Pupils stay inspired during lockdown
Getting the most out of each pupil’s education is something that has been the cornerstone of Rydal Penrhos’ success throughout history. Examination results and “value-added” scores remain incredibly high and this is a testament to the school’s incredible teaching staff going the extra mile to ensure every individual’s goals are met.
This has been in full effect over the last 12 months, for obvious reasons. COVID-19 and the two educational lockdowns have forced a “new normal” and a significant adjustment from every single member of the Rydal Penrhos community in the most unprecedented of times.
Staff have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make sure no pupil suffers a substantial loss of learning, producing a strong, diverse online provision coupled with exceptional support and guidance along the way to maintain academic standards and wellbeing.
This is no more evident than within the Art department, with both Prep and Senior pupils taking part in a wide range of interesting projects since the New Year that enhance creativity and expression when it is needed more than ever.
Teacher Suzy Morris and Head of Art Mark Sherrington have been at the heart of this, leaving no stone unturned with passionate teaching and leadership that has been prevalent throughout their respective tenures at the school.
Art is a great release for pupils with so much uncertainty surrounding them. It allows them to escape from their usual academic stresses and improve elements such as self-confidence and self-understanding, communication skills and cognition.
Mrs Morris has been hugely complimentary of the pupils’ application and commitment to each project thrown their way, which has included everything from optical illusions, portraits, face drawings and flower sketches across all year groups.
Hopefully, things can return to some semblance or normality soon. But pupils and parents associated with Rydal Penrhos can rest assured the school will maintain the highest educational standards for however much longer learning from home is implemented by the Welsh Government.
We are enormously proud of the entire school community for their exceptional commitment over the last year. They have been a credit to themselves and all at Rydal Penrhos and this will guarantee they can hit the ground running when face-to-face classes resume.