Group holds first-ever Rydal Penrhos Eisteddfod
The second educational lockdown brought plenty of challenges across Rydal Penrhos for pupils and teaching staff alike.
Their exceptional commitment to academic progression during a difficult 12 months, coupled with a superb effort from the entire school community, resulted in a minimal loss of learning during a diverse and engaging online provision.
Year 7 pupils were among those who deserve a tremendous amount of credit for their application, which also saw them participate in an inaugural event that celebrated the Welsh language and culture in an online setting.
The school’s Year 7 Eisteddfod took place over the spring term during online Welsh lessons. The group participated in exciting activities for some friendly competition with a view to winning the “Chair” as a result of their efforts. These included:
As part of their preparation for the competition, pupils also researched the origins and history of the National Eisteddfod. Points were awarded for first, second and third place in each round with double points on offer for the events conducted in the medium of Welsh.
Teacher Chris Davies, who organised the Eisteddfod, said: “It was wonderful to watch so many excellent entries in the different events.
“Pupils (and their families) had clearly gone to a lot of trouble in helping to prepare for the competition with some parents even giving video feedback on some of the baking pupils had done.”
The Eisteddfod brought the very best out of each pupil involved, building key skills, improving creativity and also developing knowledge of all things Wales related in the process.
After a hotly contested competition, Lucy Ranales-Griffiths was crowned the winner after narrowly pipping Oscar Ellwood (2nd) and Charlotte Payne (3rd) to the Chair.
A local antique and salvage dealer – Drew Pritchard – donated a beautiful chair as a prize for this year’s winner and has also agreed to create a special chair for the 2022 event.