The RP Weekly: 13 November
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School.
The RP Weekly
13 November 2020
Sixth Form Information Evening
Everything you need to know!
"Preparing the Child for the Road, not the Road for the Child."
Sixth Form Information Evening
Wednesday 25 November
From 17:00 - By appointment only
Sixth Form should be the best two years of your school life. At last, there is the freedom to study the subjects that really excite you, have more informal and rewarding relationships with teachers, and make new friends – all whilst being guided towards the very best university outcomes for you (if that’s what you would like to do).
We want our Sixth Form to bridge the gap between school and university study, and we want it to be balanced.
Therefore, supported by subject teachers, tutors, and head of Key Stage 5, you will be able to explore your chosen academic subjects as well as immerse yourself in our extra-curricular programmes.
Therefore, supported by subject teachers, tutors, and head of Key Stage 5, you will be able to explore your chosen academic subjects as well as immerse yourself in our extra-curricular programmes.
We understand that you are older and more independent – but there are still people on hand to guide and help as you navigate your way through classes, exams and what lies beyond school.
This year more than any other has emphasised the fact we cannot know what is to come in our lives or the lives of our young people. Therefore even more so as educators we see our role as helping our pupils become resilient, confident, adaptable, and able to manage any situation that may arise.
Everything you need to know about our Sixth Form Information Evening can be found in this digital document.
To confirm your place call 01492 530155, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or book online at https://rydalpenrhos.com/admissions/sixth-form-information-evening/
Remembrance Day 2020
RP honours the fallen
The Rydal Penrhos community comes together to remember the fallen war heroes.
As tradition dictates, on Wednesday 11 November despite coronavirus, Rydal Penrhos held Remembrance Day Services – one in front of the Prep School, and one virtually in the Memorial Hall.
Even though the Rydal Penrhos community couldn’t be together in person, they were together in spirit.
School chaplain Reverend Nick Sissons led a live-streamed virtual Remembrance Day Service from the school Memorial Hall to commemorate the 106 former pupils who died serving in World War One and Two.
Starting with a call to worship the Reverend was followed by Executive Principal John Waszek reading “The Beatitudes”, Head Boy Richard Wolfendale and Head Girl Anna Parry-Williams then solemnly read the Last Roll Call of fallen former pupils, a quiet moment for reflection preceding The Last Post and Reveille being played by Year 11 pupil Ethan Bytheway while the school Commanding Officer Captain Alun Brown stood to attention in respect.
Chay Bonnington from the school’s Combined Cadet Force then laid a wreath under the stone tablet inset into the Memorial Hall wall that lists the Last Roll Call and Jacob Cousins read out the Kohima Epitaph before Reverend Sissons finished with prayers.
Following the service, wooden crosses were placed under the Mulberry tree in the Memorial Quad in the Field of Remembrance. Each cross had the name of one of the fallen from Rydal Penrhos.
At the Prep School, the very youngest pupils through to those in Year 6 stood absolutely silent and still as Lucy Davies, the Head of Rydal Penrhos Prep School, showed them a Tower of London poppy – one of the 888,246 made to remember the British losses in World War One – and Year 3 pupil Holly Hogan held a photograph of her great-great Grandfather who fought in that war along with his numbered spoon which he used to eat all of his meals in the trenches.
Head Boy Noah Roberts and Head Girl, Amelie Skinner, read the poem ‘In Flanders’ Fields’ by John McCrae, which was followed by The Last Post played on a Baritone Horn by Pre-Prep music teacher, Mrs Hughes and then Deputy Head Boy Gethin Winfield read out the Exhortation before the two minutes’ silence at 11am.
After Reveille was sounded on the horn, Deputy Head Girl Emily Nurse read the dedication and the entire Rydal Penrhos Prep School community then joined together in The Lord’s Prayer before the dismissal.
Prep School
Free iPads distributed to boost learning
Rydal Penrhos has issued free iPads to Prep School pupils to boost their learning in and out of the classroom.
There was plenty of excitement in the air as younger members of the Rydal Penrhos community collected their iPads within year group bubbles this week, which is part of the school’s substantial investment in IT both during the summer and the current academic year.
Pupils in Years 3-6 have been given an iPad and keyboard that is going to transform their method of learning during scheduled Prep School lessons, in addition to assisting greatly with homework tasks during the evenings and weekends.
Those below Year 3 have also been given an iPad and Keyboard to use during classroom times, which will be a significant boost to their early development in an ever-changing digital world.
This follows on from Senior School pupils also getting their free iPads prior to the ‘fire-break’ lockdown implemented by the Welsh Government, which enabled them to continue with their day-to-day learning in a virtual setting.
Rydal Penrhos’ ongoing commitment to improving pupils’ learning with a much-improved infrastructure regarding IT has seen the installation of state-of-the-art servers during the summer and a newer version of iSAMS to improve parent-teacher communications at a time when it’s needed more than ever.
All teachers will also have an identical iPad to use both during lessons and in the event of any further lockdown measures surrounding the coronavirus pandemic in the coming months.
John Waszek, Executive Principal of Rydal Penrhos, said: “We believe this investment will have a marked improvement on the educational opportunities for Rydal Penrhos pupils and on their personal and academic progress.
“Alongside this investment in equipment and software, training for teaching and support staff will ensure that pupils can continue to be taught by well-trained staff.”
Swimming Pool
Sessions resume under COVID-19 guidelines
Rydal Penrhos received another substantial boost as its swimming pool re-opened.
Rydal Penrhos received the green light to formally resume swimming sessions under strict COVID-19 safety measures, which is another significant boost for both Prep and Senior pupils.
The school has worked exceptionally hard to ensure the pool area follows every guideline and precaution necessary due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Swimming has been a huge part of the curriculum at Rydal Penrhos over the years, which has seen many pupils achieve national recognition at events such as the Urdd National Gala and some even reaching Swim Wales and Team GB youth squad levels.
The Welsh Government published guidance to help facilities prepare for the re-opening of indoor and outdoor facilities in June, working in partnership with Sport Wales, the Welsh Sport Association and Swim Wales regarding the gradual re-opening of pools and other leisure facilities.
All pupils from Pre School through to Year 9 will receive a weekly swimming lesson as part of recent curriculum changes implemented.
The swimming pool originally opened more than 50 years ago and in addition to swimming lessons for pupils, there will also be competitive and recreational swimming available at the facility once the necessary clearance has been granted.
The pool underwent an extensive six-figure refurbishment last year that also involved pupil participation in the form of a design competition around the site.
Although COVID-19 restrictions are currently preventing a normal sporting provision, staff at Rydal Penrhos have worked tirelessly to ensure that each pupil is fit, active, and thriving both during Physical Education sessions and Enrichment.
Having swimming back on the timetable is another welcome boost and one that will be immensely popular with pupils young and old.
Mrs Davies
Thoughts from the Prep School
Rydal Penrhos Prep School head Lucy Davies returns with her weekly thoughts after another busy few days across the site.
Life around them changes but children actually remain fairly constant. I defy you to find a child from throughout all of history, living in an area of the world where deciduous trees grow, that does not enjoy playing with piles of fallen leaves!
Children are obsessed with leaves.
This week I have watched groups use them for cover in hide and seek, for battles with dinosaurs, for unicorn nests (do unicorns have nests?) and for cover from enemy gunfire!
I have watched individuals doing running jumps into piles of leaves, roll in leaves, kick leaves wildly into the air and the old favourite…stick leaves down the back of your friend’s jumper!
This photograph was taken whilst our oldest Rydal Penrhos Prep School pupils were out at morning break. A small group were involved in a leaf battle and I said I would like to take a photo.
The small group turned into the whole class within seconds… oh, the sheer excitement and joy of throwing leaves into the air!
There’s no doubt that the highlight of the week for most of our pupils has been the distribution of their own personal iPad for school learning…but I think the leaf throwing came a close second!
The Stars of the Week in the Prep School are:
- RLD: Bobby
- 1NM: Isabella
- 2CC: Carys
- 3KO: Adhira
- 4JM: Beatrice
- 5CC: Lexi-May
- 6JP: Felix and Gethin
Artist of the Week: Hannah
Performer of the week: Alexandra
A huge well done to all.
Mrs L Davies
Head of Prep School
Amy Yue
A Sixth Form success story!
"From Rydal Penrhos to The Performing Arts"
Leading up to our Sixth Form Information Evening on Wednesday 25 November (from 5pm), we will be running a series focusing on just a teaser of recent success stories from Rydal Penrhos Sixth.
Amy Yue has always had a flavour for the performing arts – an area she thrived in during her time at Rydal Penrhos – and this eventually saw the former pupil attain a place at the prestigious Goldsmiths, University of London to continue her dream of possible stardom in the future.
The former boarding pupil has been accepted onto their Musical Theatre course after a strenuous application process.
Her love for the stage and all things musical has always been evident, with Amy contributing significantly to various concerts with a polished vocal ability that received widespread plaudits from anyone that ever heard her sing.
Arguably her crowning moment at Rydal Penrhos came during the Dramatic Society production of Les Miserables, which saw Amy play Cossette with aplomb during one of the greatest theatrical productions ever witnessed at the school.
More than 1,000 audience members also saw Amy on stage during the RPS Showstoppers event in 2018, with her confidence also seeing the 2019 leaver receive a prestigious honour in her homeland of China.
Amy was chosen from thousands of other hopefuls to perform live on stage at the Spring Gala Festival over the Chinese New Year period, which was shown live to millions across the region and saw Amy sing with some well-known and famous faces from the Far East.
Amy also hit the headlines this year thanks to an exceptional performance in her Grade 8 singing examination administered by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools’ of Music, with the pupil attaining a high Distinction after securing 140 out of a possible 150 marks.
RP during COVID-19
Sport provides wellbeing boost
Rydal Penrhos has an illustrious history of sporting success, which is a testament to the exceptional coaching and learning methods they receive during school hours.
Many pupils past and present have gone on to achieve accolades at national and international levels, with Rydal Penrhos also securing team championships in a number of areas including Hockey, Rugby and Sailing in recent years.
Although the current COVID-19 restrictions are preventing normal fixtures from taking place at Rydal Penrhos, the school is still doing everything to ensure pupils are fit, active, healthy, and improving in a sporting environment.
Training sessions are still taking place under strict social distancing guidelines implemented by the Welsh Government and Sport Wales, which has seen the school’s aspiring hockey players get back down to business under the dedicated guidance of both teaching staff and other coaches.
This is sure to stand them in good stead when competitive action is permitted to resume and is also building key skills such as teamwork and communication in the process.
Those with more of an interest in the beautiful game can now take part in weekly football coaching sessions during enrichment, which is available to Year 11 pupils, Sixth Formers and younger members of the Senior School community.
Even during the lockdown and subsequent ‘fire-beak’ measure that came to a conclusion on Monday 9 November, Physical Education staff strived to ensure health and wellbeing remained at the forefront of everybody’s minds despite not being able to leave the confines of their own home for anything other than daily exercise.
This included virtual activity sessions, special challenges and monitoring each pupil’s athletic development with trusted methods that have been the key component behind Rydal Penrhos’ outstanding list of accolades across a variety of different sports.
Hopefully, it will not be long before some semblance of normality resumes. Until then, pupils know that their mental health and physical conditioning is of paramount importance to staff – both during school hours and away from the classroom.
The school has been at the forefront of precautions during the coronavirus pandemic, ensuring each Rydal Penrhos pupil continues to receive an exceptional education and extra-curricular opportunities thanks to the sterling effort and dedication of both teaching and support staff.
Dr Baker
Excitement builds for I'm a Celebrity Get me out of Here!
The stars have arrived for a popular reality television show that is being hosted at a former Rydal Penrhos pupil’s venue.
Dr Mark Baker, who attended Rydal Penrhos from 1996-2003, has led a group of volunteers with the intent of fixing the historic Gwrych Castle, which overlooks Abergele and can be seen from the A55 expressway.
Restoring the castle is something that has been at the forefront of his ambitions since the age of 11, and Dr Baker formed the Trust at 13-years-old whilst still a pupil at Rydal Penrhos.
The site was recently chosen as the surprise location for this year’s ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!’, which is unable to travel to their usual location in Australia due to restrictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
There was plenty of excitement in the air on Sunday evening as those taking part in the show were revealed, with plenty of familiar faces making their way to the castle via helicopter this weekend.
Among the celebrities involved include record-breaking endurance runner Sir Mo Farrah, Shane Ritchie, journalist Victoria Derbyshire and Coronation Street actress Beverley Pollard.
TV and radio presenter Vernon Kay, former Strictly dancer AJ Pritchard, Jessica Plummer, Jordan North, Paralympic champion Hollie Arnold, and author Giovanna Fletcher were also confirmed.
The Grade I listed site was left to rot for decades, but the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust has worked tirelessly over the last decade to restore prominent rooms and gardens across the picturesque area.
Hosting such a high-profile television show will be another incredible boost for the project, which is a testament to Dr Baker’s long-standing passion to return the castle to its former glory.
His efforts have received widespread recognition from across the country, which also saw Dr Baker receive the prestigious Point of Light award from former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2019, which honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.
The celebrities involved will spend the week familiarising themselves with the castle before the show begins on Sunday 15 November.
Forest School Club
Pudsey themed activities ahead of BBC CiN
Yes, it’s that time of year again when the entire Rydal Penrhos community comes together to lend their support to the nationwide fundraising drive, BBC Children in Need.
The school is proud to fundraise for this immensely worthy cause every year, and although current COVID-19 restrictions are preventing the normal schedule of activities from taking place, Prep staff and the Rydal Penrhos Sixth Form Charity Committee have been working hard to ensure there will be plenty of going on to raise as much money as possible.
In readiness for the event, the Prep School’s Forest School Club took part in some fun-filled activities surrounding Pudsey the Bear, who is the lovable mascot behind the Children in Need initiative.
Working both individually and in groups, each member of the club worked hard to collect natural objects and make a portrait of our favourite yellow bear under the supervision of Rydal Penrhos’ dedicated staff team.
There is already plenty of excitement in the air surrounding Children in Need Day, which is always one of the highlights of the fundraising calendar.
Prep School pupils will be taking part in a Pudsey Fun Run – which might see some staff also get involved – with the senior school organising a dress-up day with some activities within their bubble groups.
Children in Need Day events at Rydal Penrhos have raised thousands over the years, which is part of the school’s ongoing commitment to help those less fortunate both in the local area and beyond.
The school has already raised a big sum from their collective efforts during their Hello Yellow Day, which saw generous donations reach almost £1,000 for Young Minds UK.
