The RP Weekly: 17 June 2022
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School - 17 June 2022 edition.
The RP Weekly
17 June 2022
Looking Ahead
with Mrs Lucy Davies and Mr Phil Sutton
Events for the upcoming week:
Fixtures this week:
- Saturday 18 June – U14, U15 (4 pairs) tennis vs The Kings School, Chester (away) from 08:30 to 13:00.
- Saturday 18 June – inter-house cricket finals for Years 9 and 10 from 09:00 to 11:00.
- Monday 20 June – U9, U10 triathlon teams will be participating in a competition in Mold.
- Friday 24 June – U11 cricket vs Altrincham Preparatory School (home at New Field).
- Saturday 25 June – U13, U15 tennis pairs from 09:30 to 11:30.
Trips/events for pupils this week:
- Monday 20 June – Year 6 hike up Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa.
- Monday 20 June – Year 12 Geography field trip.
- Tuesday 21 June – Billy Baxter from Blind Veterans UK is visiting school.
- Tuesday 21 June – Year 8 and 9 cadet trip to Kinmel Park from 11:15 to 15:30.
- Wednesday 22 June – Year 13 are to return their books and iPads to the Ferguson Centre.
- Thursday 23 June – Year 12 Higher Education Day. This will include talks with employers regarding apprenticeship options and a guide on how to complete a UCAS application.
- Thursday 23 June – Senior Immunisation catch up clinic. FORMS TO BE RETURNED BY MONDAY PLEASE.
- Thursday 23 June – trip to St Helens for St Helens vs Leeds Rhinos, available to pupils in Years 9 and 10. The trip departs at 16:30 and pupils should be back by 23:30.
- Friday 24 June – Year 13 Leavers Dinner in the Osborn Hall.
- Friday 24 to Monday 27 June – Gold DofE assessment for Year 12.
Parents’ events this week:
- Monday 20 June – Prep ballet club show from 16:00 to 16:30. There is no need to book. Please sign in at the front desk and wait in the library.
- Wednesday 22 June – for all you cricket fans out there we have the MCC cricket fixture taking place at New Field, with matches starting from around 11:00. Refreshments will unfortunately not be available, but you are welcome to bring a picnic or packed lunch to watch.
- Thursday 23 June – GCSE/A-Level Art Exhibition from 16:30 to 18:30 in the Art Studio on Combermere Road.
- Friday 24 June – Prep Celebration Assembly. Parents are invited from drop-off until 09:00.
Parents’ events further ahead:
- Monday 27 June – Years 7 to 10 Rydal Penrhos Extra Curricular Awards ceremony at 15:00 in the Memorial Hall, followed by refreshments in the Osborn Hall. Please use the Eventbrite link in the parents’ email to book.
- Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 June – musical play ‘Paws and Claws’ at 18:30 for Years 3 to 6 in the Prep Hall. Please find the booking link in the parent email.
- Tuesday 28 June – Year 11 Bridging Day; moving into Sixth Form, followed in the evening by a ‘Careers Pathways’ event for parents and pupils.
- Thursday 30 June – LAMDA Celebration Drama Evening at 19:00 in the Memorial Hall. Please book using the link in the parent email. This is an event for Year 7 upwards.
- Monday 4 July – Pre-School celebration in the Prep Hall from 09:00 to 10:00 (no tickets required).
- Tuesday 5 July – KS1 prize-giving in the Prep Hall from 09:30 to 10:30 (no tickets required).
- Tuesday 5 July – KS2 Speech Day (Years 3 to 6) in the Prep Hall from 11:00 to 12:30 (no tickets required).
- Tuesday 5 July – Years 7 to 10 Speech Day in the Memorial Hall from 14:00 to 15:00. Please use the Eventbrite link in the parents’ email to book.
Pupil events further ahead this term:
- Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 June – LAMDA exams will be taking place for both Prep and Senior pupils.
- Tuesday 28 June – Year 11 Bridging Day; moving into Sixth Form, followed in the evening by a ‘Careers Pathways’ event for parents and pupils.
- Tuesday 28 June – Year 12 UCAS convention in Liverpool.
- Thursday 30 June – Year 12 and 13 Geography field trip to Liverpool. Mrs Coates will inform pupils of the details.
- Friday 1 July – moving up day in the Prep and Year 7 taster day.
- Friday 1 to Saturday 2 July – Wimbledon trip for the Year 12 Senior girl games players.
- Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 July – Bronze DofE Assessment for Year 9.
- Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 July – Senior Activity Days. More details will be shared soon.
- Monday 4 to Wednesday 6 July – Silver DofE practice for Year 10.
- Monday 4 to Wednesday 6 July – Annual Cricket Festival. Mr Kitchen and Mr Rippon will accompany pupils to Bolton for the Annual Cricket Festival. The pupils who will be involved have been informed.
- Monday 4 July – Year 8 trip to Caernarfon Castle and slate museum.
- Monday 4 July – Beach Activities Day.
- Tuesday 5 July – STEM Challenge Morning for Years 7 and 8.
- Tuesday 5 July – Beach Activities Morning for Years 9 and 10.
- Tuesday 5 July – Year 12 trip to Surf Snowdonia.
- Wednesday 6 July – all day whole school sponsored walkathon in aid of Blind Veterans UK, covering various distances along the coast before finishing at 15:00 on Colwyn Bay Pier.
Open Day
Booking available for October 2022 event
October 2022 Open Day
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 many other incredible achievements from Pre-School to Sixth Form as normal service resumed following COVID-19 restrictions.
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 8 October 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.
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.
Full timings will be released in the near future and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our wonderful school.
To book, contact admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or call 01492 530155
Holiday Club
Book now for summer holiday adventures!
It promises to be another exciting summer for those attending the Rydal Penrhos Holiday Club, which is open during the school holidays and provides an extensive programme of activities for the children to experience.
This is not only a lot of fun, but it also helps assist them with their emotional, physical, social, intellectual, language and creative development.
Staff have done a wonderful job of devising a comprehensive provision full of adventures and exciting challenges, which includes plenty to enjoy across prominent landmarks across the North Wales region.
There are also a large number of activities for Holiday Club members to participate in within the school grounds, which boosts their overall development and progresses key skills in a relaxed setting under the supervision of staff.
The Rydal Penrhos Holiday Club has something for everyone and this half-term promises to be no exception thanks to the sterling commitment of our dedicated staff team.
The Summer Holiday Club will run from 11 July to 26 August (Monday to Friday).
For those aged 5 to 12, the Holiday Club is open for external children. For current Rydal Penrhos pupils, the Holiday Club is open for Pre-School to Year 8.
The cost is £45 per day and includes all trips, activities, sports and crafts as well as two snacks, a packed lunch and a fresh-cooked meal. Sibling discount of 5 per cent available.
To book now as a current Rydal Penrhos parent please log in to your Schools Buddy App.
To book now as a family who does not attend the school, click here.
For any further enquiries contact holidayclub@rydalpenrhos.com or call 01492 530155.
Art Exhibition 2022
Fantastic work set to be showcased!
Art Exhibition
This is an opportunity for Staff, Pupils, Parents, family members and Alumni to come and celebrate and admire the GCSE and A Level work on display from the current academic year.
Refreshments will be served and there will be a chance to speak with Mr Mark Sherrington and Mrs Suzy Morris about the exceptional work produced by some very talented pupils.
Rugby
Gabriel selected to RGC U16 squad
Many former Rydal Penrhos pupils looking to make their way in rugby union have gone on to achieve tremendous success with RGC 1404. This starts within the team’s youth system and builds up to potential first-team honours with the right progression in school and during club sessions.
The likes of Efan Jones, Dion Jones, Joe Simpson, Dan Owen, Josh Leach and Mei Parry have all played a significant role in the Gogs’ rise up the Welsh pyramid into the Principality Premiership. Sean Lonsdale also started his rugby journey at RGC via Rydal Penrhos before moving on to the Exeter Chiefs and Scarlets.
Another pupil looking to follow in their footsteps is Gabriel Speakman, who recently secured a call-up to the RGC U16 squad as a result of his outstanding development.
Gabriel participated in a series of trial matches before testing his skills against other hopefuls from across the region during a two-day assessment, where he excelled in front of selectors to earn his place within the set-up.
This is the latest in a series of fine sporting accomplishments from Gabriel, who remains part of the Sale Sharks development squad and has caught the eye with some impressive performances so far.
The Mold Rugby Club representative was also part of the Rydal Penrhos hockey sides that claimed Eryri honours en route to the Welsh Schools’ Championships earlier this year, with the U18 team finishing runners-up nationally after a rousing performance on the big stage.
Gabriel was also one of the standout performers at the school’s 2022 Sports Day, winning the Rydal Penrhos Mile, 200 metres and 800m events to secure the Senior Boys’ individual title.
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos would like to congratulate Gabriel on another exceptional achievement. We wish you the very best of luck with RGC U16s in the coming months.
Science
Medical student visits Year 5
Finding ways to inspire our pupils on a daily basis is something that sets Rydal Penrhos apart. This is evident from Pre-School to Sixth Form and provides each young learner with the tools needed for a successful education and enables them to thrive long after they leave school.
The school is consistently coming up with ways to improve and enhance the learning experience. With COVID-19 restrictions now eased considerably, visits to prominent landmarks across the region have resumed and Rydal Penrhos is also able to welcome special guests to speak with pupils and hold sessions on various different subjects.
This has been known to add intrigue and delves deeper into specific topics that might not necessarily be part of the typical curriculum. Something that ignites curiosity and gives pupils the opportunity to investigate new things individually and as part of a team.
Year 5 pupils were recently treated to a visit from Dana Awaad, who is a third-year medical student at Cardiff University, during a Science session that explored children’s conditions.
The objective of Miss Awaad’s session was to make pupils more aware of common medical conditions that they or their friends may have.
This involved sharing detailed information about diabetes, asthma, eczema, autism, epilepsy, learning difficulties and disabilities. The pupils were then tasked with carrying out further research using their iPads and models that Miss Awaad had brought into Rydal Penrhos.
They finished the session being able to recognise these conditions. Armed with this knowledge, they will be able to support any friends that may have them now or in the future.
We would like to thank Miss Awaad for visiting Rydal Penrhos for a very informative session with Year 5. This was well received by the group and something that will stand their studies and overall awareness in tremendous stead moving forward.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Gold candidates shine on practice expedition
Rydal Penrhos pupils looking to attain a prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award in the coming months participated in a practice expedition recently. This is a significant stepping stone ahead of their assessments and something that could earn them a trip to a royal venue providing they do enough to achieve the distinction.
The group travelled to central Snowdonia alongside Dr Jim Lewis and other qualified staff who lend their support to the thriving outdoor education provision. This consisted of the 12 available Year 12 participants out of the 15 hoping to undertake the award this year, split into three groups of four pupils.
Following a final training day at school to conclude the first aid and camp-craft aspect of the programme, they set off for the Ogwen Valley and their first night of camp. Conditions were good as they cooked their first meal on gas stoves in the shadow of majestic Tryfan, but the night soon turned chilly forcing us all to seek cover in tents.
The weekend dawned bright and warmer, and the teams set about preparing breakfast and striking camp before heading down towards Capel Curig by a variety of routes. Spirits were high as the three groups navigated a relatively straightforward section of their three-day journey.
During the afternoon they crossed over via the Sarn Helen Roman road to the valley of the Afon Lledr and the campsite at Dolwyddelan, passing through forest and upland moor along the way.
The second night there was considerably warmer, mainly on account of the cloud cover and heavy rain that fell. Left to their own devices from early evening, the intrepid adventurers maturely took on the responsibilities of camping and bedding down for the night.
The next day, however, they woke to rain and low clouds, foreboding a difficult day ahead. Routes led them all up into the Moelwyns, notoriously difficult upland terrain consisting of deep peat bogs, slippery rocky outcrops and extremely challenging navigation.
In 30 metres of visibility in the mist, with a biting wind and persistent low cloud, mistakes could not be afforded. The two Rydal Penrhos instructors were there to ensure that the pupils stayed on track, offering advice and support where necessary, but the Gold groups did themselves extremely proud by navigating securely from point to point, walking on bearings through the fog and bracing the difficult conditions with an impressive level of positivity.
Eventually, they reached their wild campsite at Llyn Llagi, somewhat obscured by the mist and rain, and set about pitching tents, changing out of wet clothing, and cooking hot meals to rewarm themselves. After all that they had endured that day, a warm dry sleeping bag and shelter from the elements were both essential and blissful.
The final day of the journey involved a peaceful start, lost in the silence of the mountains, other than a solitary calling from a cuckoo somewhere down below, followed by a descent to the Nant Gwynant and a steep pull-up through either Bwlch Cwm Llan or Bwlch Sygun across to Rhyd Ddu on fairly good tracks.
Following the ordeals of the previous day, this was a much easier route to navigate, although tired legs still took their toll on the groups’ ability to stick to timings, indicating that some endurance training, especially hiking with full packs on, would not go amiss prior to the four-day qualifying expedition at the end of June.
Nevertheless, this was a very successful practice weekend, with many valuable lessons having been learnt, and a result which should make all the pupils extremely proud of their achievements.
Congratulations to Ester, Henry, Luisa, Moli, Elodie, Charlotte, Jasmin, Sophie, Tristan, Gregor, Elsi and Saul. An incredible effort from you all!
History
Mrs Freeman's GCSE revision podcast benefits pupils
Our teaching staff at Rydal Penrhos are always looking for ways to assist pupils in whatever way they can. Their care and dedication go above and beyond the call of duty, which enables those learning at the school to reach and far exceed goals and overall progress consistently.
This is reflected by the school’s outstanding examination results at both A Level and GCSE over the years. Rydal Penrhos’ increased value-added scores are also a testament to how hard teaching staff and young learners work together in pursuit of the same targets.
With examinations now underway for the next group of candidates looking to add their names to Rydal Penrhos’ rich and proud history of achievements, one teacher came up with a unique way to not only help them with revision but also assist others across the region and the globe along the way.
Maria Freeman, who is a History teacher and joint-Head of the school’s Humanities Faculty, launched her own podcast on Spotify centring on GCSE revision tips, what to expect and exploring some prominent topics throughout the curriculum in greater detail.
The podcast has been extremely well received by current Year 11 pupils and family members. Something that has no doubt provided them with a significant boost ahead of their big exams.
Mrs Freeman is also planning to do a similar podcast for A Level candidates next year given the initial success of the initiative, which features everything from Elizabethan Exploration to the rise of Nazi Germany.
We would like to thank Mrs Freeman for giving up her own time to create the podcast. Everyone at Rydal Penrhos is extremely grateful and we are lucky to have you!
Anyone wishing to listen to Mrs Freeman’s podcasts can do so here.
Year 2
Great Orme field trip boosts classroom studies
Getting out and about is something that benefits Rydal Penrhos pupils of all ages considerably. It forms a big part of the well-rounded education they receive at the school and enables them to learn more about their surroundings in such a stunning part of the world.
Rydal Penrhos is fortunate to be situated within a stone’s throw of the picturesque Colwyn Bay coastline and a short distance away from prominent areas such as Snowdonia, Llandudno, and the Isle of Anglesey. Something our teaching staff put to good use with trips and excursions across a variety of subjects and outdoor education provisions throughout the academic year.
Year 2 got the opportunity to bolster their knowledge about one of the most prominent landmarks along the North Wales coast during a visit to the Great Orme in Llandudno, where they delved deeper into the site’s unique history and the wildlife inhabiting the vast landscape.
The group were led by Orme warden Sally Pidcock, who took pupils on a field trip that centred on fossil hunting and she also provided detailed information about the specific animals and plants residing on the Great Orme during a thoroughly informative session.
This tied in superbly with Year 2’s classroom topics on Charles Darwin and the Galapagos Islands since he was a geologist/biologist too and discovered how plants and animals adapt to a harsh terrain in order to thrive.
There was even time for pupils to enjoy a packed lunch atop the Great Orme with incredible views and spend some time in the play area before heading back to Rydal Penrhos.
Rydal Penrhos would like to thank Sally and everyone at the Great Orme for a warm welcome. We look forward to visiting you again soon.
Alumni
Lucy Carnall gains 1st class Law degree
We are always enormously proud to hear about achievements from Alumni once they leave Rydal Penrhos.
This comes from the exceptional foundation they receive throughout their time at the school, with many going on to achieve great things in higher education and the working world as a result.
Whatever career path our pupils pursue, the school’s teaching staff make sure they are fully prepared for every eventuality, enabling them to adjust to different challenges and achieve their short and long-term objectives.
The school was delighted to hear that Lucy Carnall, who attended Rydal Penrhos from 2017-19, has been rewarded for his outstanding dedication throughout her studies to secure a first-class Law Degree from the University of Chester.
This represents a significant achievement from Lucy, who has also obtained immediate employment as a Paralegal with JF Law, a firm based in the Wirral.
Lucy made a substantial contribution across multiple areas of school life during her time within our thriving Sixth Form community. Her talent in a sporting environment made her an integral part of the senior hockey and netball squads and this was matched by superb academic development en route to some outstanding A Level results.
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos would like to offer our congratulations to Lucy on her recent accomplishments, which are well-deserved and a testament to her outstanding commitment amid some challenging times for learners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We wish you the very best of luck on your law journey moving forward.
Stars of the Week
Congratulations!
Stars of the Week
- Reception – Kit
- Year 1 – Oliver
- Year 2 – Sophie and Megan
- Year 3 – Camilla
- Year 4 – Adhira
- Year 5 – Ella C
- Year 6 – Ceri, Honey and Kenzie
Performers of the week:
- Sophie, Isabella, Eleanor, Josie, Poppy and Haydn – Year 2
- Adam – Year 3
Artist of the week:
Gallery
Year 2's Great Orme field trip
Gallery
Class of 2022 final day
