The RP Weekly: 21 January 2022
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School.
The RP Weekly
21 January 2022
Governance
Debra Keogh joins Board
Rydal Penrhos' Governing Body play a significant role in guiding the strategic direction of the school . They work closely with the School's senior leaders to ensure the provision for our pupils remains exceptional.
The school recently announced that Ms Deborah McKinnel has been elected as the new Chair of Governors, with Julian Barnes formally retiring after making a lasting contribution amid challenging times due to COVID-19 pandemic.
In another exciting development, the school is thrilled to announce that Ms Debra Keogh has also agreed to join the Governing Board and brings a wealth of educational experience to the school.
Debra is a Primary specialist with 25 years of experience teaching in the mainstream, independent and international school sectors, which will be a substantial asset to Rydal Penrhos. She is currently the Early Years leader in a large state school. Debra has also been in senior leadership roles for more than 20 years, specialising in Literacy and Early Years.
In addition to her other responsibilities, Debra has also joined the Board’s Learning and Personnel Committee, bringing up-to-date knowledge and current practice which is so valuable. This will assist the Governing Board in holding the school’s leadership team to account as well as contributing to the strategic direction of Rydal Penrhos, which always puts the pupils first.
Prep
An ambitious curriculum that celebrates the individual
Our teaching staff and senior leaders at Rydal Penrhos are unapologetically ambitious on behalf of each pupil from Pre-School right up until they depart in Year 13.
We treat our learners as unique individuals and aim to support their development into well-rounded members of the school community who are fully equipped with the resourcefulness to embrace whatever lies ahead.
This allows our pupils to thrive in a safe, happy and nurturing environment, providing them with the tools needed to flourish long after they leave school in the rapidly changing global marketplace.
The school accomplishes this with a diverse curriculum, comprehensive support and assessment from start to finish as well as an enriching extra-curricular provision that caters to almost every interest.
All this starts from a very early age. At Rydal Penrhos’ Prep, a curriculum has been devised to capture the fun, inquisitiveness and creativity that the school firmly believes should lie at the very core of teaching and learning.
Developing academic skills from Years 3 to 6 is a crucial stage of a child’s development, Rydal Penrhos offers a broad and rich learning experience that is delivered through a dynamic, thematic curriculum.
English, Science and Maths form the foundation of our learning experience, with specialist teaching in areas such as Art and Design, Music, Drama and Computing also implemented to further boost every pupil’s overall development.
Combining the very best primary practice with an extremely varied extra-curricular provision ensures that every pupil is challenged and develops the skills necessary for learning. This also helps them get ready for the next stage of the educational journey at the senior end of the school.
This method of igniting imaginations while simultaneously equipping them with essential skills they need for education and later life is at the core of Rydal Penrhos’ rich and proud ethos that continues to stand the test of time.
Hockey
Alex selected to Welsh U18 squad
Another talented Rydal Penrhos pupil looks set to add his name to the long list of international-calibre athletes that have emerged from the school throughout history.
Alex Starling, who is a Year 12 pupil at the school, received some outstanding news recently with a call-up to the Hockey Wales U18 National Age Grade squad, which represents a significant achievement one year above his required age bracket.
As part of his efforts to earn a place in the squad, Alex attended several training and selection camps with other hopefuls from across the country, which took place in Cardiff over a three-month period before coaches finalised their squad.
Alex thoroughly impressed coaches throughout the process and was highly deserving of his national recognition after making some substantial strides over the last two years despite the obvious challenges relating to progression due to COVID-19 restrictions.
In addition to developing his craft and conditioning during school hours with Rydal Penrhos' dedicated staff team, Alex also gained valuable experience at the senior level with Eirias Hockey Club men's first team this season, which has done wonders for his overall development.
Alex also attends Hockey Wales Regional Performance Centre training and will be looking to help Rydal Penrhos gain success on the national stage once again during the current academic year.
The dedication displayed by Alex during the lockdown periods was nothing short of extraordinary. The pupil kept himself in supreme physical condition in the face of unfamiliar inactivity and was even forced to miss the recent Sixth Form Christmas Ball due to his hockey commitments.
This has been rewarded with a place in the Welsh national U18 squad and everyone at Rydal Penrhos is absolutely thrilled for Alex and everything he continues to accomplish.
Community
Rydal Penrhos thanked for Home-Start Conwy donations
We are very proud of the charitable work we get involved with throughout the school year. Teaching our children and young people across Pre-School, Prep and Senior that giving back and doing good is part of our ethos is important to us. We want our pupils to go out into the world ready to contribute positively to the community around them.
During the Christmas festivities, the school decided to support a very worthwhile local initiative to assist those less fortunate. A collection for the Conwy Home-Start appeal was launched, which is a community network of trained volunteers who provide expert support helping families with young children through challenging times.
This received a tremendous response from the school community, which saw a significant number of toys and other items brought into school over a number of weeks, which were then distributed to families across the region in time for Christmas.
Sylvia Chadwick, who is Scheme Manager at Home-Start Conwy, wrote a lovely letter of thanks to Rev’d Dr Rob Beamish, the school’s Chaplain, for the generous donations made by Rydal Penrhos just before the festive break.
It read: “I am writing to you to express my sincere thank you for the wonderful collection you did for Home-Start Conwy over Christmas. I just wanted to let you know the gifts and toys were delivered to our families prior to Christmas. Our families were extremely grateful to receive all of the gifts and they were a huge help and surprise to the local families in need.
“The Trustees, staff and I are extremely grateful; we cannot thank you enough for your donations and we really appreciate your kindness and support.”
This is the latest example of the desire to give back by the Rydal Penrhos family. The school recently raised more than £1,600 from the annual BBC Children in Need Day and there was another outstanding response to the annual Harvest Food Drive in aid of the Conwy Food Bank and the Kind Bay Initiative.
Year 13
Biology studies enhanced during Ecology trip
This is an important time of year for those Rydal Penrhos pupils sitting examinations in the coming weeks.
The school has enjoyed a rich history of success both at A Level and GCSE in recent years, with Year 11 and 13 producing admirable results despite the recent assessment changes due to COVID-19 causing significant disruption.
With the school preparing pupils for a return to normality regarding formal exams later in the year, staff are working incredibly hard to put our young learners in the best possible position through strong teaching and expert support and guidance throughout the process.
Rydal Penrhos is fortunate to benefit from being situated in a stunning part of the world. This is something the school looks to take full advantage of with Outdoor Education, Forest School, Coastal School and valuable excursions to boost overall knowledge in the classroom.
Another example of this occurred just before the festive break, with Year 13 pupils taking a trip to one of the region’s most picturesque sites for a special Ecology mission as part of their A Level Biology module.
Under the guidance of teacher Ian Richardson and technician Tara James, pupils travelled to Llyn Geirionydd, which is situated near Llanrwst. It was reputedly the home of the 6th-century poet Taliesin and a stone monument to him stands by the lake’s north bank.
In the 1870s it was a derelict industrial landscape – the car park lies on a waste tip near an old lead mine entrance. But the vast forest area proved highly beneficial for pupils, who got the chance to participate in tests and experiments that were documented and used upon returning to the school laboratories.
A very worthwhile excursion for all involved!
Pre-School
Discovery Area ignites curiosity
Children embarking on the first stage of their education at Rydal Penrhos enter our thriving Pre-School department.
Pre-School forms the bridge between home and school and is the first experience of a learning environment, which is an exceptionally important stepping stone in a child’s life.
The aim of Rydal Penrhos’ Pre-School department, which is open for children from age 2 to 4, is to provide a stimulating environment in which every child can thrive and develop at their own pace, learning social skills, developing physicality, building emotional wellbeing and the foundations from an academic perspective.
Our Pre-School children are being fully prepared for their move to a more structured environment in Reception, which is the formal start of their educational journey.
In addition to all this, Rydal Penrhos Pre-School also ignites curiosity and enhances early creativity within its Discovery Area. This particular part of the department embraces many new and interesting experiences for the children such as tasting new foods, learning new words and developing skills such as spreading and cutting.
They experience the mathematical activities of weighing, measuring and sharing and the scientific process which occurs when food is modified through, for example, cooking or freezing. A fun way for each Pre-School child to familiarise themselves with important areas of learning in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Children are also given the opportunity to explore textures, experiment with natural and man-made materials, discover their environment and the world around them, encouraging them to develop an enquiring mind.
This is all part of an outstanding provision provided at Rydal Penrhos Pre-School. A place where staff are constantly going above and beyond the call of duty in pursuit of making sure our children are safe, happy and thriving.
Hockey & Netball
Impressive results vs St Edward's College
It’s been fantastic to see our young sporting stars at Rydal Penrhos back in the swing of things after so much disruption to fixtures due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The school is now in the midst of an exciting time across hockey, netball and rugby in accordance with Welsh Government guidelines that is sure to benefit each pupil involved considerably.
Almost 40 per cent of the school were involved in some sporting activity on Saturday, with Rydal Penrhos making the trip to St Edward’s College for a highly entertaining day of action that was played in the right spirit throughout.
The school’s First XI girls’ hockey squad produced a marvellous effort to secure an impressive 3-1 victory. Some resolute defending paid dividends as Jasmin Beckett-Donald fired a brace and Eloise Chapman added another to give Rydal Penrhos a valuable triumph away from home soil.
It was a busy day for Year 10 pupil Jasmin, who then turned out for her own age grade in the U15s and managed to score another two goals as the team came away with a creditable 2-2 draw as a result of their efforts.
Rydal Penrhos’ U13A and B netball teams took part in their first competitive matches for two years, with some not having played in this sort of environment since Year 5 at the Prep.
Despite this lack of activity, the school endeavoured to maintain progress with consistent coaching sessions when possible during the pandemic, something that was evident during an outstanding performance from the U13A squad captained by Charlotte Payne en route to an 11-4 success.
The B team started to develop some excellent passages of play and demonstrated some notable potential. Overall, it was a superb atmosphere with some semblance of normality returning for our pupils.
We would like to congratulate every pupil on their resilience, teamwork and representing Rydal Penrhos in a positive fashion at St Edward’s College.
Rydal Penrhos Society
A lifelong connection
What do you think of when you think of a school?
Many of us picture pupils in classrooms, or outside on the hockey pitch, or in the art or music rooms. We think of the hustle and bustle and sometimes forget that a school is far more than the current generation of pupils. At Rydal Penrhos, it is a community that includes not only the pupils learning, but also all those who have done exactly the same in the past.
It’s in school that we cultivate our sense of wonder, develop and exercise our curiosity, and learn how to treat our peers with respect and kindness – that, in summary, we are prepared to enter the world. In Ancient Greece, the young people entering the community of adults for the first time were called hoi neoi (οί νєοι), the new ones. This reflects the fact that leaving school – entering this community – is a beginning and not an end – and that’s why leaving is exciting and terrifying in equal measure.
It’s only when a pupil leaves school that we can ask, what will they do with their education? What sort of world will they build?
Leaving school is not the moment a pupil’s connection with the school comes to an end, but rather the moment this is realised most fully.
Staff at Rydal Penrhos make leaving school easier for our pupils in two ways. First, we give them lots of opportunities to make their own decisions in the years prior – our small A Level classes, for example, mean that pupils can work with teachers to guide their own learning.
Second, we ensure that when they leave, they do so knowing they are entering an alumni community that spans generations and whose programme connects ‘new ones’ with those who have already ventured somewhat further down life’s path.
Recently a Professor at the Australian National University emailed the school to ask if we held any material on his father, who had attended Rydal Mount School, the predecessor to Rydal School, back in 1906.
Indeed we did.
The material included the register book where his father signed his name upon first enrolling, reports from his teachers on his performance on the cricket field, and copies of the school magazine in which, as an Old Boy, his military honours were announced.
This also illuminates the other purpose of our alumni work. Not only does the programme connect our former pupils with each other and involve them in the present life of Rydal Penrhos, but it also honours and celebrates their history.
Being a pupil at Rydal Penrhos institutes a life-changing connection, symbolised by lifelong membership of the Rydal Penrhos Society, our alumni association.
The activities of the alumni association are varied. It works to help our current pupils in very practical ways, securing them career advice, professional mentors, and work experience opportunities. It also publishes a termly newsletter that shares stories both from Rydal Penrhos life and alumni themselves.
The Society also organises events. In the past, we have held Regional Dinners in London, Chester, Cambridge, and Oxford, and abroad in Paris and Hong Kong. Last September’s Founders’ Weekend saw a host of celebratory events, while this summer we are delighted to host the class of 1982 for their reunion.
Our alumni secretary is always delighted to welcome back former pupils to our wonderful campus. While over time our buildings change, the values that sustain Rydal Penrhos remain the same – that our alumni will always continue to feel about us the way they felt about it as pupils – as a second home.
Rugby
New kits return to the traditional
Rugby has been a key part of the rich and illustrious history of Rydal Penrhos.
Greats such as Bleddyn Williams and Wilf Wooller began their journey at the school, which has continued to the present day with the likes of Sean Lonsdale and Tom Williams now playing professionally after building their foundations as pupils.
Although things have been difficult over the last two years due to COVID-19 restrictions, the school recently announced the decision to extend the rugby calendar into the spring term as a way of providing pupils with additional coaching and valuable experience in a competitive setting.
Rydal Penrhos’ senior rugby squad also have a different look for their upcoming fixtures. This comes with a new kit that represents the school’s traditional colours and was made by Exile Sportswear, a company owned by former pupil Marcus Copeland.
Pupils formally received their new shirts during a special presentation with first-team squad members from St Helens Rugby League Football Club, who recently spent three days at Rydal Penrhos for a pre-season training camp ahead of their Super League title defence.
It’s been a busy term so far for our aspiring rugby players, who wore their new kits for the first official time during a recent fixture against Wirral Grammar School and also travelled to St Edward’s College for another worthwhile outing on Saturday.
Mr Copeland’s company will also be creating new kits for the girls’ hockey and netball squads in the coming weeks, and we would like to thank him for all his hard work throughout the process.
Stars of the Week
Congratulations!
- Reception – Lola
- Year 1 – Livia
- Year 2 – Josie and Akshaya
- Year 3 – Henry St.
- Year 4 – Hannah
- Year 5 – Alfie
- Year 6 – Ceri
- Artist – Huw Year 6
- Performer – Hannah Year 4 (ABRSM Grade 2 distinction piano)
Prep Video
Pupils begin Lent Term hymn practice
Assessment Day 2022
Awarding fully funded places, supported by the Donald Hughes Trust
Preparations are in progress for Assessment Day 2022 tomorrow, on the basis of which Fully Funded Places will be awarded.
Fully Funded Places at Rydal Penrhos are supported by the Donald Hughes Trust. The Trust extends the possibility of a Rydal Penrhos education to children who wouldn't otherwise have had the opportunity to come to our school. In doing so, it makes our school an even richer and more vibrant environment in which pupils can thrive.
The Donald Hughes Trust is a vital part of the School's charitable work, ensuring that Rydal Penrhos remains firmly rooted in the local community.
Excited?
You can read more about the Donald Hughes Trust on the website here.
You can even make a gift to the Donald Hughes Trust here!
History of the Donald Hughes Trust
The Donald Hughes Trust takes its name from the inspiring Head of Rydal School between 1946 and 1967.
It's helped generations of pupils to attend Rydal Penrhos, forming part of the School's historic tradition of philanthropy.
Donald Hughes led Rydal School through its post-war years, in which food was still rationed, and the Memorial Hall was built under his Headship. Like Connie Smith, the inspiring Head of Penrhos in the same period (1938–66), he left behind a generation of pupils who would remember his ceaseless energy, ‘sincerity of purpose’, and personal kindness.
The Memorial Hall, built under the Headship of Donald Hughes
