The RP Weekly: 26 August 2022
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School - 26 August 2022 edition.
The RP Weekly
26 August 2022
GCSE Results 2022
Outstanding results achieved
Rydal Penrhos is enormously proud of its Year 11 pupils for their ability to cope with ever-changing circumstances. The school has endeavoured to assist every step of the way, with many experiencing examination settings for the first time after a significant period of disruption relating to COVID-19.
This is reflected in the development of pupils across all year groups, but especially those participating in assessments for A Level and GCSE under the expert guidance and support of the school’s teaching and support staff, who went above and beyond the call of duty to provide each candidate with everything they needed in pursuit of high exam performance.
Their commitment has paid off with some outstanding results this summer, enhanced by Year 11’s GCSE marks released on Thursday 25 August.
Rydal Penrhos is thrilled to announce that 37 per cent of GCSE candidates secured A* (9-8) grades, with 57% falling in the A*-A (9-7) category as a result of their exceptional efforts.
This far exceeds the national average in Wales for those with A*-A grades, which stands at 25.1%.
The number of pupils securing pass rates from A*-B or 9-6 was 81%. A total of 97% of all grades were A*-C or 9-4, which far eclipses the national average in Wales of 68.6%.
John Waszek, Executive Principal of Rydal Penrhos, said: “A strong cohort supported by some really dedicated teaching has once again resulted in some exceptional marks at GCSE. Something that everyone at Rydal Penrhos is immensely proud of.
“It’s been a difficult period of transition for our pupils, who had little experience of performing in an examination environment before this year. Thankfully, they rose to the occasion and our teaching staff ensured they were fully prepared not only during their studies, but also with preparation methods, revision techniques, and how best to relax in a pressurised setting.
“This also included a GCSE Revision Week that was open to others across the community at a critical time. Congratulations to our Year 11 on their success and to the families that supported them at every turn.”
GCSE Results 2022
Individual highlights aplenty
The resolve displayed by pupils across all age groups has been nothing short of incredible in recent years. Whether it was coping with lockdowns, adapting to online learning or adjusting to normality once again, Rydal Penrhos remains enormously proud of everything they have and continue to accomplish.
This has been further reflected this month with exceptional examination results, adding to the school’s rich and proud history of academic progress and achievements. This is especially significant this year, which is the first time pupils have sat exams since COVID-19 restrictions were eased by the Welsh Government.
No fewer than 37 per cent of GCSE candidates secured A* (9-8) grades, with 57% of marks falling in the A*-A (9-7) category as a result of their exceptional efforts.
This far exceeds the national average in Wales for those with A*-A grades, which stands at 25.1%.
The number of pupils securing pass rates from A*-B or 9-6 was 81%. A total of 97% of all grades were A*-C or 9-4, which far eclipses the national average in Wales of 68.6%.
There were a host of individual triumphs, with Lily Davies among the top performer after gaining seven A* grades, four 9s and a Distinction in Additional Mathematics.
Another pupil with plenty to celebrate was Ruby Merrick, who secured four A*’s, five 9s and an A grade, with Kosi Iwobi also shining after attaining seven A*s, one 9, one A, a Distinction in Additional Mathematics, and Distinction 2 in Engineering.
Jonathan Osbourne, who combines his studies with North Wales Athletics training, was rewarded in fine style with four A*s, two 9s, two 8s, a Distinction in Additional Mathematics and Distinction 2 in Engineering. It was a similar story for Leo Weis thanks to outstanding academic development, which led to three A*s, two 9s, two As and a Distinction in Additional Mathematics.
Others to achieve success were Martha Hind (4 A*s, three 9s, A, 8, Distinction), Prune Chasteau ( 5 A*s, two 9s, 2As, 8, Distinction), Edward Altoft (3 A*s, 2As, three 8s, Distinction), Gwyn Davies (A*, 3As, 9, two 8s, 7), Emily Jones (3 A*s, 4 As, 8, Distinction), Fayeth Jones (5 As), Zac Roberts (2 A*s, 9, A, 7, Distinction), Ada Vonbank (A*, two 9s, A, 8, three Bs) and Ivo Vonbank (3 A*s, 3 As, 9, two 8s, Distinction).
A massive congratulations to every single Year 11 pupil and to the Rydal Penrhos staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the group reached or exceeded their goals.
Sailing
Fflur shines at RS Games World Championships Weymouth
Sailing has been at the heart of life at Rydal Penrhos for more than 60 years. It allows our pupils to build confidence on the water and gain new skills as part of the school’s specialist centre, which is officially accredited by the Royal Yachting Association.
The school’s stunning location, proximity to the seafront and the opportunity to partake in water sports across the Colwyn Bay coastline offers a significant benefit to the delivery of an outstanding Outdoor Education programme.
This is something that remains hugely popular, with many pupils competing at events across the country and earning selections to national and Team GB level squads as a result of their exceptional efforts.
One such pupil making a name for herself is Fflur Pierce, who turned in a starring effort at the recent RS Games World Championships Weymouth, a prestigious competition that featured some of the brightest young sailors from across the continent.
Fflur has risen through the ranks since taking up the sport as a youngster, with his latest accomplishment adding to her growing list of accolades in a competitive setting.
A rousing effort from the pupil saw Fflur secure third place in the Girls’ RS Tera Pro World Championships, which represents a monumental achievement in the face of some high-calibre competitors.
She followed this up by demonstrating plenty of resolve in the Silver Fleet RS Feva World Championships, where Fflur finished 18th overall after narrowly missing out on the Gold Fleet following a broken shroud and bent mast that caused her to miss two crucial races.
This was Fflur’s first time competing in double-handed sailing and bodes well for her future prospects. The pupil has already set her sights on next year’s World Championships in Tuscany.
Petrina Blomeley, who is Sailing Principal of Rydal Penrhos, said: “Fflur is a super role model for our sailors and this magnificent success is especially encouraging for our novice female sailors to see.”
Suhas Shekar
Exceptional A Level grades result in major change
We could not be prouder of our Year 13 group for another superb set of A Level results, which were a testament to the hard work put in by the pupils and staff who guided them expertly throughout their studies.
This was the first time many of them had sat exams due to COVID-19 restrictions, with Rydal Penrhos focusing heavily on preparation, revision and monitoring to ensure they were fully prepared for the challenge.
64.2 per cent attained a pass rate at A*-A, with 37.78% securing A* grades thanks to their commitment and the impeccable techniques and tips 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.
One of the most heart-warming stories that emerged from the 2022 cohort surrounded Suhas Shekar, who joined Rydal Penrhos as a Year 7 pupil and concluded his time at the school with a jaw-dropping set of grades that didn’t go unnoticed by a leading university in the region.
Suhas was rewarded for his outstanding commitment with three A* grades in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics to go along with his A in Economics at AS Level.
After originally opting to take a GAP year, Suhas’ path changed upon receiving a call from the University of Liverpool. They were so impressed by his results that they offered him a coveted place to study Dentistry this year, which is extremely rare and something he accepted.
This rounds off a hugely successful time at Rydal Penrhos for Suhas, who was part of the school team that attained a prestigious victory in an Enterprise Challenge set by Lancaster University School of Management and also formed part of the contingent that secured an exceptional triumph in a national online competition set by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
He is also in the final stages of completing his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and gained headlines as a young pupil by securing four wickets from as many balls in front of former England international Andrew Flintoff on New Field.
Gallery
GCSE Results Day 2022
