The RP Weekly: 29 October 2021

The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School.

The RP Weekly

29 October 2021

Sixth Form

Information Evening - Thursday 25 November

SIXTH FORM INFORMATION EVENING

We warmly invite you to our Sixth Form Information Evening on Thursday 25 November from 5-7.30pm.

Once you have registered an interest, we will confirm a time for your meeting. It is important that we allow you the time and attention you need as a family with our key staff to consider the Sixth Form here at Rydal Penrhos.

It will all be conducted with consideration of COVID-19 safety protocols.

There has never been a better time to become part of the Rydal Penrhos Sixth Form community. The school recently celebrated its best-ever A Level results, with a total of 70.5% attaining a pass rate at A*-A, which represents an increase of 20.3% year on year.

Those achieving A*-B grades stood at 84.1% – a rise of 9.9% – with 92% of pupils achieving A*-C grades as a result of their efforts.

This is an increase of 2.1% from the record-breaking A*-C mark set in 2020.

Rydal Penrhos’ pass rate (A*-E) remains at 100%, which is the seventh time since 2000 that the school has achieved this feat.

The mean number of subjects passed per candidate was 3.14.

Our ability to get the most out of each pupil brought an incredible ‘value-added’ score of 1.04. This means for every ten subjects taken, all of them came out with one grade higher than originally predicted.

To book, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com, call 01492 530155 or use our online form.

Fitness Suite

Refurbishment benefitting all

One thing that truly sets Rydal Penrhos apart is the school’s constant desire to improve the provision for our pupils as part of our long-term strategic development plan.

This is something that’s brought a significant amount of success both academically and through the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities available. Rydal Penrhos is not a school that stands still and our Senior Leadership Team, together with the Governing Body, have worked exceptionally hard in recent years to form a clear, concise plan to improve all areas of the campus.

This is done with the sole purpose of putting our pupils first and ensuring they get the most out of their education with us. Something that’s seen a significant rise in pupil numbers despite the recent challenges surrounding COVID-19.

Our facilities also played a substantial part in making Rydal Penrhos a safe, happy place where pupils can thrive, achieve or even exceed their goals. The school has a number of exciting projects in place to reinvigorate the campus, with the refurbishment of the impressive Fitness Suite also proving beneficial for pupils and staff alike.

The school’s staff worked tirelessly throughout the summer on improving the popular area, knocking down the wall between the previous Performance Centre and the Dance Studio to create a spacious setting with state-of-the-art equipment such as rowing machines, free and machine weights, exercise/peloton bikes and other impressive tools to increase conditioning.

Nicky Head, who is the Head of Physical Education at Rydal Penrhos, said: “This has already become a hugely popular facility and we’ve witnessed a surge of pupils using the Fitness Suite since the work to renovate it was completed.

“Not only does this enhance performance during sporting fixtures and other competitions for our aspiring athletes, but it also keeps our pupils focused inside the classroom and improves their overall wellbeing and mental health.

“Our sporting achievements are something everyone at Rydal Penrhos remains enormously proud of. Our new Fitness Suite will ensure this continues long into the future.”

Reception

STEM studies enhanced at Welsh Mountain Zoo

Our Reception class are just beginning their journey through education. Rydal Penrhos’ desire to provide a safe, happy environment for pupils to thrive is no more evident with the school’s youngest learners, who are curious, enthusiastic and supported by an exceptional group of staff.

STEM is much more than just science and mathematics concepts. The focus of hands-on learning with real-world applications helps develop a child or young person’s ability to think outside of the box, to project manage different scenarios, it enhances creativity and enables pupils to be more prepared for the 21st-century working environment.

Other skills attained through STEM learning include problem-solving, real-time thinking, igniting curiosity, promoting leadership and perhaps most importantly, learning from mistakes and reacting accordingly.

This is something the school implements into the curriculum from a very early age. Another example of this was when Reception enhanced their STEM studies at a prominent North Wales tourist attraction before the half-term break.

The group – supervised by staff – paid a visit to the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, which is situated just a short distance from Rydal Penrhos and is utilised heavily by the school to aid development outside of the classroom.

Before their trip, pupils made their very own paper mache pumpkins during STEM lessons over a four-week period, using flour and water before painting the popular Halloween accessories.

Upon arriving at the zoo, they descended on the education room where they cut the lids off their “pumpkins” and filled them with straw before taking them to the Meerkat enclosure.

The pumpkins were then filled with mealworms and placed in the enclosure, which saw the Meerkats forage for some tasty treats much to the excitement of the entire Reception class.

There was time for the pupils to see other animals such as Tigers and the new Snow Leopard enclosure as well as enjoy a packed lunch and have lots of fun in the zoo’s play area.

Great work, Reception!

Gallery

Osborn Hall work nears completion

Hockey

Trio called up to North Wales regional squads

Rydal Penrhos has a rich and proud history of success in a sporting environment.

This bears special significance in Hockey, with the school developing a large number of Welsh youth internationals over the years and winning multiple Welsh Schools National Championships over the last decade.

This is something the school takes great pride in. Sport and physical exercise remain a huge part of the day-to-day activities throughout Rydal Penrhos, which makes the most of some exceptional facilities and promotes positive wellbeing in the process.

There was further cause for celebration just before the half-term break, with three pupils earning call ups to North Wales regional hockey squads after impressing considerably during the trial process.

Eve Durrans and Lily Davies will represent the region at U16 level, which is the latest in a series of outstanding accolades for the Year 11 duo.

Both pupils have been part of the Hockey Wales 360˚ programme in Colwyn Bay in recent years, which is an essential component of the organisation’s talent development pathway, helping support and develop aspiring stars to achieve their potential.

Eve and Lily were both nominated for a Wales National Age Group level squad thanks to their outstanding progress within the initiative. This resulted in them attending a Hockey Wales U16 assessment event at Malvern College.

Rounding off the Rydal Penrhos success was Elsi Pyves, who was successful in earning a place on the North Wales U18 squad, something she worked incredibly hard to achieve.

The North Wales hockey squads have already begun training in readiness for some upcoming fixtures, which also includes a prestigious inter-counties tournament in Lancashire later this year.

On behalf of everyone at Rydal Penrhos, we would like to congratulate Elsi, Eve and Lily and their squad selections.

Pre-School

A fond farewell to Mrs Riley

Rydal Penrhos is indebted to its staff team. They are constantly going above and beyond the call of duty, striving to ensure that pupils young and old reach or even exceed their goals on a daily basis.

The school is enormously proud of our close-knit community. Small class sizes and a high teacher-pupil ratio ensure that our staff get to know the individual, their characteristics and what inspires them to build a successful education for each specific child.

Not only this, but our support staff are always on hand to lend a helping hand every step of the way, whether that be inside the classroom or during the wealth of extra-curricular activities on offer across the campus.

We were sad to bid a fond farewell to one of these staff members before the half-term break, with Debbie Riley deciding to step down from her role within Rydal Penrhos’ Pre-School department to spend more time with her family.

Debbie has worked at the school for seven years and for most of this time she was a matron at Edwards Boarding House. She was very popular with all of the girl boarders for her calm, patient and approachable manner.

With Rydal Penrhos transitioning to a day school, Debbie joined the thriving Pre-School department and instantly became a huge hit with children, providing them with care and a solid foundation from which to progress throughout their time with us.

I recognition of her outstanding dedication to Rydal Penrhos, Pre-School children made special good luck and thank you cards for Mrs Riley during the final week of half term.

Staff also presented Mrs Riley with a card and some beautiful flowers expressing how much she will be missed.

We send our very best wishes to Debbie as she leaves education to spend more time with her family. Everyone at Rydal Penrhos appreciates all your hard work and will miss you.

Matilda the Musical Jr.

Cast announced for Dramatic Society production

Rydal Penrhos has wowed audiences over the years with some Dramatic Society plays and musicals that have formed a key component of the school’s illustrious history regarding the performing arts.

These productions are always one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the calendar, with the likes of To Kill a Mockingbird, Annie the Musical and Les Miserables becoming spectacles that will live long in the memory and a real showcase of confidence.

Although concerts, performances and sporting fixtures were put on hold due to COVID-19 and safety precautions, the school was quick to put a comprehensive schedule of normal occasions once restrictions were lifted, something that’s been prevalent throughout the autumn term.

Among these is the upcoming Rydal Penrhos Dramatic Society (Years 7-13) production of Matilda the Musical Jr., which will take place from 1-3 December and excitement is building significant for what is sure to be yet another outstanding experience for all involved.

Matilda is being held a little earlier than usual performances, with the change giving pupils more time to focus on examinations during the spring term and also allowing every year group an opportunity to participate.

Matilda was originally a book created by legendary children’s author Roald Dahl in 1988 before becoming a feature film in 1996 and transformed into a stage musical in 2010.

The story itself centres on Matilda, who shares a home with her parents and brother, who do not appreciate her. When the Principal tortures her and her kind-hearted teacher, she uses her telekinetic powers to settle scores.

This promises to be another outstanding production that everyone at Rydal Penrhos is very much looking forward to later this year.

The cast has been announced and rehearsals and now well underway. Anyone looking to book their ticket can do so by visiting this link.

Matilda the Musical Jr. Cast – Wednesday and Friday

MATILDA – Tilly Trueman
LAVENDER – Isla Williams Anderson
AMANDA – Emily Nurse
ALICE – April Williams
HORTENSIA – Safa Maqsood
BRUCE – Finlay Perry
NIGEL – Oakley Calvert
TOMMY – Charlie Sutton
ERIC – Raphael Commissaris
BIG KID ONE – Perry Williams
BIG KID TWO – Phoebe Wood
MISS HONEY – Bella Rutherford
MS TRUNCHBALL – Tristan Martin
MR WORMWOOD – Saul Sugarman
MRS WORMWOOD – Darcie Harker-Weston
MICHAEL – Gabriel Speakman
MS PHLEPS – Jasmin Lewis
RUDOLPHO – Gregor Perry
ACROBAT – Fayeth Jones
ESCAPOLOGIST – David Tate
SERGI – Perry Williams
COOK – Jack Yelling
MECHANIC – Clarence Chasteau

ENSEMBLE

Abigail Oliver-Williams
Carys Evans
Lewis Jellicoe
Violet Roberts
Rana Abou-Samra
Emily Jones
Lucy Ranales-Griffiths
Tillie Bennett
Ffion Hughes
Noah Lewis

TECH TEAM

Arthur Hind
Ellise Wallace
Jacob Wilkinson
Will McLaughlin
Josh Williams
Aaron Sherrington

Matilda the Musical Jr. Cast – Wednesday Matinee and Thursday

MATILDA – Violet Roberts
LAVENDER – Rana Abou-Samra
AMANDA – Emily Jones
ALICE – Lucy Ranales-Griffiths
HORTENSIA – Tillie Bennett
BRUCE – Finlay Perry
NIGEL – Oakley Calvert
TOMMY – Charlie Sutton
ERIC – Raphael Commissaris
BIG KID ONE – Perry Williams
BIG KID TWO – Phoebe Wood
MISS HONEY – Bella Rutherford
MS TRUNCHBALL – Tristan Martin
MR WORMWOOD – Gregor Perry
MRS WORMWOOD – Darcie Harker-Weston
MICHAEL – Noah Lewis
MS PHLEPS – Jasmin Lewis
RUDOLPHO – Saul Sugarman
ACROBAT – Fayeth Jones
ESCAPOLOGIST – David Tate
SERGI – Jack Yelling
COOK – Jack Yelling
MECHANIC – Clarence Chasteau

ENSEMBLE

Abigail Oliver-Williams
Carys Evans
Emily Nurse
Isla Williams Anderson
April Williams
Lewis Jellicoe
Tilly Trueman
Safa Maqsood
Jasmin Lewis
Gabriel Speakman

TECH TEAM

Arthur Hind
Ellise Wallace
Jacob Wilkinson
Will McLaughlin
Josh Williams
Aaron Sherrington

CCF

Great experiences at STEM North Day

A Rydal Penrhos extra-curricular opportunity that continues to go from strength to strength is the Combined Cadet Force initiative, which has proven most popular for pupils from Year 8 onwards.

The recently introduced provision builds key life skills that pupils – or cadets – can take with them throughout education and later life and aims to promote responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, and a sense of service to the community.

This happens through weekly sessions on-site and special excursions organised by the school’s staff team, which only increases the fantastic experiences offered to CCF cadets throughout the academic year.

No fewer than 15 pupils and two staff visited a special STEM North Day on Saturday 9 October, which was organised and run by the Royal Engineers at Altcar Training Camp.

This event is designed to introduce cadets to a host of STEM activities that are related to aspects of school life and beyond. The cadets were put into one group and taken around 12 different stands by an Army guide.

They took part in a huge range of activities from model building with the Infantry to working on key areas such as teamwork and time management skills.

There were also weapons demonstrations from the Royal Artillery, exploring the effects of trajectory and different forces, bomb disposal and its variety of technical and highly skill-based learning.

Another popular exhibition was the Army motorsports team that taught cadets about the effects of speed. Army dog handlers were also on hand and there was a thought-provoking demonstration on the importance of effective communication.

The double-decker gaming bus was packed full of logic and construction games, remote-controlled vehicles and how they are operated from a distance. Cadets also gathered knowledge on how to operate heavy machinery and an inflatable assault course just for good fun!

Sgt Cpt Alun Brown, who is also the Head of Key Stage 5 at Rydal Penrhos, said: “The cadets had a great day and really seemed to enjoy the activities that not only challenged them but were delivered in an interesting and engaging manner.

“We hope to attend the STEM North event next year and take even more cadets to such a brilliant day.”

Holiday Club

Incredibly busy half-term!

The Rydal Penrhos Holiday Club is open during the school holidays and provides an extensive programme of activities that the children can experience.

It also helps assist them with their emotional, physical, social, intellectual, language and creative development.

But of course, they don’t realise all this.

For them, it is just good fun.

The Holiday Club is open for all Rydal Penrhos pupils from Pre-School through to Year 8. Our incredible staff team vary the activities throughout the day and the October half-term schedule was action-packed, to say the least.

Those using the provision were immensely active throughout the two-week period, with the school making the most of our fantastic location and the notable attractions just a short distance away from Rydal Penrhos.

Excursions included a beach day in Colwyn Bay, a trip to see the wonderful animals residing at the Welsh Mountain Zoo and exploring medieval life at Conwy Castle.

Another popular day out for the group was the time spent at Caernarfon Castle, which is extremely well preserved and the scene for Royal events in years past including the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1969.

The Holiday Club also got the opportunity to visit the National Slate Museum, which is dedicated to the preservation and display of relicts of the Slate industry in Wales and full of fascinating information that pupils can take back into the classroom.

Essential key skills were developed within Rydal Penrhos' impressive Forest School site, with tent and camp building sessions working on areas such as teamwork, communication and motor skills.

With Halloween fast approaching, our Holiday Club got creative during a cooking activity that saw them produce some delicious pumpkin-style cakes to enjoy.

This outstanding provision is not possible without the tireless commitment of our staff team. We would like to thank them all for their hard work over the half-term break.

Art

Year 11 trip explores two local artists

Our pupils not only benefit from an exceptional education and extra-curricular activities across Rydal Penrhos' outstanding campus, but they also get plenty of opportunities to enhance their knowledge with trips and excursions throughout the academic year.

These have made a welcome return to the calendar after the significant COVID-19 disruption, which is something that is benefitting pupils of all ages enormously during the autumn term so far.

Another strong example of this was a recent trip organised for GCSE Art pupils in Year 11, who paid a visit to the Oriel Mon Gallery on Anglesey with the school's head of department Mark Sherrington before the half-term break.

The primary objective for the Year 11 group, according to Mr Sherrington, was to take advantage of a great opportunity to see an exhibition by two local painters.

Gilly Thomas' incredible work centres on brightly coloured paintings of figures and dreams that tap into anxiety and emotions in a very powerful way.

The other artist, Louise Morgan, produces work contrasts, is large in scale and also features expressive paintings of the picturesque Snowdonia National Park where poetry is often used as a starting point.

During the visit, each pupil was able to get up close to the work, discuss it amongst themselves, make copies and work from some pre-prepared worksheets, analysing what the artists were doing and how they approached each painting.

It was the first time since March 2020 that the Art department has been able to return safely to a gallery as a group. Something they all got a tremendous amount out of ahead of an important time in the GCSE assessment process.

Mr Sherrington, said: "The Year 11 pupils enjoyed the chance to add to their coursework submission outside of the classroom.

"Perhaps, more importantly, it reminded us all of the importance of seeing work in the flesh where a visceral and real response results in a deeper understanding.

"The gallery can be a place where dialogue is often initiated that continues in the cafe over lunch, on the journey home or in the studio writing up our findings the next day."