penrhos getting set to head off on their well-deserved Christmas break.
In the lead-up to the chapel, Rev’d Dr Plant will be making a guest appearance on Melvin Bragg’s BBC Radio 4 show, where they will be discussing the difference John Wesley made during the Christian Revival of the 18th Century, developing Methodism into a major movement around the world.
Mr Wesley is the brainchild behind Rydal Penrhos and other Methodist schools across the country. The founder of Methodism recognised the importance of spirituality within the curriculum and the first Methodist school was founded in Bath in 1748.
Rydal Mount School followed in 1880, and Mr Wesley’s influence and ethos are still alive and well to this day across the site 229 years after his death.
Dr Plant has worked at Trinity Hall since 2010, but has taught theology in Cambridge since 2001. He is also Dean and Chaplain of the College.
He lectures on theology and on ethics in the Faculty of Divinity, is a member of the Faculty Board and the Degree Committee, and Chair of Examiners for the Bth.
He has written and edited several books including:
- Bonhoeffer (Bloomsbury, 2004)
- The SPCK Introduction to Simone Weil (SPCK 2007)
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Letters to London (with Toni Burrowes-Cromwell, SPCK, 2013)
- Taking Stock of Bonhoeffer (Ashgate, 2014).
He is currently compiling a book on theology and international development for the Ashgate Press. His research interests include modern Protestant theology, political theology and international development.
From 2007-13, he edited the influential journal Theology for SPCK/SAGE.
Alumni
Elysia starts own art business
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many of us to change the way we live, work and approach life. This was also the case for a former Rydal Penrhos pupil who has grasped an opportunity in her field of choice.
Elysia Gilman, who left Rydal Penrhos in 2018 after some outstanding A Level results, earned her place at the University of Loughborough to study Art after developing her skills considerably under the guidance and support of teaching staff members Mark Sherrington and Suzy Morris during her time at the school.
After completing the foundation phase of the degree course with flying colours, Elysia took the bold step of going it alone after the coronavirus threatened to disrupt the rest of her degree, starting up her own business during a time of unprecedented change.
Elysia, said: “It’s what I’d always dreamed of doing and am really passionate about.”
To say that things have started well for Elysia would be something of an understatement. The talented artist has taken on plenty of commissions during the recent lockdown and her incredible work has been featured twice on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Week.
Her work painting cricket scenes from the Indian Premier League has also gained some eye-catching notoriety, with England cricket hero Ben Stokes sharing some of her creations on social media.
Elysia has also been working closely with Cannon Hall Farm in Yorkshire to create illustrations for a children’s colouring book with the possibility of designing some more merchandise for them soon when the opportunity arises.
Cannon Hall is a family farm attraction that has its own TV show on Channel 4 and appointed the former Prefect as the designer to work on a new range for them.
In addition to this, the Alumnae is currently enrolled in a portrait painting course at the Realist Academy of Art, Walton Hall which runs every week over a 12-month period.
“This is teaching me lots of new skills,” added Elysia.
During her time at Rydal Penrhos, Elysia’s talent saw her emerge victorious from the Under 18 category at the annual Museum of Modern Art for Wales competition, and her work was put on display at a high-profile exhibition held in Machynlleth.
Those attending the exhibition also recognised her immense qualities and Elysia received the Public Vote distinction for her portrait of sister Lydia – a current Sixth Form pupil – from the showcase.
Skiing
Prep pupils get specialist coaching!
Some members of the Rydal Penrhos Prep School ski squad got the opportunity to test their skills and learn from some top coaches at one of the region’s most prominent skiing venues recently.
No fewer than nine pupils hit the slopes at the outstanding Llandudno Snowsports Centre for a two-day training camp with Impulse Racing, an alpine training organisation based in the UK that runs lessons, sessions, days and courses for adults, children and schools across the country.
Those taking part in the coaching weekend were Freddie Griffin, Tom Sinfield, Beatrice Brookes-Fazakerley, Oakley Calvert, Ella Craig, Jack Brookes-Fazakerley, Wilfred Jones, Jack Brookes-Fazakerley, Felix Griffin and Martha-Rose Johnson, who all got a tremendous amount out of the experience.
One of the primary objectives of the weekend was to improve technique, with gate training another key skill practised. Indeed the whole weekend proved to be a very informative and worthwhile experience for the aspiring skiing stars.
Each pupil had a significant amount of fun and learned plenty of useful tricks of the trade to help them improve their respective skills in the weeks, months and years to come.
