The RP Weekly: 20 November 2020
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School.
The RP Weekly
20 November 2020
Mr Waszek
Advice for exam candidates from Executive Principal
Executive Principal John Waszek has offered advice for Rydal Penrhos’ examination candidates ahead of recent announcements issued by the Government.
In the wake of Education Minister Kirsty Williams stating it was “impossible to guarantee a level playing field for exams” due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Waszek has assured Rydal Penrhos parents and staff that the school is doing everything they can to ensure goals are met.
Rydal Penrhos uses both Welsh and English examination boards, which currently have different criteria regarding examination status in 2021, but the school remains completely dedicated to putting each pupil sitting exams in the best possible position for them to succeed and continue the school’s rich history of exceptional examination results at both A Level and GCSE.
Mr Waszek, said: “Whilst this uncertainly is unhelpful and can provoke understandable anxiety, we are absolutely committed to teach and to operate in ways that reassure our pupils and which also place them in the best possible position to achieve the highest grades.”
The school continues to lead the way regarding a clear and concise structure regarding an ever-changing situation surrounding COVID-19. Rydal Penrhos pupils were given free iPads to assist with their learning not only in and out of the classroom, but also in the event of further lockdown measures in the coming months.
Preventing learning loss has been at the forefront of plans during an unprecedented period of disruption. Rydal Penrhos’ dedicated staff have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure pupils were given a full day of online lessons during the recent ‘fire-break’ lockdown to ensure no pupil missed out during a vital stage of their education.
Mr Waszek, who has overseen some incredibly positive changes across Rydal Penrhos during his tenure, has called for hard work and dedication from pupils, parents and staff alike to ensure candidates in 2021 maintain and even enhance their chances of an “advantageous outcome” despite the current climate.
“Consequently, our advice is quite straightforward; pupils and teachers must assume that each and every piece of work will contribute to the final A Level, AS or GCSE grade,” he added.
“There can be no work submitted which is anything less than the very best that a pupil can produce. Pupils now have to put in the “hard miles’, confident that a diligent and conscientious approach will have the most advantageous outcome, regardless of the actual ways in which the various Awarding Bodies will allocate grades.
“I make no apology for expecting nothing but hard work and more hard work and, with the support of families and the high professional standards of our teachers, this will place our pupils in the most advantageous position to achieve the best grades.
“We shall continue to keep pupils and parents updated as the proposed arrangements are announced. In 2020 our pupils received the highest ‘value-added’ ever achieved by Rydal Penrhos pupils at both A Level and GCSE, this in turn enabling pupils to secure respectively the university places they wanted or to embark upon Sixth Form courses.
"We have the same ambitions for our current cohorts of examination candidates.”
6th Form
Information Evening this Wednesday!
"Preparing the Child for the Road, not the Road for the Child."
Sixth Form Information Evening
Wednesday 25 November
From 17:00 - By appointment only
Sixth Form should be the best two years of your school life. At last, there is the freedom to study the subjects that really excite you, have more informal and rewarding relationships with teachers, and make new friends – all whilst being guided towards the very best university outcomes for you (if that’s what you would like to do).
We want our Sixth Form to bridge the gap between school and university study, and we want it to be balanced.
Therefore, supported by subject teachers, tutors, and head of Key Stage 5, you will be able to explore your chosen academic subjects as well as immerse yourself in our extra-curricular programmes.
Therefore, supported by subject teachers, tutors, and head of Key Stage 5, you will be able to explore your chosen academic subjects as well as immerse yourself in our extra-curricular programmes.
We understand that you are older and more independent – but there are still people on hand to guide and help as you navigate your way through classes, exams and what lies beyond school.
This year more than any other has emphasised the fact we cannot know what is to come in our lives or the lives of our young people. Therefore even more so as educators we see our role as helping our pupils become resilient, confident, adaptable, and able to manage any situation that may arise.
This year more than any other has emphasised the fact we cannot know what is to come in our lives or the lives of our young people. Therefore even more so as educators we see our role as helping our pupils become resilient, confident, adaptable, and able to manage any situation that may arise.
Everything you need to know about our Sixth Form Information Evening can be found in this digital document.
To confirm your place call 01492 530155, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or book online at https://rydalpenrhos.com/admissions/sixth-form-information-evening/
Elysia Gilman
A Sixth Form success story!
Elysia Gilman’s love of art started when she joined Rydal Penrhos in Year 3.
Nurtured throughout her school life by the school’s inspirational Art Department – who let each and every pupil try all mediums so that they can see where their love and talents lie – she emerged as gifted in drawing and painting and in time she secured her top university choice of Loughborough to study Fine Art.
After completing the foundation phase of the course, Elysia took the bold move to start her own business due to the concerns surrounding COVID-19, which is something she always dreamt of and has already seen plenty of notoriety regarding her work.
Elysia’s talent also brought some significant national success during her time at school, which saw the former pupil emerge victorious from the Under 18 category at the annual Museum of Modern Art for Wales competition, and her work was put on display at a high-profile exhibition held in Machynlleth.
Those attending the exhibition also recognised her immense qualities and Elysia received the Public Vote distinction for her portrait of sister Lydia – a current Sixth Form pupil – from the showcase.
Elysia was also an exceptional role model to younger members of the Rydal Penrhos community. She was appointed as a Prefect in Year 13 and was always on hand to lend support and guidance to those following in her footsteps.
This was particularly evident within the Art department, where Elysia would regularly hold special workshops for other aspiring senior school artists to pass on her expertise and assist with their development.
Elysia has kept a close connection to Rydal Penrhos since departing for higher education. Her effort selling prints of Colonel Tom Moore assisted with the fundraising for the school’s recent PPE project during the coronavirus pandemic and she also painted former Principal Michael James for his daughter Sarah James – who is the school’s Pupil Liaison Officer.
Without doubt, Elysia is a tremendous example of what a Rydal Penrhos education can provide – and a true Sixth Form success story.
Pre-School
Back in the water!
There was plenty of excitement in the air as Rydal Penrhos Pre-School children took part in their first swimming session of the academic year.
The youngest members of the Rydal Penrhos community were finally permitted to enter the school’s recently refurbished swimming pool after sessions for Prep and Senior pupils resumed under strict guidelines due to the ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19.
Pre-Schoolers got their first taste of swimming at Rydal Penrhos on Friday 13 November – which was the culmination of weeks of planning by the school’s dedicated staff team to ensure this essential part of the curriculum got underway at the earliest possible opportunity.
Under the supervision of Pre-School staff, each child got the opportunity to collect a ball, float on a frog and even jump in to finish off a highly enjoyable first session for the enthusiastic group.
The school has worked exceptionally hard to ensure the pool area follows every guideline and precaution to ensure swimming continues to be a huge part of the curriculum at Rydal Penrhos over the years.
The Welsh Government published guidance to help facilities prepare for the re-opening of indoor and outdoor facilities in June, working in partnership with Sport Wales, the Welsh Sport Association and Swim Wales regarding the gradual re-opening of pools and other leisure facilities.
All pupils from Pre School through to Year 9 will receive a weekly swimming lesson as part of recent curriculum changes implemented.
The swimming pool originally opened more than 50 years ago and underwent an extensive six-figure refurbishment last year that involved pupil participation in the form of a design competition around the site.
Although COVID-19 restrictions are currently preventing a normal sporting provision, staff at Rydal Penrhos have worked tirelessly to ensure that each pupil is fit, active, and thriving both during Physical Education sessions, Enrichment and After School Clubs.
Children in Need
Hundreds raised from whole school fundraiser
Rydal Penrhos’ school community came together once again to raise funds for a hugely successful nationwide fundraising drive.
There was plenty of excitement in the air for Rydal Penrhos pupils young and old for the school’s annual Children in Need Day, which took place on Friday 13 November and featured a number of exciting activities organised in a different format due to social distancing measures surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior pupils got the chance to get creative as part of their Dress-Up Day, which saw plenty of Pudsey Bear costumes and other creative ideas along the theme of film stars and characters all in the name of charity.
The Sixth Form Charity Committee put on some form activities in class bubbles and a total of £586.50 was raised for the nationwide cause.
There was also plenty going on at the Prep, which culminated in a Pudsey Fun Run that saw pupils and staff raise £337.35 – bringing the grand total from Rydal Penrhos’ fundraising efforts to £923.85.
Children in Need Day events at Rydal Penrhos have raised thousands over the years, which is part of the school’s ongoing commitment to help those less fortunate both in the local area and beyond.
The school has already raised a big sum from their collective efforts during their Hello Yellow Day, which saw generous donations reach almost £1,000 for Young Minds UK.
This year’s Children in Need show concluded with the announcement that viewers had raised £37,032,789 throughout the telethon to help young people across the UK facing increasing challenges in the age of COVID-19.
Rydal Penrhos Society
Virtual AGM next week!
Members of the Rydal Penrhos family from across the world can come together for an annual event that has a completely different look this year.
The Rydal Penrhos Society consists of former pupils and due to current restrictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, their Annual General Meeting will not take place in its normal format.
However, change might actually be a good thing in this case!
For the first time ever, the Society will be holding their AGM virtually via Zoom on Monday 23 November, with alumni from far and wide encouraged to join the discussion and find out what’s been going on throughout the year.
The virtual AGM will begin at 6pm and we are looking for alumni to become involved, share ideas, take on new roles, move us forward.
This means that wherever you are in the world you can contribute to this meeting and become an active member of the Rydal Penrhos Society.
Graham Knowles, who attended Rydal School from 1962-67, is the current Rydal Penrhos Society President and encouraged former pupils to get involved and support the occasion and various other Society events that take place during the year in normal circumstances.
He said: “As the many changes at the School are taking shape, I have been pleased to support the Executive Principal, John Waszek and the Heads Sally Harding and Lucy Davies, in any way that I can to develop on your behalf, a continued involvement between current and former pupils.
“Hopefully, with your support, we can continue to promote and maintain a thriving alumni association. Please do support any alumni events – you will be missing out if you don’t!”
Anyone wishing to register their interest in the Rydal Penrhos Society’s Annual General Meeting can do so by emailing Pupil Liaison Office Sarah James at SJames@rydalpenrhos.com.
Elinor Davies
A Sixth Form success story!
Elinor Davies began her life at the school as a Reception pupil in 2006 and is another fine example of what can be achieved from an all-through education at Rydal Penrhos.
Her 12-year time at the school is littered with notable milestones and exceptional achievements that reflect both Elinor’s academic prowess and ability to thrive across a wealth of extra-curricular activities.
Elinor’s superb commitment to her studies under the support and guidance of teaching staff saw her come away with some exceptional A Level results, which included an A* in Business and A grades in French, History and Home Economics (AS Level). This enabled Elinor to secure her place at Jesus College Oxford – one of the world’s most prestigious higher education establishments – where she is studying French.
Her final year at the school has been filled with notable milestones, which began with a journalism work experience week with Communications Manager Dean Jones and her appointment as a Prefect following a successful application process.
This was swiftly followed by the creation of Rydal Penrhos’ school newspaper The RePorter, where Elinor and Ben Gibson were key in the creation of the title and assumed the editorial role to oversee work submitted by a wide range of pupils across a number of age groups.
Her sporting exploits saw Elinor qualify for national athletics finals, contribute significantly to the school’s senior Hockey and Netball squads, and she is also a two-time winner of the coveted Derbyshire Shield for Girls’ Sport.
If that was not enough, Elinor also appeared on stage during the sensational Dramatic Society production of Annie the Musical in 2017, which was another strong indicator of her desire to take advantage of the incredible opportunities available throughout the school.
During her gap year before officially beginning the next stage of her journey, Elinor took part in the Cardiff Half Marathon in memory of her grandfather alongside other family members to raise a total of £3,355.01 for Cancer Research UK.
The Davies family have left a lasting legacy on Rydal Penrhos thanks to the sterling work of Elinor, Hannah and Catherine, in addition to the exceptional work put in by the teacher Gaynor, who worked for many years at the Prep School before moving to the Senior site.
Sailing
Liam called-up to prestigious training programme
A gifted young sailor at Rydal Penrhos has earned selection to a prestigious winter training programme.
As one of the very few schools in the UK able to teach sailing and water-sports as part of our enhanced school curriculum for pupils from Year 3 to Year 8, Rydal Penrhos offers certification at RYA Level 1-4 and beyond; Sailing with Spinnakers, Performance Sailing, Seamanship Skills and powerboat courses up to Level 2.
Liam Farrell, a Year 9 pupil at Rydal Penrhos, was recently called up to the Royal Yachting Association’s Regional Training Group – Feva (North) squad, for their 2020/21 winter coaching initiative. This recognises his potential to progress within the British Sailing Team, with the aim of winning selection to the UK Youth Squads or the RYA’s Olympic Development programmes.
Liam attained selection to the programme on the basis of performance and commitment to training and competition over a period of several years. This establishes his status as a British Youth sailor with the potential to represent Great Britain at major international events in the coming years.
The pupil has achieved a considerable amount on the water during his time at Rydal Penrhos, with Liam earning national recognition from a very early age as a member of the Prep School.
His exceptional progression was further acknowledged with a UK Feva National Junior Squad last year, and Liam also was also selected to the Welsh National Feva squad last season to further enhance his ever-growing reputation.
The Llandudno Sailing Club member is looking to follow in the footsteps of his brothers – Eddie and Kevin – who also secured a considerable number of impressive accolades in the sailing environment.
Rydal Penrhos’ sailing provision is accredited by the Royal Yachting Association and enables both Prep and Senior pupils to participate and enjoy the freedom of boating, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking in a safe and fun environment.
Mrs Davies
Thoughts from the Prep School
Rydal Penrhos Prep School has been awash with pupils trying to complete challenges this week…some very strange challenges!
- Can you say Do, Re, Mi forwards and backwards? Yes!
- Can you carry a glass of water on your back without any spilling? Yes…well nearly!
- Can you eat all of your school dinner and all of your home dinner? Yes 70%, No 30% (the broccoli proved a stumbling point for some!!)
- Can you pass a ball using only your feet from one box to another using everyone in your class? Yes…but only after many, many attempts!
And this weekend’s challenge will surely drive all parents crazy…can you make a stack of cards using 15 cards in 3 layers?
Why all these challenges? We can blame a certain popular TV programme being held very close to our school. Our House Captains have suggested a similar series of challenges for our own interpretation, ‘I’m a pupil, get me out of here!’.
Well, we’re one week down and pupils have made a great start in their attempt to reach 100 house points and face the final challenge – ‘Escape from the Cellar’.
Fantastic learning and fun for the pupils but quite excruciating to organise with COVID restrictions in place…bush tucker trials especially…no, we can’t all pass a lemon from mouth to mouth, no we can’t put our hands in spaghetti and jelly, no we definitely can’t find out how many pupils can squash into the lost property cupboard!
As you can see from the video though the sense of achievement gained from working together is immense, I think this was very much the tenth attempt by Year 4 to pass the ball.
School is about more than academic work, it’s about being happy to try new things and happy to be part of a team…and subsequently happy and ready to learn! Keep up the challenges!
Mrs L Davies - Head of Prep
Stars of the Week
- Reception – Henry
- Year 1 – Isla
- Year 2 – Ollie
- Year 3 – Holly
- Year 4 – Clara
- Year 5 – Steffan
- Year 6 – Harper
Artist of the Week – Ela
Performer of the Week – Oscar
