The RP Weekly: 19 August 2022
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School - 19 August 2022 edition.
The RP Weekly
19 August 2022
A Level Results 2022
Outstanding results from Year 13 cohort
Rydal Penrhos is delighted to confirm some truly outstanding A Level results from the Year 13 cohort, who will now move on to the next stage of their journeys after an incredibly successful time at the school.
This was the first time that most had sat examinations of this kind due to COVID-19 restrictions during their GCSE preparations. Our pupils took on the challenge with their customary work ethic and determination and received unrivalled support from the school’s teaching staff.
As results were formally announced on Thursday 18 August, a total of 64.2 per cent attained a pass rate at A*-A, with 37.78% securing A* grades thanks to their commitment and the impeccable preparation they received over their final two years at Rydal Penrhos.
Those achieving A*-B grades stood at 80.5% and 92.7% of pupils achieved A*-C grades as a result of their efforts.
Rydal Penrhos’ pass rate (A*-E) remains at 100%, which is the eighth time since 2000 that the school has managed this feat.
There were a host of notable individual achievements, with Rebecca Mann attaining no fewer than four A* grades plus an additional A* in her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). A magnificent achievement from the departing pupil, who will now go on to the University of Warwick to study Mathematics.
Another with a lot to celebrate was Arthur Hind, who held the position of Head Boy during his final school year and attained four A* grades and will now begin studying a Masters in Engineering (Triple Engineering) at Sheffield University.
Isabel Bateson (3 A*s, A), Daniel McLaughlin (3 A*s), Simeon Murphy-Thomas (3 A*s, A* EPQ), Paul Kenyon (3 A*s, A* EPQ) and Suhas Shekar (3 A*s) were others who achieved a significant amount thanks to their sterling commitment, with Juan Rajagopal gaining 3 A*s and an A to go alongside the 1st class honours degree in Mathematics with the Open University he accomplished during his A Levels.
Head Girl Shruthi Ganapathi (2 A*s, A), Emily Penwright (2 A*s, A, A* EPQ), Isabel Toms-Arbel (2 A*s, A), Tasnim Mortuza (A*, 2 As, A* EPQ), and Damisola Animashaun (2 A*s, A, B) secured hugely impressive grades, which is a just reward for their adaptability and focus to reach or exceed their goals.
John Waszek, Executive Principal of Rydal Penrhos, said: "These outstanding examination results are a testament to the well-rounded, comprehensive education provided by Rydal Penrhos, and I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the pupils who worked tirelessly throughout their time as Sixth Formers.
"It has been a voyage into the unknown in terms of sitting examinations after a significant spell of disruption. Our teaching staff must also take their share of plaudits, preparing them for every eventuality during lessons and specially organised events that focused on revision techniques and exam preparations.
"The Rydal Penrhos community also strives to ensure parents are an important part of the process. So congratulations to the family members that also played a big part with unwavering support.
"We wish the 2022 cohort well on the next step of their respective journeys and our thoughts and best wishes go with them.”
Accomplishments during COVID-19
Juan's triumph highlights ability to overcome adversity
Stretching beyond the academic curriculum
The difficulties for pupils and the wider educational system during the COVID-19 pandemic are well documented and still being felt across the country. But even with such distractions and restrictions, young learners at Rydal Penrhos were still able to accomplish a significant amount in ever-changing circumstances.
Responding to changes quickly and effectively is something the school has taken a great deal of pride in throughout the pandemic. This has been reflected by strong examination results at both GCSE and A Level, in addition to our exceptionally high value-added scores and the progress we have seen across every year group thanks to the sterling efforts of staff and learners.
Rydal Penrhos' comprehensive online learning provision and expert support system enabled pupils to reach and often exceed their goals. Something they will all look back on in years to come with an enormous sense of pride.
Alongside all of those things the school is known for and which are now back on the curriculum such as activities, trips, sporting fixtures, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and Combined Cadet Force, the Rydal Penrhos Sixth Form encourages stretching learning beyond the curriculum. Staff are also keen to nurture academic talent and ambition through supporting MOOCS and other alternative beneficial educational learning.
Recently we received a wonderful piece of news surrounding one Sixth Form pupil that further reflects the notion of what was achieved in the face of pandemic adversity.
Juan Rajagopal, who is part of the school’s Year 13 contingent about to embark on the next stage of their journey, worked tirelessly on a Mathematics degree course with the Open University alongside his A Level studies. This resulted in successfully attaining his 1st Class Bachelor of Science (Honours).
This represents a monumental accomplishment for Juan, who joined Rydal Penrhos in Year 7 and has flourished across multiple areas under the guidance of our staff team. Juan studied Physics, Chemistry and Further Mathematics, with the pupil also doing an AS Level in Economics after earning some phenomenal GCSE results.
Juan's first-class degree came at a time when academic progress was being hindered across the country. The effect of this will be felt for some time, but it's another strong reflection on Rydal Penrhos going above and beyond the call of duty to put our pupils - whether they be in Prep or about to leave for the next stage of their journey - in the right position to succeed.
Examples like this are a testament to the work put in by everyone involved. But it's equally as rewarding to see pupils flourishing in a safe, happy environment on a daily basis after so long without interaction and quality time in school with their classmates.
This is at the forefront of all we do at Rydal Penrhos. Small class sizes focus on the individual and we are proud to boast outstanding pastoral care, excellent teaching and a powerful extra-curricular programme which is designed to enable each pupil to live his or her life to the full, both whilst at school and afterwards.
The school can best be judged by meeting our pupils, who are invariably well-mannered, kind, respectful, well-educated, hardworking, excellent company and good fun.
They are also proof that no matter what hurdles lie in front of them, anything can be achieved. Something that will stand them in enormously good stead throughout their education, at university and upon joining the working world.
Open Day 2022
Glowing testimonial and what to expect
Rydal Penrhos is delighted to be holding a special Open Day event on Saturday 8 October 2022. This will give prospective pupils and their families a chance to tour the school, exploring for themselves the wealth of academic and extra-curricular opportunities on offer.
The Open Day will run from 9.30am (first tours), with the final tours set to begin at 12.30pm at the school’s Pre-School, Prep and Senior sites, which continue to excel in providing an exceptional, well-balanced education that prepares each pupil for whatever they go on to achieve throughout higher education and the working world.
Upon arriving at Rydal Penrhos, visitors will be greeted by a member of staff who will take them around the school’s impressive campus, which has undergone some outstanding renovations over the last year to improve the safety and learning experience of pupils young and old.
Tour guides will be able to answer any questions people may have on the curriculum, examination success, extra-curricular options, the school’s outdoor education programme including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, the incredible performing arts provision on offer and how the school has adjusted to an ever-changing climate during recent COVID-19 restrictions to maintain progression across all areas.
Upon completing the tour, there will also be the chance to go through the admissions process and secure your place at Rydal Penrhos.
We were thrilled to receive a glowing testimonial about the Rydal Penrhos experience at Open Day from a family joining us for the start of the new academic year in September.
“The Open Day was a fantastic opportunity for us as a family to get a real understanding of what Rydal Penrhos has to offer.
“We were shown around by one of the A-Level Prefects who was a credit to Rydal Penrhos; really knowledgeable and able to answer all of our questions. Then for each subject, we were able to visit a classroom and meet teachers and pupils who took us through examples of relevant work for our son.
“The tour was really interactive, with our son having the opportunity to take part in science experiments and see pupils working on their design and art project. We also watched the rehearsal of a drama production, saw all the sports facilities and were taken through the optional Cadets/DofE initiatives that are available to pupils.
“The day finished with an opportunity to meet key members of staff and ask any further questions we had. It really was time well spent and a key part of our decision to attend Rydal Penrhos this September.”
Anyone wishing to book their place at our October Open Day should email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com, call 01492 530155 or register your interest online.
Facilities
Available to hire for the performing arts
Rydal Penrhos has wowed audiences over the years with Dramatic Society plays and musicals that have formed a key component of the school’s illustrious history in the performing arts.
These productions are always one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the calendar, with the likes of To Kill a Mockingbird, Annie the Musical, Les Miserables and Matilda the Musical Jr. becoming spectacles that will live long in the memory and a real showcase of confidence.
Although concerts, performances and sporting fixtures were put on hold due to COVID-19 and safety precautions, the school was quick to put a comprehensive schedule of normal occasions once restrictions were lifted, something that’s been prevalent throughout the academic year.
Not only this, but Rydal Penrhos’ exceptional facilities are also available to hire for community groups or dramatic societies across the region.
As part of our exceptional campus, we have a large drama studio for either rehearsals or performances. This is where aspiring performers can hone their craft before taking the stage in a setting that is perfect for such a task.
The school’s Memorial Hall takes you into a “Downton Abbey” style architecture and feel. Anyone would feel like a prince, princess or the belle of the ball in such surroundings and this is the setting for productions and performances in the grandest setting imaginable.
The hall is a traditional theatre with a large stage, state-of-the-art AV and dedicated dressing room facilities. Our outstanding events team will also be on hand to provide assistance with every step of the way and ensure the big night or nights go off without a hitch thanks to meticulous planning.
Rydal Penrhos has already received a significant amount of interest in its facilities. The school has formed a close association with the Pauline Quirke Performing Arts Academy‘s Conwy branch, which uses the campus as its base for weekly activities and performances.
We will also be hosting the upcoming Ballyhoo Theatre Company production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in October. This is a major occasion that Rydal Penrhos is thrilled to be a small part of, which promises to be one not to miss from a brand new venture for out-of-work or experience-seeking performers based in North Wales following a shortage of opportunities for artists after the COVID-19 pandemic.
All at Rydal Penrhos remain enormously proud of our association with the community in which we reside. For more than 100 years the school has valued being part of the locality and recognises the beauty and safety, adventures and hospitality the location affords, quite often the decision-maker for our boarding community in the past and more recently the reason behind many of our current families relocating to North Wales.
We remain keen on supporting local charities, using local businesses, employing local people and educating local children both fee-paying and those who are Fully Funded and we positively promote and encourage organisations and clubs to use our exceptional facilities.
Assisting the performing arts across the Conwy county area and beyond is just a small part of this. Our reputation is growing and this is a great time to be associated with Rydal Penrhos throughout a wide range of areas.
Anyone wishing to enquire about the facilities at Rydal Penrhos should email events@rydalpenrhos.com, call 01492 530155 or register your interest online at rydalpenrhos.com.
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A Level Results 2022
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Holiday Club adventures
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Cricket Wales fixture at Rydal Penrhos
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Years 3 and 6 Mexican artwork
