The RP Weekly: 18 September
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School.
The RP Weekly
18 September, 2020
Video
A journey through Rydal Penrhos
Mr Waszek
A message from the Executive Principal
May I begin by sending my very best wishes to all our parents and families. The past few months have presented many difficulties and I particularly send the condolences of the Rydal Penrhos school community to those who have lost loved ones, family members and friends.
These difficult times have brought out great courage and selflessness and I especially commend our pupils and staff. A great challenge for the Rydal Penrhos school was to seek to engage pupils with online remote learning and ensure that the progress being made by pupils continued.
In broad terms we believe that our pupils (and staff) have made significant progress in their IT skills: the lockdown also showed the need for pupils and staff to be using an identical ‘platform’ because of the difficulties encountered when software synchronisation was less than perfect.
This is why we will be spending £250,000 over the next two months enhancing our IT provision.
New ‘servers’ were installed over the summer vacation and we are now upgrading all the software, such as iSAMS, which enables the IT network to service the needs of pupils, staff and parents.
Over the next few weeks, identical iPads will be provided to our pupils and staff. We want this technology to be used as much as the traditional pencil and paper. The cost of all these improvements has been made despite the overall fee reduction which came into effect this term: we are committed to using the income from fees as efficiently as we can.
Parents rightly expect the school to teach the pupils well so that on leaving the school our young people do so with a strong academic performance thereby enabling them to secure a place at their preferred university or other destination.
Therefore, I am delighted to report that both the GCSE and ‘A’ level results secured by our pupils were outstanding, not only in ‘raw’ terms but most especially in ‘value-added’ terms.
A detailed explanation of ‘value-added’ is provided on the school website in the examination results section. This analysis compares the examination performance of Rydal Penrhos pupils to approximately a million pupils nationally.
Thereby it represents the impact of the school on a pupil’s actual performance against the performance projected from tests administered in Years 7 and 10. This analysis is undertaken by the Independent Centre of Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) working with Cambridge University.
At ‘A’ level, our 51 Year 13 pupils who recently left, secured over 100 additional ‘A’ level grades with a value-added of almost +0.6, as displayed in the graph below which shows the last six years.
These ‘A’ level results, in turn, have enabled our pupils to secure their preferred university places: of the 51, 42 will be moving to their first choice university this autumn and three are taking a GAP Year prior to attending their first choice university in 2021 and three attending their second choice university along with three applying for a university place in 2021.
We are proud not just of the academic performance of these young people but the high quality of Higher Education advice available within the school.
Strong ‘A’ level performance is based on a foundation of a strong set of GCSEs. The results of our Year 11 pupils show a similar level of excellence with an average value-added of +0.8; this means that the 36 pupils in Year 11 secured over 250 higher grades than projected against their individual prior performance and against national standards.
The value-added performance of our GCSE pupils is shown below, also over a six-year period.
In seeking to ensure that best for our pupils these results mean that I can, with all confidence, confirm the high standard of teaching that our pupils receive and how this, in turn, better prepares our young people for the world beyond school.
I am sure that whilst Prep parents might be pleased to hear of this it might seem to be less relevant to younger children. However, this is not the case, firstly life moves rapidly for the children and secondly even one poor year at school has the potential to blight a child’s progress without appropriate action by teachers.
The identical protocols to ensure high-quality class teaching operate throughout the school: they do not differ from Reception to Year 13.
I commend to parents the academic leadership of the Head of Senior School, Mrs Harding, and the Head of the Prep School, Mrs Davies, in continuing to raise the progress of our pupils.
However, we remain restless for further improvements and our plans include ensuring that the ‘value-added’ of all pupils in all subjects reach the highest levels currently achieved. That is why we encourage all parents to raise any concerns with us at the earliest opportunity.
It is by working together to address concerns that we can achieve the very best for our pupils. If a parent has a concern it should typically be raised in the first instance with the Class/Form teacher and the appropriate emails address are listed at the end of this letter.
We have already announced changes to the structure of teaching and the curriculum in Years 12 and 13 and we will be continuing to evaluate our provision during this term and expect to make further developments for 2021.
As with many organisations throughout the UK and the rest of the world, the current pandemic has presented huge challenges. A great one for the school has been to ensure that pupils, staff and visitors remain as safe as possible.
The school has to follow the guidelines and protocols of the appropriate statutory bodies, not least the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) and spot visits are being undertaken at schools in Wales.
This does mean that it has been impossible to have a full range of extra-curricular activities, from singing to swimming.
We are seeking to expand the provision of these activities which can be offered: I am aware of the apparent discrepancies which exist (public swimming pools may open, but school pools may not) but we will always seek to be fully compliant, not least since that is the best way to ensuring the safety of everyone.
Obviously, face to face communication with parents – one of our priorities – has become significantly more difficult. I am especially disappointed that our New Parents’ Dinner which would have taken place this month cannot go ahead.
We do hope that our all parental dinners, which were well supported and received last academic year, will go ahead later in the academic year. However, we are happy to use technology such as FaceTime, Skype, Teams to speak to parents face to face.
You may also have noticed that we have brought forward further improvements to the school website and our other methods of communications such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you ever feel inadequately informed about any aspect of the school please contact us at info@rydalpenrhos.com
With all good wishes.
J E WASZEK, Executive Principal
Exams
Incredible value-added scores confirmed
This year the school’s A Level results were in value-added terms the best ever achieved by Rydal Penrhos pupils.
What does this mean? What is “value-added”? And perhaps most importantly how is it one of the best indicators of the performance of schools like Rydal Penrhos?
When children arrive in school they are evaluated through tests (most of the time they do not even realise this is what is happening, so it is nothing to worry about). These tests plot the child’s innate ability and performance and can therefore forecast the child’s likely outcome at GCSE and then later at A Level according to the national average.
To “Add Value” means a school can significantly influence a child’s performance through such a high standard of teaching that the projected outcome is improved and therefore they achieve much better grades than they would have done at an average school (i.e. the national average).
At Rydal Penrhos this is the overwhelming outcome, using analysis by the Centre of Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) based in Gateshead and working in symmetry with the University of Cambridge.
At ‘A’ level our score is 0.5 this means for every ten subjects taken, five of them (i.e. half) have come out with higher grades than forecast.
This has meant for example that over the 51 Year 13 pupils who recently left, 100 additional ‘A’ grades were achieved.
Similarly, at GCSE we show strong consistent “Value-added” with a score of 0.8 so again eight out of every ten subjects taken would result in higher scores than predicted. This means that the 36 pupils in Year 11 secured more than 250 higher grades than projected given their prior performance.
We are very pleased with these results and feel it is a good indicator for parents that they are giving their child the very best opportunity to perform to their highest capability and even beyond it.
We continue to strive to create an education which enables children through excellent teaching and support to achieve their best and we are constantly looking to make adaptations to what we do to ensure this.
Rydal Penrhos has announced changes to the structure of teaching and the curriculum in Years 12 and 13 and throughout the school all the way to Reception we are considering teaching methods, monitoring methods and every little thing that can impact a child’s progress.
We wish to improve a child’s performance holistically, so alongside the excellent teaching and thorough monitoring, there is everything that we do outside the classroom and extra-curricular pursuits that rounds a child and builds their resilience and confidence and essentially makes them safe, happy and thriving. These skills along with the academic achievement are what enables our young people to move on to the next stage of their lives and flourish.
Amy Yue
Aspiring Performing Artist secures Goldsmiths London place
Amy Yue, who was part of the Year 13 cohort that attained this summer’s historic A Level results, which were the best-ever recorded at Rydal Penrhos, is now in the final stages of preparation ahead of the next stage of her journey at Goldsmiths, University of London.
The former boarding pupil has been accepted onto their Musical Theatre course after building a tremendous resume during her time at Rydal Penrhos and achieving the necessary A Level results to meet the criteria.
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 has gone from strength to strength under the guidance and support of specialist teaching staff.
Amy’s passion for the Performing Arts also saw her play a leading role in the RPS Showstoppers extravaganza that attracted more than 1,000 audience members during a series of shows in 2018. Perhaps her crowning jewel was Amy’s performance as Cosette during the Dramatic Society production of Les Miserables, which wowed audiences over a three-night period.
Her academic strength is another notable and worthy focus of her life at Rydal Penrhos, with Amy achieving success in the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust’s individual and team challenges.
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.
Her time at Rydal Penrhos also came with some national television coverage in her homeland, with Amy selected to perform at the high-profile Spring Gala Festival as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations which was shown to millions across the region.
Prep School
Mrs Davies' thoughts & Stars of the Week
All socially distanced in each class with a special guest appearance from Mr Ducky and his birthday bag!
The Prep School are finding out about the school motto in assemblies with me at the moment.
Veritas Scientia Fides
Last week we heard the story of the honest woodcutter whilst learning about Veritas, truth.
This week we looked at scientia -knowledge and learning.
As we can’t sing at the moment every class used British Sign Language to help Mr Ducky wish a happy birthday to pupils celebrating at the moment.
Great learning, super new knowledge!
Mrs L Davies
Head of Prep
Stars of the Week!
Abhishek
DofE Gold Award achieved!
Abishek Bathula was a member of the Year 13 cohort last year who achieved the best-ever A Level results in the school’s history and was a member of the Rydal Penrhos community for the entirety of his education.
The teenager developed his skills considerably as part of the school’s thriving Duke of Edinburgh programme and culminated in Abishek attaining his Gold Award, which is the highest accolade available as part of the provision.
Abhishek visited Rydal Penrhos briefly last week to formally receive his DofE Gold badge from Dr Jim Lewis, adding his name to the large number of pupils who have achieved the same feat over the years. He is another incredible success story regarding just what can be achieved from an all-through education at Rydal Penrhos after beginning his journey in the Prep School as a Reception class pupil.
Abhishek’s outstanding commitment to his academic development under the expert guidance of teaching staff enabled him to secure three A* grades in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics, in addition to an A in Economics. He is now preparing to move on to his first-choice higher education option at the University of Durham, where Abhishek will study Engineering.
Abhishek also secured national sporting recognition during his time at Rydal Penrhos. He was part of the Welsh youth table tennis squad and was even selected to a high-profile coaching programme in the Far East for elite young performers.
Alex Bytheway
Former pupil helping the next generation
Alex Bytheway, who left Rydal Penrhos in 2016 after securing some exceptional A Level results, recently secured a first-class honours’ degree in Chemistry, Biological and Medicinal Chemistry from the University of York and now embarks on the next stage of his journey.
Whilst in his final year of study, Alex had an article published in Chemistry Review magazine, where he discussed what A Level students need to know about the process of energy and how it works.
During the hugely informative and thorough article, Alex went over topics such as forms of energy, the first law of thermodynamics and infrared spectroscopy.
Alex also went on to discuss nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the quantisation of energy levels, which will surely be of benefit to those looking to following in his footsteps from a scientific perspective.
He was part of the 2015/16 Prefect team before securing one A* and three A’s from his A-level examinations as a result of his efforts. This enabled him to attain a place at his first-choice university.
Alex is the latest former pupil to thrive in a higher education setting, which is a testament to the strong preparation they receive as part of their Sixth Form provision. In addition to his impressive academic exploits at Rydal Penrhos, Alex also achieved national success in science competitions and also had his work featured at the National Big Bang Fair in Birmingham.
Julie Lucas
Staff member retires after 30 years!
“I’ll miss Julie immensely, not only was she a loyal colleague with enormous integrity she was the kindest, caring member of the Rydal Penrhos community. Julie made a great cup of coffee and always knew when it was needed.”
- Mrs Sally-Ann Harding, Head of Rydal Penrhos Senior School
Julie Lucas has retired from Rydal Penrhos after 30 years of service, and what an interesting and variable career she has had.
Having relocated from Worcestershire to North Wales following her husband Paul’s change of job, Julie found that despite having her two young daughters Amanda and Emma she was getting “itchy feet”.
Julie was looking for secretarial work but also needed to find a job that would fit in around looking after the girls. And so, when no position was available within the school, she became a cleaner in the hope that something may become arise at a later date.
She worked for the then head of Housekeeping Pat Greenwood and was based in one of the girls’ boarding houses, Heathfield.
Julie moved on to clean the Prep School soon after, and then having made the acquaintance of head Andy Armstrong, she assumed the role of part-time receptionist when it became available.
From there Julie had various different positions on reception, in administration positions, even working for the bursary and culminating in Personal Assistant to the Head of Senior School and Clerk to the Governors.
During Julie’s time at Rydal Penrhos she has worked under nine different heads over both Prep and Senior and says it was a “fascinating time when a new person came into position” as she would have to discover how they liked doing things all over again.
“Each role was enjoyable and different.”
Julie feels it was definitely an advantage to see the school from different angles depending on the role she was holding.
And what now for Julie?
She has so many plans. Julie loves spending time with husband Paul who has been retired and has been at home without her until now. She also has her lovely girls and their families who take up a lot of her love and time.
The whole family love caravanning and meeting up with old friends so lots of road trips are on the horizon. And “horticulture” is a passion.
Julie has just made rhubarb gin from her own rhubarbs, she is now picking sloes for sloe gin and taking cuttings in preparation for next Spring as well as picking figs fresh from her garden. The future as she says is “looking rosy”.
She added: “It will be 30 years in October that I first started working at Rydal Penrhos, formerly Rydal School and I have finally decided to retire.
“It’s been very much part of my life and I take with me very happy memories of that time and I have also made wonderful lasting friendships. I was also honoured to be Michael James’ PA. a great man to work with.
“It’s the end of an era, tinged with sadness, but with so much to look forward to; having quality time to spend with Paul, my husband and all my family, not forgetting my love of horticulture, which I will be able to indulge in further.
“I would, however, like to wish the school, the Governors, the staff and all the pupils’ every success for the future.”
Julie was an important part of the Rydal Penrhos family. She was elegant, refined, kind and friendly, providing calmness and approachability that will make her sorely missed by everyone at the school.
We shall miss you, Julie. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
Jim Brady
32 year stay at Rydal Penrhos honoured after retirement
Jim Brady has decided to retire after almost 32 years at Rydal Penrhos, where he assumed numerous roles and even found the love of his life.
This much-loved employee joined the Rydal Penrhos community aged 37 as a porter when Peter Watkinson held the position of Headmaster. He was set to mark his 32nd anniversary at the school on 21 November this year, but he has now decided to take a well-earned retirement.
Jim’s first position at Rydal School involved moving furniture, organising rooms and keeping the site spick and span.
One of his biggest tasks was to move the 160 boarders’ massive trunks into the Prep School every year. When Rydal merged with Penrhos, Jim’s role altered slightly and he was needed to do more van driving and work around and about the estate, reporting to Richard Smith, Rydal Penrhos’ Estates Manager.
What people probably do not know about Jim is that he met his wife Les working at the school, where she worked for a decade as a cleaner on two separate occasions.
Romance blossomed between the pair, who have been happily married ever since.
Jim worked closely with Terry Morris during his time at Rydal Penrhos, and the cheery pair were constantly seen with a smile on their face, always keen to talk about topical issues and their beloved football teams.
Terry said: “I’ve enjoyed every day working with Jim, no day was ever the same.
“We dealt with all sorts of things from moving pianos up three flights of stairs to chasing sheep and dogs off the premises.
“We were truly the ‘dream team’ and I shall miss our humour and comradery. Happy memories of dashing here and there in our Noddy van. It’s time to put those Rydal Penrhos boots away Jim and put your feet up.”
Jim now plans to “take things easy” by doing a lot of walking with his two Jack Russell dogs, Phyllis and Hugo.
The couple is also planning some exciting coach trips once things regarding the coronavirus pandemic subside and, of course, there will be plenty of time to watch Aston Villa.
Jim, said: “It has always been a nice place to work and I have been happy all of the time.
“I have found the pupils to always be very well behaved.”
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos wishes Jim the very best of luck in his retirement. He will be sorely missed by all at the school and we cannot thank him enough for his tireless commitment that spanned more than three decades.
Socially Distanced Tours
At Rydal Penrhos School
Socially Distanced Tours
Personal tours are available in a socially distanced setting for families to meet the Principal or Heads of School.
You will also meet staff from our Admissions Office, who will answer any questions you may have about applying for a place at Rydal Penrhos.
You can book with our Admissions team at the options below.
We look forward to hearing from you!
