The RP Weekly: 27 November 2020
The digital weekly newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School.
The RP Weekly
27 November 2020
Senior School
Year 8 and 9 pupils reflect on positive changes
A pupil perspective on a term of positive changes at Rydal Penrhos.
It has been an exciting term full of positive changes at Rydal Penrhos. The school has worked exceptionally hard to ensure that each pupil continues to get the most out of their education despite ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19, which is the result of considerable planning and execution from teaching and support staff in equal measure.
This has been boosted by some significantly positive curriculum changes, an exciting extra-curricular provision and an after-school clubs programme that has captured the imagination of senior school pupils.
Ceylin Buckley - Year 8
"In my opinion, the clubs are a cleverly thought out program, you are surrounded by a friendly environment and can’t help but laugh your socks off!
"They are an incredibly important part of education because they cause you to wind down at the end of the day and have some rest. Sometimes you can even have some sort of fitness to wake you up."
Rydal Penrhos has also managed to prevent learning loss in its pupils during the first and fire-break lockdown periods. This includes providing regular lessons remotely for every year group, giving Sixth Formers online courses regarding university preparation, an outdoor education provision that continues to thrive and thought-provoking homework activities under the guidance and support of staff.
Keira Luke - Year 8
"Lessons are given to us in a way that is interesting, understandable and challenging at the same time. Homework helps us re-consolidate what we learned in class and is easy to keep track of through Show My Homework.
"Outdoor Ed teaches us loads on how to navigate and more whilst also letting us have fun and work as a team with our classmates."
Perhaps the most exciting improvement to educational standards has been the introduction of free Generation 8 iPads for every pupil in Years 3-13. This is something that is already benefitting them in a classroom environment and can be used during remote learning in the event of further lockdown measures.
Finlay Perry - Year 8
"I really like the addition of the iPads to our learning toolkit. The selection of self-service apps is brilliant. The features that we are allowed to use have also been brilliant.
"I love the fact that we can use all the functions, such as wallpaper, widgets and home screen customisation. The shortcuts app is also a good inclusion.
Also, I think the self-service apps are good, some of the best ones are:
- The streaming apps
- Duolingo
- Kahoot!
- Py
Arun Ramesh - Year 9
"The iPads are really useful in lessons as we can now more easily do teamwork (because we can share documents) and if we are using OneNote the teachers are able to remotely help us from their iPad.
"I don't really use the iPad at home unless we have work set directly set on them, as I think it's a lot easier working on a PC."
iPads
The benefits to education
What benefits come from Rydal Penrhos’ free iPad initiative for every pupil in Years 3-13 regarding their education?
Technology is becoming more and more evident and relevant throughout education. Children can be incredibly tech-savvy if given a platform from which to thrive and this is going to benefit them enormously when the time comes for them to take their place at university or in the working world.
This has become especially evident throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Pupils and staff at Rydal Penrhos were forced to learn and teach from home during the lockdown measures earlier this year, so it was more essential than ever that they were given the tools needed to do so.
We recognised this fully at Rydal Penrhos, implementing a strategy that gave every pupil from Years 3-13 a free Generation 8 iPad, which will boost their learning in and out of the classroom, in addition to allowing normal lessons to continue in the event of further lockdown measures.
Here are just some ways in which iPads and modern technology benefit a child’s education.
Microsoft Teams
This platform, used by many businesses and the vast majority of universities is our chosen remote learning platform at Rydal Penrhos. Remote Learning Lessons can be streamed on the iPad, resources can be accessed, assignments set and handed in. MS Teams links to One Note and provides each pupil with a place to organise revision notes, hand-outs, classwork, prep and more.
One Note
Through OneNote, teachers are able to see a pupil’s work real-time and interact with the document that the pupil is working on. This is particularly useful during the current climate. It gives the teacher the power to write on pupil work, highlight strengths and weaknesses, correct it, and more in real-time from a safe distance.
Pupils can also save their prep work and classwork on One Note. Teaching staff can share a whole host of resources including PowerPoints, textbooks, notes, web links, videos and more.
Individualised learning
In class, pupils can be guided by teaching staff to watch helpful videos, read extra notes, see exemplar work, use educational apps etc that will really help them make progress by attending to their individual needs. For example, there are a number of Coding apps that will help pupils move to the next level in Computer Studies, which is just one small element of the exceptional education provided at Rydal Penrhos.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality apps can be used to bring a life-size Mummy in an Egyptian coffin or the Rosetta Stone into the classroom in history. A frog can be dissected and viewed whilst the lungs continue to inflate and deflate (with no frogs harmed during the process). In Mathematics graphs can be explored in greater detail, 3D objects such as Klein’s bottle can be placed on the desk and brought to life in the classroom.
Pupil Engagement at Rydal Penrhos
There are a number of exciting educational quiz apps that are used in lessons. The pupils really enjoy using these apps and the teaching staff are able to quickly see the strengths and weaknesses of each pupil.
Pupils can use iMovie to present their understanding of a piece of work, Garage Band is used in music and the excellent interval timer is being used by pupils both in PE and at home.
The iPad can also be used as a fantastic mini whiteboard. Teachers can select pupils’ work and share it with the class or the class can collaborate on the same piece of work.
In class and at home pupils have instant access to the many educational websites that many such as MathsWatchVLE, Dr Frost and ActiveLearn. The inclusion of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint means that every pupil has access to these resources in every lesson. There is no longer a need to book the Rydal Penrhos IT suite. These are all available for every pupil, every lesson.
Attendance
Bucking a concerning national trend
The BBC have reported about a “collapse in secondary school attendance” and that last week figures nationally saw more than one in five pupils absent, that is 22 per cent of the secondary school population.
Here at Rydal Penrhos, we had 92.8% attendance in the same week – an absence of just 7.2% – and have not dropped close to the 78% attendance rate reported nationally on any week since half term.
The school has adapted so thoroughly to the challenges that the pandemic has posed and we want to take this opportunity to thank the staff, pupils and parents for everything they are doing to keep the community safe and prevent the risk of infection.
Our hearts go out to pupils who have been in and out of some schools all year and who when home have found it nigh on impossible to study, quite often without access to internet and devices to make this possible.
Able to adapt quickly and with flexibility, we were able to teach remotely almost immediately from the first lockdown, a provision which has now been enhanced (should the need arise) with the upgrading of our school server and free Generation 8 iPads being given to each and every teacher and pupil from Years 3-13.
Executive Principal John Waszek, said: “Our priority is always our children and young people and their education and mental health and well being and there is no better place for them to be than in school in the classroom.
“Should the need arise (and we sincerely hope we maintain our attendance and it doesn’t) that we make the home learning experience as close as possible to that in school both in terms of education and health and wellbeing particularly in regard to social interaction.
“This generation of pupils or the “covid generation” as they are being called cannot be allowed to slip through the net and suffer the lifelong consequences that a loss of learning brings.”
Ewan Luke
A Sixth Form success story!
Ewan Luke spent the entirety of his education at Rydal Penrhos, joining as a Reception pupil back in 2007 and is another exceptional example of what can be achieved with the opportunities on offer.
The 2019 leaver became a valuable part of the Rydal Penrhos community who seemed to thrive at everything he attempted. This not only saw Ewan achieve a considerable amount from an academic perspective but also secure plenty of national recognition in a sporting environment.
Ewan – who was also appointed House Captain during his final year as a Sixth Former – dedicated himself to his studies superbly throughout his time at the school under the guidance and support of the school’s outstanding teaching staff.
This eventually saw the former pupil gain impressive A Level results that secured his place at the University of Cardiff, where he is studying Engineering.
His exploits as part of Rydal Penrhos’ RYA Accredited Sailing Centre also brought some incredible accolades, with Ewan progressing through the RYA Cymru Wales youth squads all the way up to a Team GB selection alongside fellow pupil Zac Blomeley. Indeed his success at regional, national and international competitions has given him the reputation as one of the brightest young prospects in the country.
Ewan’s sporting success did not finish on the water. He was a prominent member of the school’s first XV rugby side and was part of landmark tours to Japan and Spain that proved extremely worthwhile for everyone involved.
His hockey talent also contributed significantly to Rydal Penrhos securing Welsh Schools’ Championships at both U16 and U18 level, which further added to the school’s rich history of achievements from a sporting perspective.
Ewan was also on hand to provide support and guidance to younger members of the Rydal Penrhos community in his role as Peer Mentor and he can look back on his time at the school with an enormous sense of pride.
Wish you were here!
Prep's special message to parents
Wish you were here…
Parents evening took on a bit of a twist this term with COVID-19 restrictions preventing the event from taking place in its normal format at Rydal Penrhos Prep School this term.
Quick to adapt in the face of adversity and always done with a sense of humour and a lightness of touch the Rydal Penrhos’ hard-working staff and pupils put together something to tell each parent how much they are missed and outlining their excitement about welcoming them back on-site once some semblance of normality resumes in the coming months.
A message from the Prep School, reads: “It’s so quiet by our front desk, parents’ evenings are not the same online…we miss you and look forward to a time when you can come into school again.
“We thought we would send you some photos of our latest work on display around the classes and corridors! We have all been working very hard, whether this is with our iPads or whether it is sitting around a table discussing our learning.
“Our school looks just as exciting and lovely as ever.
“Best wishes from all of the Staff and Pupils.”
This has been a difficult time for everyone, but Rydal Penrhos has strived to ensure the school remains as normal as possible and enable each child to thrive in a safe, happy and nurturing environment.
Rydal Penrhos introduced free iPads for pupils in Years 3-13 to boost their learning in and out of the classroom, with those below Year 3 also able to utilize them in school.
Exciting outdoor education schemes such as Coastal School, Forest School and Sport are still going on amid social distancing guidelines, with the school’s swimming pool also resuming sessions earlier this month.
We would like to thank all pupils, staff and families for their cooperation during an unprecedented period of disruption and as the postcard states, the school cannot wait to have you back when it is safe to do so.
You can view the message here: https://rydalpenrhos.turtl.co/story/wish-you-were-here/
Prep School
Reception-Year 5 hold Prize Giving
Prize Winners 2019-2020 – Reception to Year 5
There were also three special prizes given out in each class:
The Form Prize - for the pupil who best embodied the Rydal Penrhos characteristic of striving to do the best they can in every single way.
The Academic Prize – for the pupil who had the highest average scores across all subjects.
The Progress Prize – for the pupil who made the most academic progress during the school Year.
Well done to all of the pupils who received certificates and a particular mention should go to:
- Reception - Form Prize – Megan Roberts
- Reception – Academic Prize – Eleanor Llewellyn
- Reception – Progress Prize – Josie Pittaway
- Year 1 - Form Prize – Camilla Simmons
- Year 1 – Academic Prize – Hania Ffowcs Williams
- Year 1 – Progress Prize – Oliver Craig
- Year 2 - Form Prize – Angus De Ferranti
- Year 2 – Academic Prize – Hannah Pittaway
- Year 2 – Progress Prize - Svaksh Singam
- Year 3 - Form Prize – Freddie Griffin
- Year 3 – Academic Prize – Ella Ffowcs Williams
- Year 3 – Progress Prize - Ella Craig
- Year 4 - Form Prize – Kenzie Livingstone
- Year 4 – Academic Prize – Eryn Mart
- Year 4 – Progress Prize - Charlie Lister-Brookes
- Year 5 - Form Prize – Amelie Skinner
- Year 5 – Academic Prize – Noah Roberts
- Year 5 – Progress Prize - Lewis Jellicoe
A full gallery can be found here.
Football
Year 9 praised for progress
Embracing the Beautiful Game at Rydal Penrhos.
At a time when so many social and activity-based pursuits are restricted our Year 9’s are absolutely loving their extra-curricular football, held on Monday afternoons.
Led by Dean Jones, who is the school’s Communications Manager and a qualified coach, he says: “They’ve been really attentive over their first two sessions and I am already starting to see some real progress.
“We are working with in-game situational methods under strict COVID-19 guidelines rather than your stereotypical team drills.
"Integrating various stipulations that are designed to improve specific areas such as passing, movement and space awareness really gets each pupil thinking and improves their communication in the process.
“They’ve taken everything on board impressively so far, having a lot of fun and learning plenty in the process.”
The coaching sessions are being held in accordance with the Football Association of Wales guidelines surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Rydal Penrhos has been at the forefront of COVID-19 precautions that enables each pupil to continue receiving the best education possible during an unprecedented period of disruption.
This has seen normal lessons take place under lockdown restrictions on two occasions this year and although Rydal Penrhos is not yet authorised to hold sporting fixtures, there is still plenty to enjoy in the form of hockey, football, and outdoor education.
Rydal Penrhos has also resumed swimming sessions under strict safety measures, which is another significant boost for both Prep and Senior pupils.
All pupils from Pre-School through to Year 9 will receive a weekly swimming lesson as part of recent curriculum changes implemented.
RP during COVID-19
Outdoor Education thrives
Rydal Penrhos has strived to ensure that high educational standards are maintained despite the ongoing concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
The school’s COVID-19 response team, together with teaching and support staff, have gone to extreme lengths to put every necessary precautions and safety measures in place so that Rydal Penrhos pupils young and old can continue getting the most out of their education – benefitting from the wealth of academic and extra-curricular opportunities on offer.
We know education extends beyond the classroom and Rydal Penrhos’ exceptional outdoor education provision makes the most out of the school’s stunning location on the North Wales coast and has been a key component behind building additional skills that stand each child in good stead for later life.
It is evident right from the start of their school journey and continues all the way to the end.
In Pre-School, children enjoy the Coastal School scheme, which incorporates topical work from the classroom through various problem-solving methods along the picturesque Colwyn Bay coastline.
This is something that proved highly beneficial for the pupils and follows on from the Forest School sessions enjoyed by all year groups at the Prep School site.
Although things might look a little different from a social distancing perspective during the popular outdoor learning initiative, staff continue to come up with fun and exciting ways to get the most out of their time in the forest.
At the senior school, Year 7 and 8’s weekly outdoor education lessons remain in place, which is one of the real highlights of their weekly timetable and is a welcome boost to the curriculum.
Another outstanding element of the provision provided by Rydal Penrhos is the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which has achieved a substantial amount of success in recent years with many pupils going on to secure their coveted Gold Award and secure a trip to Buckingham Palace to receive their distinction.
Certain expeditions did have to be postponed during the lockdown measures earlier this year, but programme co-ordinator Dr Jim Lewis devised a plan once the academic year began to make sure candidates across all Award levels continue their progress with minimal disruption.
Outdoor Education is a cornerstone of the incredible education provided at Rydal Penrhos, boosting health and wellbeing in the process during an unprecedented period of disruption for the entire school community.
Mrs Davies
Thoughts from the Prep School
Rydal Penrhos Prep School head Lucy Davies returns with her weekly thoughts after another busy few days across the site.
Children do tend to set a great score on how old they are…birthdays are huge milestones in so many ways.
It’s been an interesting aspect of the whole Rydal Penrhos Prep School doing a daily challenge in the past few weeks – how much should we adapt the challenge to allow for age difference?
The photograph shows a Year 4 class attempting one of the challenge balances earlier this week, a couple of wobbles but all managed fine.
The situation was quite different with pupils in Reception who are four years younger!
Let’s just say that we needed quite a bit of space to accommodate the wobbling!
An age-related conversation overheard in the corridor outside my office earlier this week:
- 4 year old: Stop running (shouted whilst running)
- 3 year old: You stop running (shouted whilst running)
- 4 year old: I’m allowed to run (hands on hips, stopped by my open door)
- 3 year old: I’m allowed to run too (copying hands on hips and general ‘I know better than you’ stance)
- 4 year old: No you’re not (wagging finger, going a bit red, could be because of the running, might be in anger)
- 3 year old: Why? (looking pensive)
- 4 year old: Because you’re not four (looking triumphant)
Pause in conversation, the rest of the class catch up…
- Teacher: Oh, there you are, did you two run down this corridor?
- 4 year old and 3 year old: No (spoken very loudly, without hesitation)
- Teacher: How did you get down here so quickly? (stern look)
- 3 year old: He ran because he’s allowed (innocent look)
- Teacher: Oh, why’s that? (genuinely interested)
- 3 year old: Because he’s four!
The four-year-old looked slightly puzzled, realising that he may have scored a metaphorical own goal (or been ‘busted’ in four-year-old language!)
Somehow the difference between 25 and 26 or 42 and 43 doesn’t seem to hold quite the same gravitas as that between a three and four year old.
Does that mean that we mark the passage of time more or less as we grow older?
When exactly do we stop looking forward to getting one year older?
Maybe we shouldn’t stop, maybe we should value the wisdom, experience and permission to run down the corridor!
Mrs L Davies
Head of Rydal Penrhos Prep School
Stars of the week
-
Reception – Albert
- Year 1 – Vihaan
- Year 2 – Hania
- Year 3 – Eglantine
- Year 4 – Oscar
- Year 5 – Jensen
- Year 6 – Felix
Artist of the Week
Archie-Glyn
Senior School Assessment Day
Register your place now!
For external candidates, there will be an
ASSESSMENT DAY
For Year 7, 8, 9, 10 entry for September 2021
on Saturday 6 February 2021
at 09:00
By appointment only
To book your place contact 01492 530155.
admissions@rydalpenrhos.com
Book Online here
Internal candidates do not need to attend
