The RP Weekly: 11 February 2022
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School.
The RP Weekly
11 February 2022
Videos
Where opportunities, new passions, paper, pixels letting curiosity flourish are part of the timetable
Netball
Wales U20 star visits for kit presentation
There was a great honour for Rydal Penrhos’ first and second VII netball squads this week, who got a visit from one of the best young players in the country as part of their kit presentation.
Pupils, staff and parents gathered at the school’s picturesque New Field sporting area on Tuesday 8 February for the presentation, which was attended by Executive Principal John Waszek and Beca Hughes, a current Wales Netball U20 international who is studying Primary School Education nearby at Bangor University.
Mr Waszek began by welcoming everyone to the event before Beca dished out the new kits to each member of the school’s senior squads ahead of a busy series of fixtures throughout the term.
The Commonwealth Games hopeful then gave a short motivational address to those in attendance, with captain Bella Rutherford also speaking to round off the ceremony.
The kits have been kindly sponsored by Marcus Copeland, a former pupil and current parent who is the owner of Exile Sportswear.
There was another surprise for the pupils once the presentation came to a conclusion, with Beca taking a special coaching session with the group, working on areas such as conditioning, technique and decision-making.
It has not been easy for our young athletes over the last two years due to COVID-19 restrictions. With things returning to some semblance of normality this academic year, it promises to be an exciting few weeks for both sides upon their return to competitive action.
On behalf of everyone at Rydal Penrhos, we would like to thank Beca for attending the presentation and wish her the very best of luck with her studies and in pursuit of her Commonwealth Games dream.
Sixth Form
Holocaust Talk during PSHE session
Highlighting the importance of significant dates throughout history is something that forms a key part of education.
Rydal Penrhos recognises this through a comprehensive curriculum other activities that enable our pupils to explore curiosities, become more aware and delve deeper into how historical events have shaped their lives today.
Sixth Form pupils at Rydal Penrhos got the honour of hearing from a family member impacted by Nazi Germany’s reign of terror, which culminated in World War II and the Holocaust that was responsible for murdering an estimated six million people from the Jewish community.
During a special PSHE session on Monday 7 February, pupils sat down for a virtual talk with Ernie Hunter (Hundsdorfer), a volunteer educator who has delivered a variety of Holocaust Education Programmes in the UK as well as giving talks at the Museum of Christians and Jews in Laupheim, Germany, and talking to schoolchildren in Baden-Württemberg.
Mr Hunter told the personal story of his family, who were victims of Nazi Persecution because they were communists and political opponents of Adolf Hitler. Germans who opposed the Führer suffered terror, imprisonment, interrogation, torture, forced labour and murder.
When Hitler took control of Germany in 1933, Mr Hunter’s father had to flee for his life, leaving his daughter behind. He reached the UK as a refugee in 1939 and his uncles were subjected to unspeakable acts at the Dachau concentration camp.
Miraculously, within days of the end of World War II in Europe, they managed to reunite.
The talk was a lesson in the importance of free speech and democracy in preventing persecutions/genocides. There was also a chance for pupils to ask Mr Hunter some questions following the virtual talk.
We would like to thank Mr Hunter for giving up his time to speak with our pupils, who got a tremendous amount out of the experience.
Holiday Club
Boooking open for action-packed half-term schedule
It promises to be another exciting February half term for those attending the Rydal Penrhos Holiday Club, which is open during the school holidays and provides an extensive programme of activities for the children to experience.
This is not only a lot of fun, but it also helps assist them with their emotional, physical, social, intellectual, language and creative development.
Staff have done a wonderful job of devising a comprehensive provision throughout the upcoming half-term break, which includes activities on-site and plenty of outings also scheduled to prominent landmarks across the North Wales region.
Among the trips planned visits to Erddig Hall, Bodnant Gardens, Llandudno and Colwyn Bay promenade, with excursions to the nearby Welsh Mountain Zoo, a coastal walk in Felinheli and taking in the sights at Penrhyn Bay beach also scheduled during the week.
There are also a large number of activities for Holiday Club members to participate in within the school grounds, which boosts their overall development and progresses key skills in a relaxed setting under the supervision of staff.
This includes fun in the Forest School, Baking, Ball Games, a Musical Theatre workshop, a Treasure Hunt, crafts, a Multi-Sports morning, Stretch and Yoga as well as swimming and messy play.
The Rydal Penrhos Holiday Club has something for everyone and this half-term promises to be no exception thanks to the sterling commitment of our dedicated staff team.
The cost is £45 per day including trips and all food. Anyone wishing to book their place can do so easily on the Schools Buddy app from Monday 7 February.
Safer Internet Day
Global awareness event supported
The ever-changing digital age is becoming more prevalent in our day-to-day lives and is also becoming increasingly influential throughout education.
This is something that Rydal Penrhos has recognised as a key part of a pupil’s development, with the school’s recent free iPad initiative enabling the modern to be incorporated with the traditional to ensure our learners are fully prepared for whatever challenges come next.
This allows pupils to explore topics thoroughly, become equipped with key digital skills and gain vital technological experience that should stand them in good stead throughout higher education and the working world.
One of the biggest concerns facing parents and educators is internet safety. By practising working methods of being safe online, we can prevent and mitigate the risks that are inherently involved with using digital technologies, platforms and services.
Once the risks are managed, the internet can be enjoyed free from harm and to enormous benefit.
Rydal Penrhos is constantly monitoring this critical digital area and offering expert support and guidance. However, the school also held a series of activities to lend our support to a worldwide awareness campaign on the topic this week.
The 19th edition of Safer Internet Day saw schools, youth groups and organisations across the globe take time to highlight the importance of being safe on the web. The SID theme was “Together for a Better Internet” and called upon all stakeholders to join together to make the internet a safer and better place for all, especially for children and young people.
As part of the school’s contribution, Year 4 pupils – with a helping hand from Mr McLeod and other staff – produced and directed their very own Safer Internet Day video as part of a combined PSHE/Computer studies project. This was a task they took on with their customary determination and high standards, with the final cut watched by the entire Prep School community on the day.
There were also videos shown to Senior pupils during form time, which were followed by thought-provoking discussions about recognising online safety signs, what they could potentially do to help in certain situations and the people they should talk to if a certain scenario doesn’t feel quite right.
Music
Community Wind Band launched
Rydal Penrhos is proud of its community involvement. Whether it’s charity work, assisting key workers during COVID-19 or our pupils’ involvement in clubs and organisations, the school has played a vital role throughout the Colwyn Bay region for more than a century and this remains a core part of our ethos.
The school is thrilled to announce the launch of the Rydal Penrhos Community Wind Band, which will formally begin on Wednesday 2 March from 7-8.30pm in the Senior Music Room on Combermere Road, Colwyn Bay.
Sessions will take place every Wednesday thereafter and the Rydal Penrhos Community Wind Band is open to current pupils, alumni, parents, staff and local musicians.
There is no charge for the group sessions, which will be led by musician, ex-Rydal Penrhos parent and current school Governor, Clive Wolfendale.
Mr Wolfendale, said: “The repertoire for wind band is vast and highly flexible, encompassing bespoke, classical and popular arrangements. Consequently, it will be possible to accommodate players of a ‘Grade 3’ standard (or equivalent) alongside more experienced musicians.
“Whilst a balanced ensemble will be ultimately desirable, we can adapt to what we have in the short term. Music will be available for treble, tenor and bass clef readers.
“Within the emerging freedoms from lockdown restrictions, there is an appetite to re-engage with music-making amongst regular practitioners and those who have not picked up an instrument for some time.”
Anyone wishing to register their interest in the Rydal Penrhos Community Wind Band, or for more information, please email prep@rydalpenrhos.com.
Pre-School
First Coastal School session of term!
Rydal Penrhos is fortunate to be situated near some prominent North Wales landmarks and a short distance from the picturesque Colwyn Bay coastline.
This gives our pupils a chance to enhance their development outside of a classroom environment, with teaching staff constantly coming up with ways to make the most out of the school’s stunning location within the curriculum, outdoor education and through a rich extra-curricular programme from Pre-School to Sixth Form.
This exciting natural environment focuses on providing a safe outdoor learning experience, one in which children are encouraged to explore, discover, investigate and take suitable risks.
Encouraging discovery is at the heart of a young child’s train of thought. At Rydal Penrhos Pre-School, this is constantly evident and Coastal School offers all the children wonderful opportunities for learning at many levels.
There was an enormous amount of excitement in the air last week as Pre-School children participated in their first Coastal School session of the Lent Term. Under the supervision of staff, the eager group made the short trip down to Colwyn Bay beach for a series of thought-provoking introductory activities that will stand them in good stead for the remainder of the programme.
Throughout their opening session, children were given the chance to explore their surroundings, investigated the various different rocks located across the beach and came up with some impressive creations using items found on the strand-line.
As a reward for their outstanding behaviour and commitment throughout the session, children got the chance to chase some waves coming onto the beach to conclude another hugely successful outing.
Textiles
Year 7 inspired by Mexican culture
As one of the leading independent schools in the North West, Rydal Penrhos strives to provide richness through a breadth of experience and depth of study to every pupil in a safe, happy environment where they can thrive.
The school’s exceptional teaching staff, led by Rydal Penrhos’ Senior Leadership Team, provide a balanced learning programme that caters to a wide range of abilities and interests. We care for the individual and are able to tailor the curriculum to suit diverse needs.
Our curriculum also allows for increased choice and specialisation as pupils move through the school, which is constantly monitored by staff to ensure our pupils reach and exceed their goals consistently.
This not only brings exceptional examination results at A Level and GCSE, but it also gives pupils the confidence to know they are flourishing through hard work and the opportunities available.
Another exciting addition to the provision offered at Rydal Penrhos is Year 7 Textiles. This has proven hugely popular, building core skills and enhancing creativity in the process.
It has also produced some exceptional work throughout the academic year so far. Pupils have studied the various complexities surrounding textiles, explored different methods of creating things culturally and enabled them to gain a significant amount that should serve them well in the coming years under the expert guidance of Suzy Morris.
A recent project from Year 7 saw them examine, explore and become inspired by Mexican culture to make their very own Appliqué creations.
Appliqué is ornamental needlework in which pieces or patches of fabric in different shapes and sizes are sewn or stuck onto a larger piece to form a picture or pattern. It is commonly used as decoration, especially on garments.
The technique is accomplished either by hand stitching or by machine. Appliqué is commonly practised with textiles, but the term may be applied to similar techniques used on different materials.
This was another very worthwhile exercise for all pupils involved and a job well done!
Year 3
History discovered on Conwy Castle trip
Bringing classroom topics to life is something that forms a key part of the education provided at Rydal Penrhos.
Learning from textbooks and digital materials is one thing, but there is no substitute for seeing things for yourself and the school is blessed to have some extraordinary historical landmarks right on our doorstep to achieve this.
This is something our staff team utilise tremendously as part of the curriculum. After a frustrating period due to COVID-19 restrictions, trips and excursions have now fully resumed and Rydal Penrhos is adhering to every possible precaution to ensure the safety of the pupils under our care.
There was a great deal of excitement within a very enthusiastic Year 3 group last week, who got the opportunity to go on a long-awaited school trip at last. Having been unable to enhance their learning for such a long time, it was brilliant for the pupils to get out of the classroom and into the cold February weather to blow some cobwebs away.
As part of the ongoing topics of British Kings and Queens in History and Castles in STEM, pupils were able to see their learning so far in a real-life context during a special educational excursion to Conwy Castle, one of the most picturesque and fascinating places anywhere in the region.
The children started the day with a tour of the castle, learning all about the building itself, its inhabitants and impressive defences – storing up interesting facts to help them in the quiz at the end of the day.
Did you know that Conwy Castle was painted white originally?
After a quick stop in the chapel to eat lunch and admire the beautiful stained glass, they set off for an afternoon of activities. The pupils split into two groups – attackers and defenders – and went off around the castle.
With maps in hand, Year 3 discovered various ways the castle could be defended and attacked.
At the conclusion of the day, there was just enough time to capture some memories in the form of pictures and rubbings produced by the pupils before heading back to Rydal Penrhos in time for their music lesson.
Mrs Tebbitts, Mrs Oliver and Miss Cadwallader were kept very much on their toes with papers being whipped out of clipboards in the pretty strong February winds. A great time was had by all and plenty of additional knowledge was gained as they continue their studies on site.
Hockey
Super six help Eirias Hockey Club to tournament win
There has been much to celebrate for Rydal Penrhos pupils upon their return to competitive sporting activities.
COVID-19 restrictions frustrated our aspiring athletes for the best part of two years, but staff endeavoured to keep them on track with coaching on campus and outstanding programmes to enhance conditioning in school and at home.
Another way our pupils boost their respective skills is by competing for clubs and organisations. Rydal Penrhos actively encourages this and in some cases, it leads to regional and national squad selections thanks to their sterling talent and commitment.
One such team that’s been riding on the crest of a wave this season is Eirias Hockey Club, who featured no fewer than six pupils for yet another outstanding tournament triumph against some high-quality opposition from across the North Wales area.
Lily Copeland (Year 8), Keira Luke and Fflur Pierce (Year 9), together with the Year 11 trio of Lily Davies, Eve Durrans and Martha Hind travelled with the Eirias squad to the Wrexham Glyndwr Hockey Stadium to compete in a round-robin U16 tournament against Llanfair, Bangor, Caernarfon and Northop Hall.
This proved to be another worthwhile outing for the team, who managed to rack up 13 points by winning four, drawing one and losing one of their six contests throughout the event.
Eirias emerged as the overall victors as a result, narrowly pipping the Bangor Hockey Club A team that consisted mostly of Year 11 boys.
All six Rydal Penrhos pupils made a lasting impression during the competition and we would like to congratulate them and the entire Eirias Hockey Club squad on a fine accomplishment.
Videos
Netball kit presentation
Video
Year 4 Safer Internet Day
Gallery
Netball vs King's
Stars of the Week
Congratulations!
Stars of the Week
Vacancies
Exciting opportunity available
Vacancies
We currently have an exciting employment opportunity to join our incredible staff team at Rydal Penrhos.
Full details of the role and how to apply can be found in this digital document.
Language, Literacy & Communications Faculty Leader
