The RP Weekly: 11 June 2021
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School.
The RP Weekly
11 June 2021
Chaplaincy
Rev'd Dr. Rob Beamish to take over from September 2021
"I know that our pupils will benefit from his expertise and interests in their wider experiences at the school."
John Waszek, Executive Principal of Rydal Penrhos.
Rydal Penrhos is delighted to confirm the appointment of Reverend Dr. Rob Beamish as the school’s new Chaplain from September 2021.
Following a successful application process, Rev’d Dr. Beamish has accepted an offer to take over from the Reverend Nick Sissons, who is leaving the school after 12 years of exceptional service to become the Superintendent Minister for the Bangor and Holyhead circuit and join the chaplaincy team at Bangor University.
Rev’d Dr. Beamish was educated at St John’s College Southsea before being awarded an MA in Theology and Philosophy at the University of Oxford.
He has a PhD in Theology from King’s College London and is also a qualified teacher.
Rev’d Dr. Beamish will continue serving as the Minister at Prince’s Drive Baptist Church in Colwyn Bay – sharing these responsibilities with his new commitments at Rydal Penrhos at the start of the next academic year.
“I lead the church overseeing the diverse ministries of what is a vibrant town centre church. My core responsibilities include regular preaching, delivering training, mentoring individuals both in the church and local leaders and also relating to other churches and groups,” he said.
“During my time, I have chaired the local cytun (churches together), help establish a town centre chaplaincy project, support projects for the marginalised, developed a local prayer room as well as a local Saturday Theology school.
“We have engaged the community in creative arts projects and sought to relate where possible to the local authorities and businesses.”
He has been an Accredited Minister for nearly 20 years and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Chaplain’s role at the school.
Rev’d Dr. Beamish is no stranger to Rydal Penrhos having appeared at various assemblies and services as a guest speaker in recent years, as well as lending his support to the school’s virtual Chapels throughout the last 15 months during COVID-19 restrictions.
In his spare time, Rev’d Dr. Beamish is also a keen participant in outdoor pursuits, especially within mountain leadership and skiing.
We would like to congratulate Rev’d Dr. Beamish on his appointment and look forward to him joining our incredible staff team at Rydal Penrhos later this year.
Alumni
Adam and Hannah talk Dentistry with Year 12
Giving our Sixth Form pupils every possible ounce of knowledge before they head onto the next stage of their respective journeys is something we are always striving to do at Rydal Penrhos.
Year 12 and 13 not only benefit from a strong curriculum and incredible opportunities outside of the classroom, but the school also provides exceptional support and guidance with weekly UCAS lessons and special sessions that provides them invaluable insight into their potential career paths.
This is something that has benefitted our pupils considerably and ensures they are fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Couple this with the exceptional exam results and outstanding value-added scores, and Rydal Penrhos Sixth Form is the perfect place for a young person to spend the final two years of their school life.
Pupils gain a close attachment with the school and we are in contact with almost 3,000 alumni from years gone by. Not only this, but many of them also are more than happy to pass on their experience and helpful advice to those following in their footsteps ahead of some big upcoming decisions.
Another fine example of this took place on Monday 7 June when former pupils Adam Sabri and Hannah Davies held a virtual session with three current Year 12 pupils who are looking deeper into pursuing Dentistry once their studies at Rydal Penrhos come to a conclusion.
Shruthi Ganapathi, Simeon Murphy Thomas and Suhas Shekar were all given a first-hand insight from Adam and Hannah about their time in the Dentistry profession and higher education so far. They also had the opportunity to ask some questions about important factors of the application process such as entrance tests, preparing for personal statements and their experience as dentists.
Hannah attended the University of Liverpool and is now working as a Dentist at a Hospital in Gateshead. She attended the school from 2007-11 and became a highly valued member of the Rydal Penrhos community with success across her academic subjects and sporting activities.
Adam was a former member of the school’s Rugby Academy and earned the position of Head Boy during his final year at Rydal Penrhos among many other impressive accolades.
He is currently in his final year of studying Dentistry at the University of Cardiff after achieving some superb A Level results during his time at the school.
The talk was arranged by the school’s economics teacher and head of careers Mike Farnell, who keeps in touch with many of the school’s alumni and is proud of their progress. We would like to thank both Adam and Hannah for giving up their time to help our current pupils.
Sailing
Liam secures superb finish at national event
Liam Farrell, who is a Year 9 pupil at the school, paired up with Felix Stewart at the UK RS Feva 2021 National Championship, which took place from Saturday 29 May to Tuesday 1 June at Hayling Island Sailing Club and featured some of the brightest young prospects from across the country.
This represented a significant challenge for the duo, but one they responded to with their customary determination on their way to an exceptional series of runs throughout the weekend.
A total of 85 pairs entered the competition, with Liam and Felix ending the championships with a superb fourth-place finish as a result of their efforts.
They were just one spot away from a podium finish to further enhance their growing reputation across the circuit.
Liam has been at Rydal Penrhos throughout his entire education and has developed encouragingly across all areas of school life. He is a strong academic who developed a real talent for sailing from an early age, following in the footsteps of brothers Kevin and Eddie on his way to national recognition.
The pupil has been part of RYA Cymru Wales sailing squads for a number of years and was recently selected to the Royal Yachting Association’s Regional Training Group – Feva (North) squad, for their 2020/21 winter coaching initiative.
In addition to his sailing exploits, Liam has achieved academic success in the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust’s challenges, is a gifted musician and has also assisted Eirias Hockey Club in Colwyn Bay to secure a coveted North Wales Championship in 2020.
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.
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos congratulates Liam on a marvellous achievement – one that he should rightfully be very proud of.
Sixth Form
Head Boy Richard accepts conditional offer from Durham
We are enormously proud of our Sixth Form pupils at Rydal Penrhos for the way they have applied themselves in difficult circumstances over the academic year.
The challenges have been there for all to see but thanks to their drive and determination, together with exceptional support and guidance from staff, goals remained unaltered and Year 13 have managed to gain some impressive university offers from prestigious higher education establishments across the country.
Richard Wolfendale, who held the position of Head Boy at the school in 2020/21, has accepted a conditional offer to study Physics at the University of Durham pending the necessary A Level results this summer.
This came after a successful application process, with Richard receiving plenty of assistance from Sixth Form tutors, weekly UCAS lessons and special sessions with leading figures throughout higher education.
Durham was a popular destination for many of our 2020 cohort, who achieved the school’s best-ever A Level results and some superb value-added scores.
This represents another outstanding achievement for Richard, who began his journey at Rydal Penrhos as a Year 5 pupil in 2013. He emerged as a strong academic who thrived across all subjects, which was further reflected with some truly outstanding GCSE results before embarking on his final two years of school life within the school’s Sixth Form.
Richard achieved an incredible six 9 marks in English, English Literature, French, Geography, Mathematics and Music, three A* grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, in addition to a distinction in Additional Mathematics and an 8 score in Religious Studies.
Another memorable highlight from Richard’s time at Rydal Penrhos was the pupil winning a place on the Met Office Work Experience course surrounding Meteorology and Environmental Physics, which was offered by the University of Reading and considered a prestigious honour to attain.
The pupil took part in a number of activities during a busy week, including forecasting with the Met Office, learning to use meteorological equipment in the field and the observatory and launching a weather balloon.
As well as his academic achievements, Richard is also a dedicated golfer and has brought his game on considerably as part of the Rydal Penrhos Golf Academy since its inception.
He is the current Junior Captain at North Wales Golf Club in Llandudno, a course where he landed his first-ever hole in one, and Richard recently began his stint in the role at their annual Drive-Off.
Richard has also become a role model for younger members of the school community and was heavily involved in charitable projects organised by the school.
The pupil was part of Rydal Penrhos’ most recent charity mission to Uganda, became an influential figure within the Sixth Form Charity Committee and also played a leading role in arranging Wellbeing events for younger year groups during the various lockdowns over the last 15 months.
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos is absolutely thrilled for Richard and we are confident the foundations he’s laid at the school will stand him in enormously good stead at university and in later life.
Karate
Lewis details Martial Arts journey after securing Black Belt
Lewis Jellicoe has been on a long and challenging journey that culminated with a coveted Karate Black Belt after coming through his latest grading with flying colours.
This represents a significant achievement for Lewis and one he can look back on with an enormous sense of pride.
Lewis was kind enough to provide us with a detailed account of his Karate accomplishments, where it all started, and how much the sport has meant to him since taking it up aged four.
My journey through Karate by Lewis Jellicoe
I started Karate when I was four and a half in the British school in Guangzhou. I met Sensei Paul, Sensei Enrique Novoa, Sensei Carlos Chirinos and Sensei Mariana Filiaggi. They are all the world champions.
With their guidance, I achieved my 4th grade. And I achieved 3rd place during a recent competition.
I continued my Karate training in Autumn 2017 after I moved to Colwyn Bay, Wales, with my family.
I am lucky to register at Colwyn Bay dojo, John Lynn’s Black Belt Martial Arts Academy. Sensei Mark, Sensei Fiona, Sensei George and Sensei Olivia have helped me since then.
Now I have secured my black belt.
I am so proud that neither moving from China to the UK nor coronavirus disruption could stop me.
Therefore, Karate, to me, means I can achieve better by not saying the four-letter words “can’t”.
Karate is self-defence. I have learnt a lot of techniques. When somebody is to punch me in the face, I know I can use Age-uke (Rising block) to defend myself.
If somebody attacks me on my chest, I will use Uchi-uke (Inside block) to block it. And Karate is beyond this.
Karate is leadership.
I show and set up modelling for junior players. I would like to thank all my sensei’s for their encouragement, coaching and teaching me to be strong, calm and become a confident person.
I also appreciate my mum and dad accompanying me along this journey. I can achieve it when I do not give up. I am very glad I started my Karate and black belt for me is not the end.
Video
Year 4 explore Odes during English lesson
Although pupils are now being educated in an increasingly digital age, Rydal Penrhos is keen to ensure that more traditional methods of learning remain to diversify cognitive skills and maintain a balance that stands them in enormously good stead throughout their education, at university and when they join the working world.
Rydal Penrhos has made substantial investments to its reading accessibility across all year groups in recent months, which has proven to be hugely popular and is already paying dividends with outstanding pupil progression academically and creatively.
Not only this, but teaching staff are also eager to highlight the continued importance of the written word despite the impressive technology available to them following the introduction of free iPads for every child from Years 3-13, which is reflected in some thought-provoking classroom projects to develop this key area.
As a school, we know our children are individuals and respond to different learning and teaching methods. And our curriculum reflects this.
A recent classroom activity involving Year 4 was another fine example of mixing the digital with the traditional, which centred around teacher Jamie McLeod exploring Odes with the enthusiastic group.
An ode is a lyrical poem that expresses praise, glorification, or tribute. It examines its subject from both an emotional and an intellectual perspective.
Classic odes date back to ancient Greece, and they contain three sections: a strophe, an antistrophe, and an epode – effectively a beginning, middle, and end.
Year 4 tackled this task with their customary determination and inquisitiveness, deciphering the structure of an Ode quickly and creating some fantastic work.
Mr McLeod – complete with his new green screen on-site – got our wonderful pupils to recite their Odes in front of a camera and put it all together in another fantastic video for the school and wider community to enjoy.
Exceptional work once again from Year 4, we are incredibly proud of you!
Pre-School
Dance Movement proves a big hit!
“The children are so engaged in the lesson and the staff have a fantastic time as well!” – Letitia Spencer, Pre-School department manager.
Rydal Penrhos Pre-School is the perfect place to transition young children from home into a school environment. These first experiences are crucial for early development and our exceptional staff team go above and beyond the call to duty to ensure that this important stepping stone goes smoothly with expert care and support.
Pre-School is open for two-to-four-year-olds and aims to provide a stimulating environment where children can be happy and thrive in a safe environment, developing key social, physical and early academic skills before moving onto the next stage of their journey.
This stands them in incredibly good stead ahead of moving up when the time comes to the more structured environment of Rydal Penrhos Pre-Prep, starting in Reception at aged four.
Encouraging children to be self-motivated, independent and inquisitive in relaxed surroundings plays a leading role in this, which is further reflected in the recent impressive changes across the Pre-School following the appointment of department manager Letitia Spencer at the start of the academic year.
Pre-School activities are guided by The Early Years Foundation Phase Framework, which is proven to lead towards nationally approved outcomes and links closely with the Pre-Prep to ensure progression and continuity.
The latest exciting introduction to the Pre-School schedule is Dance and Movement, which has already become a huge hit with children and a cause for great excitement.
Their first few sessions have been met by incredible enthusiasm from the group, who are moving like different characters such as butterflies and soldiers under the supervision of staff.
Children are taught to follow simple instructions, developing their concentration and alert skills whilst having plenty of fun in the process.
In addition to this, children also boost self-esteem, develop a positive attitude, enhance their creativity, progress expressive and observational skills and improve physical wellbeing.
Cricket
James selected for North Wales squad
The rich and proud history of Rydal Penrhos is full of cricketing achievements both individually and from school sides. The iconic figure of Wilf Wooller started his journey at the school and it continues today with many pupils earning recognition both regionally and on the national stage.
Rydal Penrhos has the most stunning facilities for cricket. Our New Field pitch is widely regarded as one of the best anywhere in the country and is regularly used for Welsh youth internationals.
The recent construction of the outdoor nets facility is already benefitting our aspiring stars greatly during the summer now that practice has been permitted to resume by the Welsh Government and Sport Wales.
The school has also formed strong links with Marylebone Cricket Club and Cricket Wales in recent years, with Rydal Penrhos’ most recent senior captain – Owen Reilly – took the national youth scene by storm with the Wales U18 squad.
Another pupil who is developing impressively is James Gilman. The Year 9 pupil is part of the Cricket Wales pathway squad thanks to his outstanding progression in recent months and was chosen to join the North Wales U14 set-up for a busy series of fixtures over the summer.
James was part of the team that took on Lancashire on Thursday 10 June, which was a stern test of their credentials against a county that is renowned for breeding England internationals such as Andrew Flintoff, James Anderson and the legendary Cyril Washbrook.
In readiness for the contest, James travelled to Merthyr Tydfil with the North Wales U15 squad for two T20 games against South Wales, where he took a couple of wickets to lead his side to victory.
James will also be part of Rydal Penrhos’ first XI for their prestigious fixture against the MCC next month, which makes a welcome return to the calendar this summer after it was cancelled in 2020.
In addition to his cricketing exploits, James is also a talented artist, a strong academic and boasts plenty of football ability.
Stars of the Week!
Congratulations!
Stars of the Week (11 June 2021)
- Pre-School: Edgar and Elizabeth – for fabulous cutting skills
- Reception: Albert – for making a super poster about saving the oceans
- Year 1: Josie – for always working really hard
- Year 2: Phoebe – super writing, especially her setting description
- Year 3: Toby E – great spelling in his first week at the school
- Year 4: Alfie – for being really brave in swimming and learning to dive
- Year 5: Charlie – great enthusiasm and skill when practising for our end of year production
- Year 6: Martha, Emily and Harper !!! – for getting 100% of 105 spellings correct
- Artist: Steffan, Year 5 – a brilliant self-portrait in pastels
- Performer: Alex, Year 4 – for her rendition of a very tricky song, and also our street dance club for their mini-performance
Vacancy
Admin Manager/Executive Principal's PA
Admin Manager & Executive Principal's PA
Mr. John Waszek - Executive Principal
Reports to: Executive Principal
Responsible for: Admin Team
Pay Grade: Salary SCP 29 -32 £32,910-£35,745
Hours of work: 37 per week, 52 weeks per year
Purpose of the Job Role
Ensure efficient and effective delivery of administrative services within the School and support the Executive Principal with all administrative duties commensurate with the role.
DIGITAL DOCUMENT AND HOW TO APPLY
Celebration Chapel
11 June 2021
