The RP Weekly: 11 November 2022
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School - 11 November 2022 edition.
The RP Weekly
11 November 2022
Sixth Form Information Evening
Booking open for special event
Sixth Form Information Evening
Thursday 17 November
From 6pm
We warmly invite you to our Sixth Form Information Evening on Thursday 17 November from 6pm.
Once you have registered an interest, we will confirm a time for your meeting. It is important that we allow you the time and attention you need as a family with our key staff to consider the Sixth Form here at Rydal Penrhos.
To register your interest:
admissions@rydalpenrhos.com
Call: 01492 530155
Book online here
Prep Taster Morning
Come and see what Rydal Penrhos can do for your child
Rydal Penrhos Prep Taster Day
Friday 2 December
From 8.30am
Those attending our Prep Taster Day will be greeted by key staff including Mrs Lucy Davies, Deputy Principal and Head of Prep. Children will then be taken into their respective year groups and experience for themselves what goes on during a typical day at Rydal Penrhos.
Any parents wishing to take tours of the school can do so, with the Taster Day set to provide an action-packed morning of fun-filled activities under the supervision of our incredible teaching staff.
Join us for what should be another wonderful showcase of what Rydal Penrhos has to offer!
admissions@rydalpenrhos.com
01492 530155
BOOK ONLINE HERE
Rugby 7s
Details announced for U16 tournament in 2023
Details have been officially confirmed for one of the most important dates on the Rydal Penrhos sporting calendar.
It’s been an outstanding start to the academic year for the school’s pairing athletes, who’ve achieved a considerable amount during competitive fixtures and also achieved individual accolades with regional and national squad selections to further boost their credentials.
The school is delighted to announce that the Rydal Penrhos U16 Rugby 7s Tournament will be taking place on Saturday 11 March 2023 from 9am-4pm on the stunning New Field site.
The day-long competition is set to feature a large number of schools and clubs from across North Wales and the North West for what is sure to be an exceptional showcase of talent and camaraderie.
This is the fifth time Rydal Penrhos has organised the event, which is held for U16 teams before many of them embark on senior and first-team rugby in the coming months.
Teams will be put into groups and following the opening games, they will then be divided into Cup, Plate, Bowl, Trophy and Shield categories depending on their placings in each pool.
This will be followed by an exciting knockout stage that will decide the overall winners in each category.
The tournament made a welcome return to the schedule in 2022 after COVID-19 forced its cancellation in 2021. Last year’s event was well attended by teams and parents, bringing a vibrant atmosphere that had been sorely missed.
A tuck shop will be available for refreshments all day. Those in attendance will also enjoy a lunchtime barbecue complete with vegan options that can be pre-ordered.
Accommodation is also available for teams looking for an overnight stay. Please contact events@rydalpenrhos.com to register your interest.
The cost to enter is £50 per team. Anyone requiring further information or to book your place, contact Ryan Kirby via email at RKirby@rydalpenrhos.com.
Music
Concert for Children in Need next week
We are enormously proud of our charitable work at Rydal Penrhos. This is something that forms a core component behind our ethos and is a collective effort from pupils, parents, staff, alumni and almost everyone associated with the school.
The Rydal Penrhos Concert in aid of Children in Need will take place in the Osborn Hall, which was recently brought back to its former glory after significant renovations that were completed earlier this year.
There will be plenty to entertain during the concert on Wednesday 16 November from 7-10pm. The Senior and Prep choirs are set to perform, with the Community Choir and Community Wind Band also lending their support to the occasion.
All money raised from the concert will be added to Rydal Penrhos’ collective donation for Children in Need 2022. There will also be a raffle on the night and refreshments available at the bar.
Anyone wishing to come dressed in Pudsey attire is more than welcome to do so.
Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for those under 18. We look forward to welcoming everyone for what should be a fantastic evening of entertainment featuring pupils and valued members of the Rydal Penrhos family.
Book your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/445105551687
Armistice Day
Poignant services held at Rydal Penrhos
Sixth Form
What makes our provision thrive?
The final two years of school life should be the most exciting of all. There is more freedom to pursue subjects of interest, form strong bonds with teaching staff and peers, in addition to making new friends and preparing for the next stage of your journey.
At Rydal Penrhos Sixth Form, young people are put in the best possible position to succeed. They are given exceptional support and guidance, expert teaching throughout their A Levels and given every opportunity to develop additional skills that will serve them well both during university and in the working world.
The school’s Sixth Form provision has enjoyed a phenomenal amount both academically and in a wide range of other areas. Perhaps more importantly, however, each pupil at Rydal Penrhos leaves with a sense of belonging, friendships that will stand the test of time and fully ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
But what makes Rydal Penrhos Sixth Form the best place to spend the final two years of school life?
A Level Examination Results
64.2 per cent attained a pass rate at A*-A, with 37.78% securing A* grades thanks to their commitment and the impeccable preparation they received over their final two years at Rydal Penrhos.
Those achieving A*-B grades stood at 80.5% and 92.7% of pupils achieved A*-C grades as a result of their efforts.
Rydal Penrhos’ pass rate (A*-E) remains at 100%, which is the eighth time since 2000 that the school has managed this feat.
Diverse A Level Options
These superb examination results come from a wide and varied A Level and Cambridge Technical curriculum at Rydal Penrhos that caters to almost any potential career path.
These options give our pupils a more in-depth avenue into what ignites their passion. Something that is proven to bring the best out of them both in the classroom and during independent study.
University Preparation
Preparing for University can be a daunting prospect. This is a pressure we look to relieve at Rydal Penrhos by giving Sixth Form pupils every possible tool needed during the UCAS application and decision-making process.
With specific lessons regarding applications, assessment and potential University destinations that best suit their potential career paths, Sixth Formers are given plenty of useful information before coming to their own conclusions.
Small Class Sizes at Rydal Penrhos
No pupil slips through the net.
Another thing that sets Rydal Penrhos Sixth Form apart is focusing on the individual. This is done with small class sizes that provide them with extra attention during each phase of their A Level studies.
This is something the school takes a great deal of pride in and also builds special bonds between teaching staff and Sixth Form pupils, who go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure their goals and aspirations are met.
A Thorough Timetable
At Rydal Penrhos, a typical Sixth Form pupil has 24 weekly academic lessons a week. This gives them the best possible chance to get the most out of their education and ensure they are fully prepared for examinations, assessments and coursework during their A Level subjects.
Extra Academic Clinics
For those seeking more study time relating to their modules of choice, Rydal Penrhos offers additional academic clinics after school hours. Sixth Formers can brush up on specific elements of their subjects and get even more time with our incredible teaching staff, who are always happy to help at any time.
Leadership Opportunities
Every Sixth Former at Rydal Penrhos also gets the chance to improve leadership skills with various opportunities available. Whether it be Head Boy/Girl, the Senior Prefect Team, within various Sixth Form committees or mentoring younger members of the school community as a Peer Mentor, there is plenty of chances for Year 12 and 13 to become strong role models and add to their University applications to set them apart.
Extra-Curricular Options
Rydal Penrhos’ rich academic provision is enhanced by extra-curricular options, which include sport, sailing, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, additional qualifications in Music and a thriving Speech and Drama programme among others.
This caters to almost any interest and is known to develop key areas such as confidence, problem-solving, communication and coordination that might not necessarily be gained from the classroom.
Rydal Penrhos Social Events
In normal circumstances, the school also holds a number of social events throughout the academic year that are arranged by Sixth Formers. This enables them to socialise, build friendships and acquire a sense of calm during what is a stressful time with studies and next-stage planning.
Rydal Penrhos is holding a Sixth Form Information Evening on Thursday 17 November from 6pm. Anyone wishing to book their place can email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com, call 01492 530155 or via our online form.
Prep School
Parent Workshop initiative gets off to a great start!
When schools and parents listen to each other and work together, they have a really positive impact on attainment and well-being. This is why it is so important to Rydal Penrhos to form close bonds with parents from a child’s first days right through to when they leave.
The benefits of parent involvement in learning are vast. Research shows improvements in behaviour, more confidence and a greater sense of self-esteem that allows them to flourish in and out of the classroom.
Pupils also become more enthused about learning with additional academic interaction with their parents, which brings around better results that will serve them well during whatever path they choose to follow upon departing Rydal Penrhos.
This is something our staff acknowledge and actively encourage in equal measure. A recent Prep School initiative began before the half-term break to strengthen the connection between Rydal Penrhos and its parent body, providing them helpful tips on how to maximise development away from school.
The first Prep Parent Workshop was well attended and a tremendous success. Parents from across different year groups took time out of their schedules and participated in group activities to help them find out how we teach reading within our school.
The 25 parents were put into groups with a teacher leader and successfully learned how to level books according to their content. They talked about their own childhood memories of reading and even learned how to play Boom Whackers as a group reading exercise.
This was a fantastic way to engage and provide the necessary information for children to thrive at home. Something that is sure to reap significant rewards during their time in school.
Our next Prep Parent Workshop will be held on Wednesday 23 November from 6pm. It will focus on how to help your child with writing and spelling.
Skiing
Regional and national success for Prep trio
Skiing is a unique provision provided by Rydal Penrhos and has brought the school a considerable amount of success over the years.
Many pupils have gone on to achieve a considerable amount, with some even making a name for themselves at the Great British level thanks to the outstanding coaching they receive.
This is something that our pupils love – testing themselves in an unfamiliar setting and developing core skills that can transition from different interests in and out of the classroom.
Many of our pupils also compete at regional and national events to further bolster their skills outside of school. The likes of Chay Bonnington and Cameron Pye are gaining impressive accolades en route to Welsh squad involvement and a trio of Prep School pupils are also looking to follow in their footsteps.
Margot G, Jack B-F and Wilfred J were rewarded for their outstanding commitment and consistency with podium finishes and national awards from competitions against other aspiring skiers from across the country.
Wilfried’s exceptional series of performances saw him come away with first place in both the local category. He also won the national trophy for his age group, which is a fantastic accomplishment and one that everyone at the school is incredibly proud of.
There was further cause for celebration as Margot and Jack came away with second-placed honours in their respective age brackets regionally. This is in recognition of their impressive ability to perform in a pressurised setting despite their tender age.
All three pupils also form part of the Rydal Penrhos ski squad that recently attained success at the Welsh Schools’ Championships, carrying on the school’s rich history of success in this particular competition.
Congratulations to Margot, Jack and Wilfred. Hopefully, this is the start of great things to come.
Sport
Captains excelling in new roles
Rydal Penrhos Sixth Form is so much more than just studying for successful grades.
Our pupils benefit from an outstanding extra-curricular provision, participate in weekly UCAS lessons throughout the application process and get exceptional support and guidance during the final two years of their school life before heading onto the next stage, wherever that might be.
Another area where Sixth Formers thrive is through leadership. The school prides itself on a strong Year 13 that become great ambassadors for Rydal Penrhos and for the next generation of younger pupils looking to follow in their footsteps.
This also transitions into a sporting environment. Sixth Formers are given the opportunity to secure captaincy roles, leading from the front and working alongside the school’s specialist coaching staff during training sessions, fixtures and competitions across the country.
Our recently appointed Senior Sports Captains have excelled over their first few weeks. It’s been a hugely encouraging return to competitive action across all areas, with regional and national accolades building up to further add to Rydal Penrhos’ rich history of sporting accomplishments.
Emily Thomas has been tasked with leading the Netball squad throughout a busy series of fixtures, with numerous impressive performances, development and results already attained in a relatively short space of time.
Another demonstrating outstanding growth as a pupil leader is rugby captain and deputy head boy Josh Stewart. His influence within the squad working closely with Rydal Penrhos’ head of rugby Ryan Kirby is bringing increased performance levels against high-calibre opposition, which is a significant step in the right direction for the young but ever-improving team.
Wales U18 international Alex Starling will captain the boys’ hockey side, with girls’ hockey skipper Elsi Pyves already making her presence felt after the U18 squad won their regional heat and will now progress to the national semi-finals next month.
Dr Alex Farnell
Former pupil's NFL study on racism gains further recognition
Our alumni at Rydal Penrhos are thriving away from school in a wide range of different fields.
Whether it’s in business, finance, education, sport or the performing arts, former pupils are able to accomplish great feats after receiving the best possible platform from which to build, which is something our staff strive to accomplish before they head off on their next chosen path.
Dr Alex Farnell, a former pupil at the school, is gaining plenty of recognition for his investigation into the ongoing issue of racism and white privilege across the National Football League (American Football) in the United States. A controversial issue that is still generating headlines for all the wrong reasons thanks to a suspect hiring process.
Alex, who is now a Sports Economist and Lecturer in Economics based in Ireland, delved into this complex topic during his time at the Lancaster University Management School for a paper entitled Race and Coaching Hierarchy: An Analysis of Hiring and Firing in the NFL alongside Dave Berri, Vincent O’Sullivan and Robert Simmons.
The document has received widespread praise. It was even cited as a source in a recent opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times – one of the most recognisable media outlets anywhere in the U.S.
This was also a prominent part of a recent Fifty Four Degrees magazine feature published by the Lancaster Management School, which examined the problem with racial equality in the NFL and specifically the difficulty black coaches are having getting opportunities for prominent roles due to the influence of white owners who run the league.
“All this tells a simple story. The NFL – with teams primarily owned by white owners – is not making much progress with respect to the hiring of black individuals in the primary decision-making roles.
“They are happy to hire black individuals as athletes. But when it comes to making decisions, is far from being a meritocracy.”
Alex, who is the son of long-serving staff member Mike Farnell, accomplished a significant amount during his time at Rydal Penrhos both academically and in a sporting environment. He formally received his PhD from Lancaster University in August 2021 before embarking on his exciting role at Maynooth University.
Prep School
Pupils create poppies during art lessons
Remembering our fallen war heroes at Rydal Penrhos and across the country is something staff and pupils take a great deal of pride in.
It’s important for those following in their footsteps to understand the significance of the sacrifices made to ensure that their memory and selfless acts are never, ever forgotten.
In accordance with the annual Remembrance Day services across Rydal Penrhos on Friday 11 November, pupils from Pre-School to Year 6 also held a special Act of Remembrance on the picturesque playground situated in front of the Prep site.
The school held the services simultaneously at the Prep and Senior areas. Pupils played a significant part in proceedings once again, reading passages and the names of those members of the Rydal Penrhos community that gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom from tyranny.
A special Prep School project involving Key Stages 1 and 2 also raised further awareness importance of remembering fallen war heroes from the school and across the country. This took place within the stunning art room where pupils enhance creativity on a daily basis.
Under the supervision of the outstanding teaching staff at Rydal Penrhos, art sessions consisted of creating commemorative poppies, which children then brought to the Prep playground during their remembrance service as a mark of respect.
This not only enhanced their creativity and ability to work within deadlines, but it also allowed them to explore various curiosities surrounding the topic during conversations with Rydal Penrhos’ compassionate staff team.
Rydal Penrhos lost 106 former pupils during World War One and Two. Their memory will live on forevermore.
Stars of the Week
11 November 2022
Stars of the Week
Reception – Lizzy Rep.
Year 1 – Dylan
Year 2 – Zach
Year 3 – Immie
Year 4 – Henry St.
Year 5 – Rose
Year 6 – Harrison H
Performers of the Week
Josie – trumpet
Toby – piano
Harrison – drums
Gallery
Armistice Day 2022
