The RP Weekly: 25 February 2022
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School.
The RP Weekly
25 February 2022
Videos
Rydal Penrhos Prep School
GCSE Revision Courses
Exciting initiative announced
Easter is the key revision period for GCSE pupils at Rydal Penrhos and beyond, as schools finish teaching the syllabus and attention now turns to the fast-approaching exams. Mocks will be over, results received, and key targets identified.
Now is the time to consolidate understanding, fill any knowledge gaps and really get to grips with what the examiners are looking for. Many pupils will not have clear techniques for revision and indeed may not have sat examinations for several years in a formal context due to COVID-19 precautions.
Exam sitting, like most things in life, is a skill that can be taught. This is something we are very keen on doing here at Rydal Penrhos.
Similarly revising (i.e. the process of re-reading content to remember and understand it) is a learnt skill. At Rydal Penrhos, we understand that each and every one of our pupils are individuals who learn in different ways and hence they quite often need to use different strategies and tools for revision.
For parents, the assurance that you have done something constructive to prepare your child for their exams, especially if tensions arise when you offer help at home, can also ease a considerable burden.
Rydal Penrhos recognises that it has been a difficult period for learners over the last two years and have officially confirmed a special revision week during the Easter holidays for current pupils and those across the North Wales area to assist with their exam preparations. This will include:-
- Expert tuition in core subjects from experienced, warm and friendly teachers, some of whom are examiners; all are DBS checked.
- Small class sizes, with a maximum of 10 pupils.
- Meeting other pupils who are in the same situation! Revision can be lonely but being with other pupils can offer some reassurance and inspire the kind of peer discussion that can prove a powerful tool for clarifying understanding.
- Tailored tuition where possible - if pupils can identify the topics they specifically wish to focus on in advance we will try to include these in the days' schedules.
- Immersion in the subject, with up to a seven-hour day of distraction-free focus.
- Teachers will also ensure each pupil understands the assessment objectives for their subject and exam board, and therefore gain a clear understanding of what the examiner is looking for.
The GCSE Revision Week is set to take place over three days from 11-13 April and will focus on the core exam subjects of Mathematics and Numeracy, English and Science. These intensive days will also consist of how to better prepare mentally and practically for exams, providing helpful tips on how to attain peak performance along with essential revision tips and guidance.
This is an incredible opportunity for Rydal Penrhos pupils and GCSE candidates from other schools to get additional support and guidance ahead of their exams.
We understand that keeping stress levels low during examinations is a key factor in performance. Timely preparations can reduce these complications to a great extent and after thorough revision, pupils become more comfortable in an exam setting and are impacted far less by exam stress that can have a detrimental impact on performance. Those who commit heavily to revising a topic before exams help to gain more confidence. We recognise that boosting confidence helps motivation and reduces exam anxiety and stress.
When a comprehensive revision period is undertaken on a topic, pupils become much more able to face the questions in the examination and answer them in a way that will enable them to achieve the best results.
This revision course is excellent value for money at £150 for a full eight-hour day including lessons, revision and exam guidance tuition from 9am to 5pm with breaks for the snacks and meals provided in the cost. This is a can't miss opportunity for any GCSE pupil sitting exams this year and also highlights the strong connection between Rydal Penrhos and the wider community.
Current GCSE pupils at Rydal Penrhos, who have already received exceptional preparation, can book their place for FREE using the Schools Buddy App.
For external pupils, register and book here.
Anyone requiring further information should contact admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or call 01492 530155.
Music
First Community Wind Band session next week!
Rydal Penrhos will be holding the first session for its new Community Wind Band next week, which is open to current pupils, alumni, parents, staff and local musicians from across the Colwyn Bay and Conwy region.
The session will take place Wednesday 2 March from 7-8.30pm in the Senior Music Room on Combermere Road, Colwyn Bay. These will take place every Wednesday thereafter and there is no charge.
The Community Wind Band will be led by musician, ex-Rydal Penrhos parent and current school Governor, Clive Wolfendale.
The repertoire for newly-formed wind band is vast and highly flexible, encompassing bespoke, classical and popular arrangements. It will be possible to accommodate players of a ‘Grade 3’ standard (or equivalent) alongside more experienced musicians.
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. 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 prep@rydalpenrhos.com.
iPad Club
Prep pupils develop coding skills
One of the most successful initiatives implemented by Rydal Penrhos in recent years is providing free iPads for pupils to assist with their development in school and at home.
This is something that was a significant asset throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns and continues to be highly influential now things have returned to relative normalcy.
The school recognises the importance of reading and writing despite the ever-increasing digital age and the impact it’s having on modern society. Balancing the traditional with the progressive is all part of the comprehensive education Rydal Penrhos pupils receive and is sure to serve them well when they embark on university or the working world when the time comes.
Prep pupils have been benefitting enormously from iPad learning as part of their structured lessons and within the rich and varied extra-curricular provision provided.
The Prep iPad Club is available for pupils in Years 3-6 and has proven to be extremely popular since its inception. Those attending the activity take part in many exciting tasks designed to boost technical skills and expand digital knowledge through fun-filled individual and group challenges.
Another fine example of this came shortly before the half-term break, with pupils getting the opportunity to utilise an online coding programme centred on Lego models.
Using the Lego WeDo app via Bluetooth connection, pupils got to grips with the intricacies of coding under the expert supervision of staff to bring their very own Lego models to life.
This was another worthwhile exercise for the group, who applied their customary teamwork and determination to excel during the project.
A huge well done to all pupils involved and to the Rydal Penrhos staff who guided them every step of the way.
Community
Successful RNLI Fundraising Week held
Rydal Penrhos is proud to have a close association with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Something the school wanted to continue during the Lent Term after the annual Carol Service was cancelled due to COVID-19 health concerns, which normally raises a significant amount for the maritime charity.
The school put together a series of activities for a special RNLI Fundraising Week over the final few days of half-term, which concluded with a service at St John’s Church where generous donations were made by the Rydal Penrhos community.
A total of £432 was raised.
The service was led by the Rev'd Dr Rob Beamish, Chaplain of Rydal Penrhos, with Peter Weekend and Gary Pittaway attending as representatives of the RNLI.
In addition to the collection, the service was littered with colour thanks to painted pebbles, which were created by Prep and Senior pupils during a project with help from teaching staff Suzy Morris, Letitia Spencer, Louise Devilleforte and Mary Richardson.
These brought a fantastic response on social media and will now be moved to the RNLI’s state-of-the-art Lifeboat Station in Llandudno for the wide public to enjoy.
It proved to be a memorable week for all involved, which also included a visit from members of the RNLI Conwy and Llandudno water safety team for an Assembly that will live long in the memory of Prep pupils.
There was even a chance for younger pupils to role play in equipment worn by crew members.
Pupils in Years 3-8 will be participating in the RNLI’s ‘passport to water safety’ award as part of their timetabled sailing lessons later this year, which is a unique element of the curriculum at Rydal Penrhos that benefits our pupils enormously.
We would like to thank the school community for their generous donations and everyone that made our RNLI Week such a success.
Athletics
Jonathan back with a bang at North Wales Indoor Championships
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.
This is something that forms a key component behind their overall development and allows each pupil to test skills against other talented individuals and gain vital experience in a competitive environment.
Another pupil hit the ground running in his first taste of competition for quite some time recently, with Jonathan Osbourne turning in a performance of the highest quality at the North Wales Indoor Athletics Championships, which took place in Deeside.
The Year 11 pupil was representing Colwyn Bay Athletics Club at the event and Jonathan’s hard work during the preparation period enabled him to achieve two personal bests and surge up the Welsh U17 rankings in the process.
Jonathan turned in a fabulous effort in the Triple Jump to come away with a first-place finish, and he followed this up with another outstanding display to emerge victorious in the Long Jump event.
These two outstanding results saw Jonathan move up to No. 1 for U17 competitors across the country, which represents a significant achievement for a pupil that has developed his athletic prowess considerably during his time at Rydal Penrhos.
There was further cause for celebration in the 60-metre sprint, where Jonathan attained another personal-best time to cross the line in second place and round off an exceptional event overall for the youngster.
Reception Class
Pupils get creative at Piggery Pottery
Getting out and exploring the wonderful things North Wales has to offer is a key part of Rydal Penrhos’ comprehensive and outstanding education.
The school considers itself extremely fortunate to be situated in a beautiful part of the world, steeped in stunning landscapes and historical significance that proves highly beneficial in the development of pupils from Pre-School to Sixth Form.
Whether it’s developing key skills in an outdoor setting, testing limits on excursions or building character and friendships during residential trips, Rydal Penrhos’ outstanding staff are constantly looking for ways to use the school’s location to the advantage of each pupil under our care.
There was a great deal of excitement in the air within an enthusiastic Reception class just before the half-term break, who took a trip through the Snowdonia Mountains en route to Piggery Pottery, which is situated in Llanberis and arranged as part of their termly topic surrounding materials.
Piggery Pottery is a small, family-run business that hand-crafts an enormous range of beautiful pottery pieces, which pupils painted how they wished using their vivid imaginations to create designs they can treasure forever.
There were a host of activities to take part in throughout the day, including painting their own pot, pebble painting, canvas painting, mask painting and slate painting.
Each pupil received praise for their attitude and behaviour during the trip and got to take their creations home.
Trips like this are important for our young pupils, as it helps them get creative outside the classroom in a relaxed and friendly environment, which also boosts confidence in unfamiliar surroundings.
Our Reception classes thoroughly enjoyed the trip and everyone at Rydal Penrhos is very grateful to the staff at Piggery Pottery for making us feel so welcome.
Year 2
Science knowledge boosted at Xplore Centre
After a difficult two years due to COVID-19, things are now returning to normal and Rydal Penrhos pupils are resuming some important elements relating to their overall development.
Sporting fixtures are once again in full swing and eager learners are also benefitting from trips, outdoor education sessions and excursions under current guidelines implemented by the Welsh Government to enhance their extraordinary efforts inside the classroom.
These key factors have always formed a core part of the exceptional education provided by Rydal Penrhos, which constantly sees pupils young and old reach or even exceed their respective goals.
Year 2 pupils were the latest to boost the curriculum in an unfamiliar surrounding under the expert support of staff, with the group making an exciting trip to the Xplore Science Discovery Centre in Wrexham just before the half-term break.
The focus was of the trip was materials to go with Year 2’s impressive science work in class. The pupils watched a ‘Materials Magic Show’, took time exploring the different investigative stations and also participated in a thought-provoking ‘Humpty Dumpty‘ workshop.
For this, they worked in groups to create a soft landing for a raw egg using balloons, straws, sellotape, paper and string. Something that improved teamwork, communication and brought their science work to life with real-time experiments and adjustments where needed.
Once again, each pupil involved got a substantial amount out of the experience, acquired a wealth of new information and had plenty of fun in the process.
A huge thanks to the Xplore team for making us feel so welcome and to our pupils for representing the school in an exemplary fashion.
Alumni
Alex's NFL study featured in LA Times
We are always delighted to hear about our former pupils thriving once they leave Rydal Penrhos.
The exceptional education they receive leads many to go onto great things in the working world, in a sporting environment, or in other fields of interest that the school is incredibly proud of.
Alex Farnell, a former pupil at the school, received a surprise bit of good news when his university research surrounding discriminatory behaviour towards coaches in the NFL (American Football) was cited as a source in a recent opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times – one of the primary news outlets anywhere in the United States of America.
This subject is at the forefront of conversation in the US after former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL and all 32 teams, alleging racial discrimination in hiring processes across the league.
Alex, who is now a Sports Economist and Lecturer in Economics based in Ireland, delved into this complex topic during his time at the Lancaster University Management School for a paper entitled Race and Coaching Hierarchy: An Analysis of Hiring and Firing in the NFL alongside Dave Berri, Vincent O’Sullivan and Robert Simmons.
This outstanding and thorough study in 2021 was cited in a letter to the LA Times editor, which was published online on Sunday 13 February, which was the same day as the Super Bowl.
“While complete work performance can be challenging to measure and evaluate in any field, research has demonstrated that race is not correlated to performance. A 2021 study by sports economists at Lancaster University in England found that Black assistant coaches are as successful as their white counterparts.”
Flores is still in the legal process despite taking up a senior defensive position with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Alex, who is the son of long-serving staff member Mike Farnell, accomplished a significant amount during his time at Rydal Penrhos both academically and in a sporting environment.
He formally received his PhD from Lancaster University in August 2021 before embarking on his exciting role at Maynooth University.
Textiles
Mexican Hat project brings fantastic creations
As one of the leading independent schools in the North West, Rydal Penrhos strives to provide richness through a breadth of experience and depth of study to every pupil in a safe, happy environment where they can thrive.
The school’s exceptional teaching staff, led by Rydal Penrhos’ Senior Leadership Team, provide a balanced learning programme that caters to a wide range of abilities and interests. We care for the individual and are able to tailor the curriculum to suit diverse needs.
Our curriculum also allows for increased choice and specialisation as pupils move through the school, which is constantly monitored by staff to ensure our pupils reach and exceed their goals consistently.
This not only brings exceptional examination results at A Level and GCSE, but it also gives pupils the confidence to know they are flourishing through hard work and the opportunities available.
Inspiring creativity forms a big part of a successful education, something that was further highlighted within a special Year 7 and 8 textiles and art project centring on Mexican Hats under the expert guidance of teacher Suzy Morris.
The project involved studying the various differences between Mexican culture and the more traditional before pupils got to grips with skills such as weaving, embroidery, applique and applying felt by designing and creating their very own hats.
It was a project that provoked some fantastic discussion and outstanding final creations for the group, who proudly wore their new hats upon completion.
Another job well done from our enthusiastic pupils, who are constantly building key skills in and out of the classroom, broadening their horizons at every possible opportunity provided by our staff team.
Video
Prep iPad Club's coding challenge
GCSE Revision Courses
Additional information
As you are likely aware, the Welsh Government have said that public examinations will return this summer following a two-year hiatus.
Sitting public examinations for the first time is an exciting but nervous time in a young person’s life, as their work over the years culminates in a crucial set of assessments. Rydal Penrhos would like to offer our GCSE pupils the best possible support as they enter the final stages of preparation before the exam season begins.
As such, the school is launching a program of Easter GCSE Revision Courses for the first time.
As a Rydal Penrhos GCSE candidate, your child is invited to attend our Revision Courses from Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 April at no additional cost. Each day will be dedicated to one of the core subjects; Monday will focus on English Language, Tuesday on Science and Wednesday on Maths. Each day features eight hours of distraction-free study and lessons alongside food and drinks breaks.
Your child can attend all three days or choose one or two. If you would like to register, please sign up using the SchoolsBuddy app. More information about the Revision Courses is available on our website.
In recent times, the school has looked to open up our facilities and resources to local communities, given the immense mutual benefit of sharing our school with the world.
With this in mind, Rydal Penrhos have decided to run a set of parallel events for external children and young people from across the area, at a very competitive price. These events will run simultaneously but separately from those planned for our own pupils and will in no way interfere with one another.
We are excited to introduce this new element to our outstanding educational provision. If you have any questions about the Revision Courses, please contact admissions@rydalpenrhos.com.
