The RP Weekly: 20 May 2022

The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School - May 20 edition.

The RP Weekly

20 May 2022

Looking Ahead

With Mrs Lucy Davies and Mr Phil Sutton

Events for the upcoming week and half-term holiday:

Fixtures:

None on the weekend of 28 and 29 May due to the half-term holiday.

Trips/events for pupils:

Monday 23 May – the School Council will visit Llandudno to lay RNLI pebbles at the lifeboat station (representatives from Years 3 to 9).
Monday 23 May – the Year 10 Geography field trip will depart at 08:15 to return at 15:30.
Wednesday 25 May – STEM Olympics for selected pupils (those involved have already been informed).
Thursday 26 May – Year 3 Roman trip to Chester.

Parents’ events:

Tuesday 24 May – parents' dinner for parents of Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 pupils. 19:00 start to conclude at 22:00 in the Ferguson Centre. The booking link is available in the parents' email. If any parents are unable to attend this dinner but would like to attend the dinner for Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 instead on Tuesday 14 June please book using their link (included in the parents' email).

Friday 27 May – Sports Day and the great Jubilee Picnic for parents, pupils and staff. (For Reception to Year 6 sports will be from 09:00 to 12:00, Pre-School will be racing from 11:00 to 12:00, and for Years 7 to 13 sports will be from 13:00 to 16:00). From 12:00 to 13:00 all parents across the school are invited to our great RPS Jubilee Picnic. Children will get Jubilee Party lunches from school; we invite parents to bring their own picnic and chairs or picnic blankets. Soft refreshments will be available from the Pavilion all day. This event will also be the launch of our Just Giving page for Blind Veterans UK which culminates in the whole school sponsored walk on Wednesday 6 July.

Trinity Half-Term Sailing and Water-sports days for pupils!

If you head over to your SchoolsBuddy app you will find two days at half-term in which your child or young person can take part in the school’s RYA Training Centre Sailing and Water-sports days, including sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, rafting, bodyboarding and beach games. If a child who does not attend Rydal Penrhos would like to take part in our Sailing and Water-sports days, their parent or carer can sign up using the following link: https://rydalpenrhos.clubsbuddy.net/

Monday 30 May: Water-sports Activity Day for Years 3 to 13 £65 per participant per day from 09:00 to 16:30.
Friday 3 June: Water-sports Activity Day for Years 3 to 13. £65 per participant per day from 09:00 to 16:30.

Trinity Half-Term Holiday Club for pupils!

SchoolsBuddy is now taking bookings for our exciting Holiday Club for half-term and the summer holidays for Pre-School to Year 8. Holiday Club is £45 per day (08:30 to 17:30) inclusive of all trips, activities, and meals. If a child who does not attend Rydal Penrhos would like to take part in Holiday Club, their parent or carer can sign up using the following link: https://rydalpenrhos.clubsbuddy.net/

Trips and events for pupils after half-term:

Monday 6 June – Higher Education Evening in the Ferguson Centre for Year 10, 11 and 12 pupils and parents/carers at 18:00.
Friday 10 June – CCF training weekend.
Friday 10 June – the much-requested return of parents attending the Prep Celebration Assembly (also on 17 June and 24 June). Parents are invited to the library between 08:00 and 08:30 for refreshments and will then be able to attend assembly in the Prep Hall, which finishes at 09:00. There is no need to book.
Tuesday 14 June – parents' dinner for parents of Year 5, 6, 7 and 8 pupils in the Osborn Hall. The evening will start at 19:00 and conclude at 22:00. Please book using the link in the parent email. If any parents are unable to attend this dinner but would like to attend the dinner for Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 instead on Tuesday 24 May please book using their link in the parent email.
Thursday 16 June – parent/pupil nature trail in the Pre-School from 08:00 to 09:30.
Thursday 16 June – class photographs in the Prep.
Monday 20 June – Prep ballet club show from 16:00 to 16:30. There is no need 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 pathway event for parents and pupils.
Wednesday 29 June – Year 11 Bridging Day (part two).
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 a Senior School event.
Friday 1 July – moving up day and Year 7 taster day.
Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 July – Senior Activity Days. More details will be shared soon.
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 (no tickets required).
Wednesday 6 July – all day whole school sponsored walk, covering various distances along the coast from Colwyn Bay Pier to Llandudno Pier and back in aid of Blind Veterans UK.

Private Tours

Come and see what Rydal Penrhos can offer!

Did you miss our Open Day?

Anyone that was unable to attend Rydal Penrhos' May Open Day can book an individual tour of the school.

This will give prospective pupils and their families a first-hand look at the wide range of opportunities available from Pre-School to Sixth Form, with the tours being led by one of our exceptional staff team, giving you all the key information surrounding life at Rydal Penrhos.

To book:

admissions@rydalpenrhos.com

01492 530155

Book your individual tour online here

Holiday Club

Book now for May half-term and summer Holiday Clubs

It promises to be another exciting half term and 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.

Starting on Monday 30 May and going to Wednesday 1 June there are three days of holiday club available to book over the half-term holiday. And 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.

Sailing

Booking available for holiday fun days!

The Rydal Penrhos RYA Training Centre Sailing and Water-Sports provision is for all pupils who love being in, on and around the water. It enables them to participate and enjoy the freedom of boating, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking in a safe and fun environment.

Whether a beginner, intermediate or at an advanced level we have something to offer to help your child get the most from their time with us and from the water.

The location of our school, proximity to the Colwyn Bay seafront and the opportunity to partake in water sports offers a significant benefit to the delivery of an outstanding Outdoor Education programme.

Rydal Penrhos also holds activities throughout the holidays when pupils are away from school. The upcoming Trinity half-term break comes with “Sailing and Water-Sports Days“, which will run over a two-day period and is one not to miss.

There will be many exciting activities to participate in throughout the week, including sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, rafting, bodyboarding and beach games under the supervision of qualified staff.

The full half-term schedule is as follows:

Monday 30 May: Water-Sports Activity Day for Years 3 to 13
Friday 3 June: Water-sports Activity Day for Years 3 to 13

These activities are open to current Rydal Penrhos and the wider community. Each day will run from 9am-4.30pm and the cost is £65 per day.

Weather and sea conditions are always taken into account to ensure the safety of our participants. However, we do intend to maximise our session with as much time in and on the water as possible each day.

Anyone currently attending Rydal Penrhos who wishes to book their place can do so via the SchoolsBuddy app.

Those from the wider community can book using this link.

If you require any further information please email Petrina Blomeley at PBlomeley@rydalpenrhos.com.

The Next Step

Higher Education Evening arranged for Years 10-12

We know that life is only just beginning when you leave school. A vital part of what we offer at Rydal Penrhos is to arrange information evenings, masterclasses and one-to-one tutorials to support our pupils with whatever journey they decide to take, be it advice on GAP years or mock interviews for university applications.

Almost all Rydal Penrhos pupils proceed to higher education. If this is the path our pupils wish to follow, the school’s teaching staff is on hand to provide exceptional support and guidance to ensure the process does not become daunting and that each young learner acquires every possible source of information ahead of the next step.

We pride ourselves on providing close and expert support throughout the UCAS application process. This enables pupils to focus on their A Levels, making sure they never find their exciting first steps towards life beyond school a burden.

Thie preparation starts from an early age. Pupils participating in their GCSE modules also get the opportunity to discover more about their future options, something that has also proven to be extremely beneficial over a consistent period of time.

Rydal Penrhos is delighted to confirm details of a special Higher Education Information Evening on Monday 6 June, which will take place at the Sixth Form Ferguson Centre on Combermere Road and is available to Year 10-12 pupils and their families from 6pm.

The event has been arranged to help pupils, parents and carers better understand the process of applying to higher education.

There will be a wealth of topics up for discussion throughout the evening. This includes:

An overview of the UK university application process, including an explanation of how applications and offers. are made using the UCAS system.
Details regarding the key dates for applicants.
An explanation of Student Finance, including how to apply.
Advice for parents and carers on how they can best offer help and support.
An opportunity to have your questions answered by a member of staff.

This promises to be yet another worthwhile event full of interesting and informative information that the Rydal Penrhos community can take ahead of some crucial upcoming decisions.

Small Class sizes

Continuing to benefit pupils

One of the keys to success with a Rydal Penrhos School education is the fact we insist on small class sizes, where every child is challenged to succeed, progress and achieve their short and long-term goals.

Supported by an exceptional staff team, we are able to treat every child and young person as an individual with high levels of support so that children quickly build strong literacy and numeracy skills alongside those in debating, presenting, writing and analysis.

Reducing class size, particularly in the early years, at a time when firm foundations are laid for a thriving education and a strong attitude towards learning is acquired, is one of the key educational strategies shown to impact achievement in young and old alike.

This was recently highlighted by the NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union – who will reportedly be lobbying for class size numbers to be restricted in the state school system.

Teachers in the survey (across primary and secondary phases) reported an average class size of around 28 pupils. However, more than 75% said their class sizes have increased in the last five years.

Dr Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: “Increases in class size numbers are having a detrimental impact on both the learning experiences of pupils and the health and safety of teachers and students.

“The damaging impact of increased pupil numbers in classes has been further exposed during the pandemic, creating the perfect conditions for the transmission of COVID-19.”

Rydal Penrhos has long recognised the benefits of small class sizes to pupil development. Our pupil-to-teacher ratio remains at 9:1 despite a significant increase in numbers across the school over the last 18 months – an ethos that has brought exceptional examinations results consistently and high value-added scores – which highlight a pupil far exceeding expectations.

The numbers are all well and good, but no research could possibly capture the intricate classroom processes that underpin the outcomes. There is an outstanding focus on children’s attitudes to learning, their enthusiasm and confidence, learning independently, thinking critically and developing personal creativity and practical skills.

These are all attributes we actively seek to nurture at Rydal Penrhos.

We place great emphasis on levels of well-being, cooperation and positive personal relationships.

Couple this with broad curriculum options at A Level and GCSE, a diverse extra-curricular and outdoor education provision and thorough preparation for the next step, it’s not hard to see why Rydal Penrhos has been a core part of the community since 1885.

It’s the little things that make a big difference to a child’s education. That extra bit of attentiveness from teaching staff goes a long way, even if it might not seem like it.

Knowing a child’s personality and learning approach, which can be very different, and harnessing this in a positive way is something else that sets small class sizes and Rydal Penrhos apart. Individuality is everything to a young person, so whether that’s in academia, sport, the arts, or another specified interest, identifying passions and integrating this into a well-rounded education that prepares pupils for whatever comes next.

Small class sizes are a big reason why Rydal Penrhos is a close-knit community. We strive to make sure that every pupil is happy, safe and thriving, which comes from incredible support not only from staff but other year groups, too.

Things have been incredibly challenging over the last two years. But the school’s commitment to ensuring each child gets the most out of their education at Rydal Penrhos remains unaltered.

Year 6

Time Capsule locked away!

After becoming inspired by an exciting discovery within St John’s Church, Year 6 pupils at Rydal Penrhos have been hard at work creating their own Time Capsule that has now been locked away for future pupils and teaching staff to open in the future.

This came after the school came across a Time Capsule from the Year 2000, which had been prepared by members of the congregation of St John’s Methodist Church, now the school chapel, which contained everyday items from the turn of the millennium as well as handwritten letters.

The time capsule told a story not just about the time it was prepared, but about the people who prepared it. Something that left Year 6 very keen to do a similar project under the supervision of staff.

Pupils began by making a list of what they would like to put in their Time Capsule and spent time writing letters that will not be opened until 2042 by the next generation of Rydal Penrhosians in the same year group.

Capturing the moments from 2022 after what’s transpired in recent months was a fun task. The Time Capsule consists of COVID-19 tests, a face covering and hand sanitiser, with a flag for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and a blue blazer from our out-going school uniform also included.

Mrs Lucy Davies, who is Deputy Principal and Head of Prep at Rydal Penrhos, said: “When the pupils opened the Year 2000 capsule they were very interested in what children had written as their favourite music and toys and so they made sure to include a current computer games handset and some current popular toys.

“There even included quite a large white horse toy and a riding rosette.

“The pupils worked out that they will be 31 when the capsule is opened and exclaimed at how old they would be!”

Mrs Davies also made a contribution to the capsule with a letter of her own, with the Reverend Dr Rob Beamihs, Chaplain of Rydal Penrhos, putting his own thoughts down on paper and a letter from the 2000 capsule recently opened by Year 6 was put in to keep continuity.

After standing locked on display this week, the capsule has been sent down to the school archive in our cellars to await its re-opening in 20 years. Something that provoked great excitement within Year 6 as they envisaged what Rydal Penrhos would look like by this point.

Year 10

Sick to Death Chester history trip

Learning in the classroom remains at the heart of a good education. But our incredible teaching staff at Rydal Penrhos are always looking for ways to boost development and allow pupils to sample new experiences whenever they can.

This is done through trips and educational visits throughout the academic year, which are now back in full swing after a significant period of disruption due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Year 10 history pupils currently going through their GCSE modules were given the chance to take in a hugely popular exhibition and tour not too far from Rydal Penrhos at the Sick to Death experience in Chester.

Sick to Death is a historical attraction located in St Michaels Church, a redundant building on the Bridge Street Rows which opened in May 2021.

It depicts the story of medicine through the ages, with a focus on pandemics and plagues. Something that has become prevalent in modern-day society over the last two years as coronavirus spread across the globe.

Pupils were given an insight into major tragedies such as the Black Plague, examined what medicines were used centuries ago and even got the chance to explore the gory story of diseases, doctors and dying in the medieval world with a balance of hands-on fun as well as viewing plenty of incredible museum artefacts.

Pre-School

Parents attend a special 'Bikeability Breakfast'

Rydal Penrhos Pre-School not only lays the foundations for a successful education, but the thriving department also provides pupils with opportunities to develop other life skills and help them achieve significant milestones that they can take with them into later life.

This has been proven to improve areas such as confidence, self-esteem, and the knowledge that anything can be accomplished from a very early age under the expert supervision and guidance of the school’s staff team.

Another fine example of this for our Pre-Schoolers arrived this week with a special ‘Bikeability Breakfast’, which is a new initiative implemented by Rydal Penrhos and took place on the picturesque Prep School playground.

There was plenty of buzzing and whirring as more than 20 bikes weaved around pupils and parents, who were invited to come and join in the fun before going about their busy days.

Mrs Lucy Davies, who is Deputy Principal and Head of Prep at Rydal Penrhos, said: “Learning to ride can be difficult in gardens and on pavements and the children absolutely adored the chance to ride around a larger space.

“This is the latest in a series of post-covid opportunities for our Pre-School parents to come in and join with activities with their children. It was also great to see parents chatting together and supporting each other through the trials and tribulations associated with children learning to ride a bike.”

The range of ‘vehicles’ was huge and the school’s bikes had been widely supplemented by favourite bikes brought in from home. Parents were invited into the school library for a beautiful breakfast spread, which included pain au chocolat and pastries whilst the children registered.

On behalf of everyone at Rydal Penrhos, we would like to thank our wonderful Pre-School staff for setting this up and giving our pupils so many exciting opportunities.

Facilities

Events and conferences prove popular

Organising an internal event or perhaps even an external one for clients or the wider industry you operate in can be difficult. But such occasions are an excellent tool for improving communication and Rydal Penrhos has everything you might be looking for.

If you are arranging this specifically for your staff, it is a superb method of improving productivity, company culture and morale. When working day in and day out, it can be easy to fall out of love with your profession.

This might seem like a hassle, especially with the ongoing stresses of a working environment now that offices are bustling once again following a significant period of disruption due to COVID-19. What better way to get everyone back into the swing of things than hosting a team-building event to get everyone singing from the same hymn sheet.

Rydal Penrhos recently opened its exceptional campus to such events, which have been hugely popular and a roaring success so far. The school boasts spacious meeting and conference rooms that can host anywhere between 5-250 guests and come complete with state of the art AV equipment for presentations or other interactive tools.

Our facilities include smaller rooms, ideal for group training, the Dining Hall and the Memorial Hall which are available for larger conferences and for refreshments in-between sessions courtesy of Rydal Penrhos’ exceptional catering team.

Team building in the workplace is the process of creating a team that is cohesively working together towards a common goal. The importance of team building is to create a strong team through forming bonds and connections.

Creating these bonds through team building is very beneficial to businesses and organisations. The benefits of team building include increased communication, planning skills, employee motivation, and employee collaboration.

Fun activities that help people see each other in a different light allow them to connect in a different setting. People on your team are asked to think about the implications of these activities at their workplace.

Rydal Penrhos caters for these occasions, too. Our vast campus and sporting facilities are the perfect places for team building exercises or a corporate away day. We also have a 25-metre swimming pool, a large sports hall and large outdoor spaces available for hire with a multitude of different possibilities.

Our staff team will be happy to assist with the planning aspect of such events to ease the burden. They are helpful, vastly experienced and go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure your stay will be everything you hoped for and more.

The school has accommodation available for those looking to organise weekend activities, with Rydal Penrhos fortunate to be situated in a fantastic location close to the beach, with some prominent North Wales landmarks also within close distance and a nearby railway station in Colwyn Bay just a stone’s throw from the A55 expressway.

We are enormously proud of the facilities provided to our wonderful pupils and the wider community. Rydal Penrhos is proud to be at the heartbeat of the local area and we look forward to welcoming many more organisations, businesses, clubs and societies in the coming months.

Anyone wishing to enquire about booking Rydal Penrhos’ exceptional facilities, contact 01492 530155 or email events@rydalpenrhos.com for more information.

Community Wind Band

Initiative generating significant support

It’s been heart-warming to see the Rydal Penrhos Community Wind Band going from strength to strength since its inception. The initial integration period has been hugely successful relating to the group, which was formed soon after Welsh Government restrictions were eased regarding COVID-19.

The band is open to current pupils, alumni, parents, staff and local musicians from across Colwyn Bay and the wider region. A true example of school and community spirit that everyone at Rydal Penrhos is enormously proud of.

Players of all brass, woodwind and percussion instruments are welcome to attend rehearsal sessions which are held on Wednesday evenings from 7-8.30pm in the Rick Maple Drama Studio on Combermere Road, Colwyn Bay.

There is no charge and instruments are available to borrow if required by anyone wishing to attend.

The Community Wind Band is led by musician, ex-Rydal Penrhos parent and current school Governor, Clive Wolfendale.

He explained: “The repertoire for newly-formed wind band is vast and highly flexible, encompassing bespoke, classical and popular arrangements.

“It is possible to accommodate players of a ‘Grade 3’ standard (or equivalent) alongside more experienced musicians. It’s been many years since Colwyn Bay had its own brand, so we are delighted to be bringing back an instrumental ensemble to the area.”

Lucy Davies, who is Deputy Principal and Head of Rydal Penrhos Prep, praised the early efforts of the Community Wind Band, highlighting the close connection between the school and the area it calls home.

“Within the emerging freedoms from lockdown restrictions, there is an appetite to re-engage with music-making amongst regular practitioners and those who have not picked up an instrument for some time,” she added.

“This is something that Rydal Penrhos recognises and the Community Wind Band is another fine example of how the school is always looking to engage with the area in which it is located.”

Anyone wishing to register their interest in the Rydal Penrhos Community Wind Band, or for more information, please email cw@rydalpenrhos.com.

Athletics

Jonathan makes a strong start to the outdoor campaign

After so much frustration for our aspiring athletes at Rydal Penrhos thanks to constant COVID-19 restrictions, it’s been fantastic to see them get back to doing what they love both in school and for clubs and organisations across the region.

Jonathan Osbourne has been making some serious waves on the track and field scene since his return to major events, something that the pupil was able to continue at a recent meeting held at Warrington Athletics Club.

The Year 11 pupil was representing Colwyn Bay Athletics Club at the event, which saw Jonathan test his skills in the 100 metres and long jump against other highly-touted youngsters from across North Wales, Cheshire and the North West.

It turned out to be yet another phenomenal competition for Jonathan, who rose to the occasion superbly well en route to a first-place finish in the 100-metre final, blazing a trail to cross the line ahead of the opposition.

This trend continued in the long jump event, which has been a specialist area where Jonathan has thrived in recent years, developing significantly under the guidance of Rydal Penrhos and athletic club staff.

Jonathan’s poise for performing on the big stage came to the fore once again with yet another polished display that saw him finish top of the podium to secure a memorable double from the meeting.

Everyone at Rydal Penrhos would like to congratulate Jonathan on yet another magnificent achievement.