The RP Weekly: 13 August 2021
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School.
The RP Weekly
13 August 2021
2021 A Levels
Exceptional results for Year 13
Rydal Penrhos is thrilled to confirm some outstanding A Level results from the Year 13 cohort, who will now move on to the next stage of their journey after an incredibly successful time at the school.
Their determination and adaptability to ever-changing circumstances throughout their A Level studies was exemplary.
The school’s teaching staff providing outstanding support and guidance during every step of the process either on-site or during remote learning over the last 18 months.
As results were formally announced on Tuesday 10 August, a total of 70.5% attained a pass rate at A*-A, which is the highest in the school’s history since the introduction of the A* grade and represents an increase of 20.3% year on year.
Those achieving A*-B grades stood at 84.1% – a rise of 9.9% – with 92% of pupils achieving A*-C grades as a result of their efforts.
This is an increase of 2.1% from the record-breaking A*-C mark set in 2020.
Rydal Penrhos’ pass rate (A*-E) remains at 100%, which is the seventh time since 2000 that the school has achieved this feat.
The mean number of subjects passed per candidate was 3.14.
John Waszek, Executive Principal of Rydal Penrhos, said: “Our Year 13 pupils deserve all the credit in the world for coming through what was an incredibly difficult period to accomplish some remarkable A Level results.
“Their collective will to succeed, coupled with our outstanding academic and pastoral provision, enabled them to remain on course at a time when there was so much uncertainty surrounding them.
“My congratulations go to the pupils, the staff who’ve guided them and to family members that also played a big part with unwavering support. We wish them well on the next step of their journey and our thoughts and best wishes go with them.”
A Levels
Rydal Penrhos far exceeds national averages
Another exceptional year of A Level results for Rydal Penrhos was further reflected in comparison to the annual national averages across the country.
This was an uncertain time for pupils during their studies thanks to COVID-19, but the school’s ability to move with ever-changing times has paid dividends with another incredible set of achievements from our departing Year 13 pupils.
It was a truly collective effort from the entire school community. Staff, pupils and parents all deserve credit for supporting each other in pursuit of the same goal, which was to get the best results possible and secure first-choice university destinations for every member of Year 13, something that was accomplished despite the obvious challenges that arose.
The school’s pass rate at A* was an extraordinary 54.54 per cent, which is 35.44% higher than the national average (19.1%) and 15.04% more than the average attained by independent schools across the country (39.5%) according to figures released by The Society of Heads.
Those securing pass rates of A*-A at Rydal Penrhos rose to 70.5% – 25.7% higher than the national average of 44.8%. There was more good news to celebrate with A*-C grades, with 92% of pupils securing this feat thanks to their sterling commitment throughout their respective A Level modules.
This was a rise of 3.5% compared to the national average achieved in 2021.
Every member of the staff at Rydal Penrhos has a deep commitment to our pupils, and this ethos contributes to a long-standing history of high academic attainment and enhanced progress.
Not only this, but the school provides a diverse extra-curricular and outdoor education provision that builds key skills they don’t necessarily get in the classroom, enhances friendships and also enables each pupil to improve areas such as communication and confidence for good measure.
It’s been another academic year of unprecedented circumstances, but our A Level results testify that the school and the pupils rose to the occasion and took a significant challenge head-on.
A Levels
Individual achievements aplenty!
Richard Wolfendale (Head Boy 2020/21)
- 4 A* grades
- Geography, Maths, Music, Physics
- A* grade in Extended Project Qualification
- Durham University (1st choice) – Physics
Anna Parry-Williams (Head Girl 2020/21)
- 3 A* grades
- English Literature, History, Religious Studies
- GAP year
Kevin Farrell
- 4 A* grades
- Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths
- Nottingham University (1st choice) – Medicine
Vanessa Ma
- 4 A* grades
- Geography, History, Maths, Physics
- Northwestern University (USA) (1st choice)
Morgan Kendall
- 4 A* grades
- Geography, Maths, Further Maths, Physics
- Durham University (1st choice) – Physics
Oliver Winters-Jones
- 4 A* grades
- Economics, Maths, Further Maths, Physics
- Nottingham University (1st choice) – Mathematics
Lara Pyves
- 2 A* grades and 1 A
- Art & Design (Textiles) and English Literature – A*
- History – A
- GAP year – New Zealand
Rocco Molina-Franco
- 3 A* grades
- Chemistry, Maths, Physics
- Electronic Engineering Apprenticeship – Qioptic
Alicia Zhou
- 2 A* grades and 2 As
- English Literature and Maths – A*
- Economics and Further Maths – A
- University of Michigan (USA) (1st choice)
Amanda Sperring
- 2 A* grades, 1 A and 1 B
- Biology and Psychology (A*), History (A), Geography (B)
- Sussex University (1st choice) – Law
Adrian Lewis
- 1 A* grade, 2 As
- Maths (A*), Further Maths and Economics (A)
- A in Extended Project Qualification
- Warwick University (1st choice) – MORSE
Harry Grocott
- 3 A* grades
- Maths, Music, Physics
- Durham University (1st choice) – Engineering
Tegid Goodman-Jones
- 2 A* grades, 1 A
- Music and Physics (A*), Mathematics (A)
- Loughborough University (1st choice) – Computer Science
Niamh Cook
- 1 A* grade, 2 As
- English Literature (A*), Fine Art and Music (A)
- Two ABRSM Diplomas – Piano and Clarinet
- Bangor University (1st choice) – Music
Harri Jackson
- 1 A* grade, 1 A and 1 B
- Business (A*), Biology (A), Economics (B)
- Manchester Met University (1st choice) – Economics
Olivia Trunkfield
- 1 A* grade, 1 A, 1 B
- Business (A*), Economics (A), Geography (B)
- Cardiff University (1st choice) – Business Economics
Cerys Cuddihy
- 2 A* grades, 1 B
- Chemistry and Drama (A*), Maths (B)
- Swansea University (1st choice) – Paramedic
Sam Bixby
- 1 A* grade, 1 A
- Biology (A*), Maths (A)
- DM in Cambridge Technical Sport
- Cardiff University (1st choice) – Physiotherapy
AS Levels
Outstanding success continues
There was further cause for encouragement from a results perspective courtesy of Rydal Penrhos’ Year 12 pupils, who achieved some fantastic AS Level results.
Year 12 were sitting AS Levels for the first time since the school’s decision to adopt the WJEC exam board for the majority of subjects.
After a wonderful effort from pupils and staff during the preparation period, a total of 78 per cent attained a pass rate at A*-A level, with 91% securing grades between A* and B.
Rydal Penrhos also secured a 99% pass rate between A* and C to round off another hugely impressive set of results for Key Stage 5 pupils in Years 12 and 13.
This is an extremely solid foundation from which to build for Year 12, who are about to embark on their final academic year at the school before moving on to university, prestigious apprenticeships or the working world.
With COVID-19 restrictions now at Alert Level 0 in Wales, learning should have a far more normal feel to it from September, which will enable the school and its pupils to remain on course with their objectives ahead of examination season.
This will also be combined with extra-curricular and leadership opportunities, as well as expert UCAS application support and seminars to ready pupils for the challenges higher education and more independence will bring.
John Waszek, Executive Principal of Rydal Penrhos, added: “These results are inextricably linked to the unique circumstances in which they were accomplished.
“Our community has faced an unprecedented challenge over the past 17 months. In this context, our success is an even greater testament to our immensely hard-working pupils and teachers.
“Our dedicated teaching staff have constantly navigated the ever-changing circumstances whilst retaining the same high-quality provision of teaching and support. Their standard of excellence in commitment and professionalism has inspired our pupils to great feats.”
GCSE 2021
Superb results for Year 11
Rydal Penrhos is enormously proud of the way its pupils have handled the last academic year.
This is reflected in the development of pupils across all year groups, but especially those participating in assessments for A Level and GCSE under the expert guidance and support of the school’s teaching and support staff.
Their commitment has paid off with some truly outstanding results this summer, enhanced by Year 11’s GCSE marks released on Thursday 12 August.
Rydal Penrhos is thrilled to announce that 68.7 per cent of GCSE candidates secured A*-A or 9-7 grades, which is the highest in the school’s history and represents an increase of 6.6% from the previous year.
It is also 38.7% higher than the national average for A*-A (9-7), which stands at 30%.
The number of pupils securing pass rates from A*-C or 9-4 was 92.7% – 13.1% higher than the national average of 79.1%.
51.7% of pupils attained A* grades from their WJEC Welsh Board assessments as a result of their incredible efforts.
Among the best performing subjects were Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Business, Geography, Engineering, Additional Mathematics and History.
Executive Principal John Waszek, said: “Our commitment to academic excellence continues to be at the forefront of the well-rounded education we provide here at Rydal Penrhos, and it is extremely pleasing to see the hard work of our pupils and staff paying off with another excellent set of GCSE results.
“It is also a credit to our academic leaders, the pupils’ teachers, tutors and parents, who have all guided and supported them exceptionally well throughout their studies and can rightfully be very proud of their respective contributions, especially during such an uncertain period."
GCSE Results
Individual attainments
Here are some of the individual highlights from this year’s GCSE results.
Ester Ball-Iversen
- 4 A* grades and 1 A
- Five 9 marks
- A distinction in Additional Mathematics
Henry Battersby
- 4 A* grades, 2 Bs
- Two 9 marks and one 8
- Distinction* in Engineering
- A distinction in Additional Mathematics
Chay Bonnington
- 4 A* grades, 2 Bs
- Two 9 marks and two 8s
- Distinction* in Engineering
- A distinction in Additional Mathematics
Ethan Bytheway
- 6 A* grades
- Three 9 marks and one 8
- A distinction in Additional Mathematics
James Copeland
- 3 A* grades and 1 A
- One 9 and four 8s
- A distinction in Additional Mathematics
- Distinction* in Engineering
Emma Hackman
- 5 A* grades and 1 B
- Two 9 marks, two 8s and one 7
Jasmin Lewis
- 4 A* grades and 1 A
- Four 9 marks and one 7
- A distinction in Additional Mathematics
Sophie Madden
- 4 A* grades
- Four 9 marks and one 7
- A distinction in Additional Mathematics
Tristan Martin
- 4 A* grades
- Four 9 marks and one 8
- A distinction in Additional Mathematics
Gregor Perry
- 6 A* grades
- Three 9 marks
- Distinction* in Engineering
- A distinction in Additional Mathematics
Josh Stewart
- 3 A* grades, 1 A and 1 B
- Four 9 marks
- A distinction in Additional Mathematics
Saul Sugarman
- 5 A* grades
- Three 9 marks and one 8
- A distinction in Additional Mathematics
- A distinction in Engineering
Open Day 2021
September event confirmed
There has never been a better time to join the Rydal Penrhos community.
The school has gone from strength to strength over the last year, which is reflected in outstanding examination results, high value-added scores and an incredible display of adaptability and resilience throughout the COVID-19 challenges to ensure no learning loss took place.
The school’s strong academic ethos coupled with a diverse extra-curricular provision is integrated with a pupil-centred approach that has seen numbers across all year groups surge in recent months.
Rydal Penrhos’ teaching staff left no stone unturned with a comprehensive online provision during the second educational lockdown at the start of the year, enabling pupils young and old to meet their targets and achieve notable goals in ever-changing circumstances.
Looking ahead, Rydal Penrhos is pleased to announce details of a special Open Day, which will take place on Saturday 25 September and gives prospective pupils and their families a first-hand opportunity to see for themselves what goes on during a typical day at the school.
The Open Day will be held in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines at the time. Booking is advised initially, although this is obviously a fluid situation with the prospect of moving to Alert Level 0 in the coming weeks.
Those in attendance will get individual tours from the school and speak with teaching and admissions staff to get a broader perspective of the day-to-day life of a pupil, the diverse curriculum and exceptional pastoral care.
There will be a host of things to enjoy throughout the showcase, which will feature core academic departments such as English, Mathematics, Art, Drama, Music and Science.
The school’s thriving extra-curricular provision will also be providing demonstrations throughout the Open Day event.
It will run from 9.30am-1.30pm. The last tour departs at 12.30pm.
Book your place here
Golf
Charley selected to Wales U16 squad
One of the stars of Rydal Penrhos’ Golf Academy has earned a well-deserved selection to a national squad for an international tournament in the coming weeks.
Charley Simpson, who will be entering Year 12 in September, has been chosen to represent Wales at U16 level at the Boys’ Quadrangular competition, which takes place at Donabate Golf Club in Ireland from August 22-24.
The pupil is part of a six-strong Welsh team for the competition, which will see them take on Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands during what is sure to be another fantastic experience for Charley against some top opposition.
Upon arriving at the course, Charley and his Wales teammates will get the chance to participate in a practice round to familiarise themselves with the challenges that lie ahead, before competing in foursomes and singles matches when the real action gets underway.
Accompanying them will be two of their Wales Golf coaches and their mindset coach. Hopefully, COVID-19 restrictions won’t get in the way of the team travelling later this month, with Charley also selected to last year’s event before it was cancelled.
This is the latest in a series of notable achievements for Charley, who is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the country.
His golfing exploits have come with some well-deserved recognition both regionally and on the national stage. Charley was junior captain at Rhos on Sea Golf Club and also turned in a high-quality performance at the recent Welsh Boys’ Strokeplay Championships on his way to second-place at Cardiff Golf Club.
Charley recently signed a deal with Pro Dream USA, which helps young golfers from across the world connect with the best universities in the United States, supporting them throughout the strenuous process to fulfil academic and sporting potential.
A huge well done to Charley on making the Welsh squad. We wish them the best of luck at the Quadrangular tournament.
CCF
Annual training camp hailed a success
A Rydal Penrhos extra-curricular opportunity that continues to go from strength to strength is the Combined Cadet Force initiative, which has proven most popular for pupils from Year 8 right up to Year 11 since its inception.
The programme builds key life skills they can take with them throughout education and later life and aims to promote responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, and a sense of service to the community.
In normal circumstances, 40 per cent of a cadet’s time will be spent on adventurous training activities. This has been restricted for more than a year due to COVID-19, but things are now looking more promising and those involved in the school’s CCF are benefitting from group activities in a safe, outdoor setting.
Further proof that normality is resuming came with the cadets taking part in their annual three-day training camp from 6-8 July at the Kinmel Park Training Area.
Cadets constricted their own Bashas upon arriving at their camp, where they lived outside for two days and took part in a series of activities during their time on-site.
They were led by members of the 160 Brigade Wales cadet training team, going through situational tasks including patrolling, living in the field even some weapons training under the supervision of qualified instructors.
Cpt. Alun Brown and Sgt. Phil Hilton were delighted with how the CCF group conducted themselves throughout the training camp. They showed superb resilience, improving both individually and as a unit in a short space of time.
This is part of the usual activities that the CCF are involved in during the academic year. Cadets also can get involved with volunteer and charitable work in the community and gain nationally recognised qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and BTECs.
A huge well done to all out CCF cadets for their incredible efforts throughout the camp and to our incredible staff who supported them every step of the way.
Dr Mark Baker
Former pupil's delight as I'm a Celeb returns to Gwrych Castle
The castle restoration project inspired by the exceptional dedication of a former Rydal Penrhos pupil received another incredible boost with the return of a popular reality television series to the site.
Dr Mark Baker and the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust have done some truly incredible work restoring the site to its former glory in recent years, which has been a life-long passion of his and began whilst still a pupil at Rydal Penrhos.
The castle will once again play host to I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2021, with COVID-19 travel restrictions preventing the series from being filmed from their usual location in Australia for the second straight year.
Speaking to the Rhyl Journal, Dr Baker said: “I’m absolutely delighted that I’m A Celebrity has chosen Gwrych Castle to be its UK location for the 2021 series.
“Gwrych Castle is a beautiful grade I listed historic house and a must-see destination for tourists visiting Wales.
“I’m A Celebrity being here will really help support its ongoing restoration as well as giving the region a much-needed economic boost. We are all very excited to be working with the team again.”
Dr Baker attended the Prep School before moving on to Rydal Penrhos senior school, where his passion to get the castle back to prominence started.
The Grade I listed site was left to rot for decades, but the Trust has worked tirelessly over the last decade to restore 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.
Dr Baker and Rydal Penrhos still have a close association. The former pupil recently attended Rydal Penrhos for a special presentation to the winners of the Year 3-6 ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ themed challenges, which took place over a three-week period and culminated in a final ‘Escape the Cellar’ task that was their toughest of the entire initiative.
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos is absolutely thrilled for Dr Baker and Gwrych Castle regarding this news.
Fayeth
Pupil becomes ambassador for Right to Food Federation
We are always thrilled to hear of our pupils at Rydal Penrhos achieving so much away from campus. This forms another vital part of their development and enables them to gain additional experiences to further enhance their ability both inside and outside the classroom.
Fayeth Jones is the latest shining example of this.
The pupil was recently chosen as one of two Welsh ambassadors for the Right to Food Federation, which is a cause that Fayeth is incredibly passionate about.
As part of her new role, Fayeth spent last weekend working as a panellist at the Valley Fest Festival, which took place from 29 July until August 1.
Fayeth is advocating for the rights of young people and children across the country to have access to affordable healthy food.
This has become a more concerning aspect of life across the country over the last 17 months, with the COVID-19 pandemic thrusting even more disadvantaged families into poverty.
Almost 10,000 people attended the festival and Fayeth got the chance to many people about the Right to Food Federation’s work, taking questions from those in attendance to raise awareness to what is a very serious topic.
Fayeth is a relatively new addition to Rydal Penrhos having enrolled in September 2020. She has integrated herself superbly into school life despite the obvious challenges, highlighted by social distancing measures and a second educational lockdown.
Alumni
Zach sets sights on Commonwealth Games
Having just returned from London and Glasgow attending Olympic qualifying events for Tokyo, former Rydal Penrhos pupil Zach Speakman’s target is to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
These two Olympic trials saw Zach doing really well, competing with Olympic swimmers such as Duncan Scott, Adam Peaty and many other swimmers who had already been selected for Tokyo.
These events as well as being qualifying events were also an important part of the journey for any swimmer seeking Commonwealth selection for Birmingham 2022.
Born in Kuwait, Zach started swimming from a very early age.
At six years old, he was already entering galas and traveling to Bahrain to take part in swimming competitions. A family move to Nairobi at the age of eight saw a leap in Zach’s swimming regime and practice became part of a daily routine from as early as 5.15am.
At this stage Zach was already showing great promise and competed very regularly, holding school records for his Swimming at his school, Peponi House Preparatory School. and starting to build a collection of trophies and medals.
Zach is considered an all-rounder in swimming terms, but if pushed would say his particular strength is the 200-metre backstroke.
Due to COVID-19 regulations, Zach was only able to return to the pool in April and achieving personal bests at such high-profile events is a significant achievement considering the lack of preparation time.
He has managed to achieve this by maintaining a very disciplined daily gym programme throughout the lockdown, being very dedicated and determined and receiving excellent support from his coach Marc Spackman, a former Olympic swimmer himself.
Whilst at Rydal Penrhos, Zach played all sports and not only loved them, but was particularly successful.
To date, he still holds school records for the Mile race and the high jump. He attended the Welsh finals for the high jump, played hockey in a team that went on to win the Welsh schools competition and was also one of a limited number of pupils who were selected to play Eton Fives at Eton itself.
Zach’s present sporting regime has to cover swimming and strength work and when not in school can normally be found in the pool or the gym.
The former pupil was a sports scholar during his time at Rydal Penrhos and was able to access seminars on nutrition, sports psychology as well as other supportive seminars which were designed to help aspiring athletes reach their goals.
Zach has already achieved so much and now has his sights set on the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Everyone at Rydal Penrhos is so proud of what he has achieved and wishes him well in the future.
Fundraising
Rob Lloyd's most ambitious challenge yet!
In 2019, shortly after he had run the London Marathon, Rob Lloyd was diagnosed with lymphoma. the former Rydal Penrhos pupil (RS 1976-81) was admitted to Glan Clwyd Hospital and received nine months of chemotherapy treatment.
Since then, Rob has helped to set up 20 charity shops in Wales. He is now engaged in his most exciting, and ambitious, fundraising project to date.
Rob’s Senseless Campaign is a year-long enterprise to raise money for Sense – a national disability charity that supports people living with complex disabilities, including the deafblind, empowering them to experience the world in ways that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
He started in March with his “Tour-de-Llandudno” – a nonstop, six-hour, stationary bike ride outside the Llandudno Sense shop.
Next, it was a trip to Whitchurch in April and a James Bond-style skydiving stunt.
This was a huge personal challenge for Rob, who was joined for this challenge by award-winning actor, Jack Marsden, and star of The Real Housewives of Cheshire, Zdenka Dohnalová.
In May, Rob took part in a gruelling SAS boot camp in the Brecon Beacons, a physically and mentally demanding weekend that saw Rob learning CQB techniques, camping overnight and hiking miles with a heavy backpack.
So far, Rob has managed to raise more £25,000 pounds and has already attracted considerable media attention.
There are many more trials in store, including a Three Peak Challenge and a full 26-mile marathon around Colwyn Bay.
Rydal Penrhos will be hosting the start of the marathon at the Haley Memorial Pavilion on New Field on Friday 24 September and hope to get involved further by setting up a relay of 26 pupils who will run the whole distance in tandem with Rob.
We would love any alumni who like to run to join us too if you would like to support Rob on his journey and even raise funds for Sense yourself to help him.
In a video for the campaign, Rob said that he “wanted to embark on a really big challenge, one last hit, having done a lot of charity work historically”.
You can support Rob via JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/RobsChallenge and for more information about Sense, visit their website: http://www.sense.org.uk/.
Mouthguards
Important information
Dear Parents/Carers,
Our School policy is to endorse all Sporting Governing Bodies in their guidelines surrounding the use of dental protection when taking part in contact sports such as Rugby or Hockey.
Our requirements are that all pupils from Year 3 – Year 13 taking part in these sports will need a named mouthguard with them for their PE/games lessons.
Mouthguards can be purchased from any good sports retailer, however, as part of our service we have invited Titan Mouthguards to cater for pupils wishing to purchase a custom, School Fitted or E-Fitted dental-fit mouthguard.
For those requiring the School Fitted service Titan will be visiting school on Monday 6 September 2021, and for the E-Fitted service there is a remote Video Call Fitting option, and these will be delivered direct to your home in advance of the 2021/2022 academic school year.
For those requiring the School Fitted service Titan will be visiting school on Monday 6 September 2021, and for the E-Fitted service there is a remote Video Call Fitting option, and these will be delivered direct to your home in advance of the 2021/2022 academic school year.
If you wish to take advantage of either service, please complete the online order form by clicking the following link: https://titanmouthguards.com/rydal-penrhos-school/
As well as their standard styles, Titan have designed a Rydal Penrhos Special Edition with school colours and crest. The mouthguard cost is £34.99 via Remote E-fittings and £44.99 for in-school fittings, with all replacement/spare guards at a reduced cost of £30.
Titan’s prices are vastly reduced from dental practices and similar services, and include:
- Dental impression supervised by a member of the TITAN team
- Custom mouthguards, manufactured with triple laminate technology and hand-finished to achieve the highest level of protection available.
- Pupils name embedded on under-side.
- Free delivery direct to your home
- Titan also cater for those with a fixed brace with flexible Snap-Fit Ortho-Guards, rather than custom-fit guards. Ortho-Guards are recommended by the British Orthodontics Society as they allow for movement in the brace, whilst providing complete protection. These can be purchased using Titan's online form at a reduced cost.
Titan suggest that orders be placed in advance of School Fittings to avoid any delays on the day of fitting, and in turn getting the guards back to you. There is a £5 price increase on all orders that are placed on the of day of fitting, Monday 6 September.
Titan suggest that orders be placed in advance of School Fittings to avoid any delays on the day of fitting, and in turn getting the guards back to you. There is a £5 price increase on all orders that are placed on the of day of fitting, Monday 6 September.
Any questions on school mouthguards or any of the details above should be sent directly to Titan via their customer service email address: info@titanmouthguards.com
Yours sincerely,
Sian Durrans - Academic Administrator
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