The RP Weekly: 5 August 2022
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School - 5 August 2022 edition.
The RP Weekly
5 August 2022
Private Tours
Still available throughout August
Rydal Penrhos is open throughout the holidays for prospective pupils and their families to visit the stunning campus.
The best way to get a real feel for our friendly and welcoming school is to come and see for yourself. Our admissions team will be on hand to guide you across either the Pre-School, Prep, Senior or Sixth Form sites and other staff will also be available to answer any questions you may have about the curriculum, extra-curricular activities and planning for the next step.
Here's what you can expect from a private tour at Rydal Penrhos, and anyone wishing to discover more should contact admissions@rydalpenrhos.com, call 01492 530155 or use our online form.
Interested in Rydal Penrhos Pre-School?
You will be greeted by Mrs Lucy Davies, Deputy Principal and Ms Letitia Spencer, Pre-School manager upon your arrival. They will then take you on a tour of the thriving Pre-School department, which is the perfect place for a child to begin their journey through education.
There will be an opportunity to view the specialised area for two-year-olds, art room, reading area, imaginative play and a more typical classroom along with the outdoor play area and Rydal Penrhos’ Coastal School initiative.
Interested in Rydal Penrhos Prep School?
Arriving at the Prep School reception right at the top of Pwllycrochan Avenue you will be greeted by Mrs Lucy Davies, Deputy Principal.
While having a tour of the school classrooms, the IT suite, science labs, the music department, art room, library and the ever-popular Forest School site, she will also be more than happy to answer any queries about the curriculum and activities, in addition to the free wraparound care provided.
Interested in Rydal Penrhos Senior School (Years 7-13)?
Arriving at the Pwllycrochan Avenue reception at Rydal Penrhos, you will be greeted by a member of our Admissions team.
Following a short chat, we will then take you on a personal socially distanced tour of the school’s various departments, which will showcase everything from academic classrooms, science laboratories and the exceptional sporting facilities available to our pupils, which also includes a 25-metre Swimming Pool.
Those with a more creative flair can explore the Art, Music, Design Technology and Drama departments, and there will be a chance to ask questions about anything and everything associated with Rydal Penrhos.
Our Executive Principal would be delighted to meet you following your tour. If this is something you would enjoy please let us know so that we can arrange visit times accordingly.
Open Day 2022
Booking available for October showcase
There has never been a better time to join the Rydal Penrhos community.
The school has gone from strength to strength over the last year, which is reflected in outstanding examination results, high value-added scores and many other incredible achievements from Pre-School to Sixth Form as normal service resumed following COVID-19 restrictions.
The school’s strong academic ethos coupled with a diverse extra-curricular provision is integrated with a pupil-centred approach that has seen numbers across all year groups surge in recent months.
Rydal Penrhos’ teaching staff left no stone unturned with a comprehensive online provision during the second educational lockdown at the start of the year, enabling pupils young and old to meet their targets and achieve notable goals in ever-changing circumstances.
Looking ahead, Rydal Penrhos is pleased to announce details of a special Open Day, which will take place on Saturday 8 October and gives prospective pupils and their families a first-hand opportunity to see for themselves what goes on during a typical day at the school.
Those in attendance will get individual tours from the school and speak with teaching and admissions staff to get a broader perspective of the day-to-day life of a pupil, the diverse curriculum and exceptional pastoral care.
There will be a host of things to enjoy throughout the showcase, which will feature core academic departments such as English, Mathematics, Art, Drama, Music and Science.
The school’s thriving extra-curricular provision will also be providing demonstrations throughout the Open Day event.
To book, contact admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or call 01492 530155.
Alternatively, use our online form here.
Poland Trip 2022
Incredible experience to kick off new academic year
Staff at Rydal Penrhos have organised a memorable learning experience for Year 10-13 pupils to kick off the 2022/23 academic year in style.
The school will be embarking on a four-day trip to Poland next month, which is especially relevant for pupils who hold or aspire to hold positions of leadership at Rydal Penrhos and in the future.
This excursion was also arranged to benefit pupils who study History and those with a keen interest in politics and world affairs.
Pupil and staff will be staying in the picturesque city of Krakow, with an abundance of activities scheduled throughout. These include a coach trip to Auschwitz, where they will be given a guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, which is sure to be thought-provoking and emotional in equal measure.
Auschwitz-Birkenau opened in 1940 and was the largest of the Nazi concentration and death camps. Initially serving as a detention centre for political prisoners, it evolved into a network of camps where Jewish people and other perceived enemies of the Nazi state were exterminated, often in gas chambers, or used as slave labour.
Another exciting element of the trip will be a tour of the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine, which dates back to the Middle Ages when it was proudly named the Magnum Sal – the Great Salt.
In the 13th century, it was known as the largest source of salt in Poland. Over the years it became crucial for the country’s economy and is not a popular tourist attraction thanks to its immense size and rich history.
Pupils will also get the opportunity to visit the Schindler Museum situated at his former factory, which was the famous site of Oskar Schindler’s remarkable movement to save Jews from the atrocities inflicted by the Nazis during World War II.
Under the cover of his enamel factory, he hired more than 1,000 Jewish workers and saved them from a grisly fate in the concentration camps. The site is now a historical museum that hosts exhibitions that provide an insight into life during the war.
Those on the trip will also go on a four-hour guided tour of Krakow, which includes visiting the castle situated in the city and the cathedral that is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Holiday Club
Sports Week brings fun-filled activities
The Rydal Penrhos Holiday Club is open during the school holidays and provides an extensive programme of activities for the children to experience.
Staff have done a wonderful job of devising a comprehensive provision full of adventures and exciting challenges, which includes plenty to enjoy across prominent landmarks across the North Wales region.
The Holiday Club has something for everyone and this summer is no exception thanks to the sterling commitment of our dedicated staff team.
Keeping active was the theme during the Holiday Club’s recent Sports Week, which saw those in attendance take part in a series of challenges and races both individually and working as a team.
In addition to the more usual sports activities, the group also participated in a colour run and water sports that provoked scenes of great joy among the children under the supervision of staff.
The Summer Holiday Club is running until 26 August (Monday to Friday). For those aged 5 to 12, the Holiday Club is open for external children. For current Rydal Penrhos pupils, the Holiday Club is open for Pre-School to Year 8.
The cost is £45 per day and includes all trips, activities, sports and crafts as well as two snacks, a packed lunch and a fresh-cooked meal. A sibling discount of 5 per cent is available.
To book now as a current Rydal Penrhos parent please log in to your Schools Buddy App.
To book now as a family who does not attend the school, click here.
For any further enquiries contact holidayclub@rydalpenrhos.com or call 01492 530155.
Drama
Exciting initiatives announced for upcoming academic year
One of the areas that suffered more than most during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions was Drama. Theatres closed across the country and Rydal Penrhos was unable to welcome guests to attend various performances in accordance with Welsh Government guidelines that lasted more than two years.
Thankfully, these have now been lifted and the school’s staff have been busy devising some exciting initiatives relating to the Performing Arts for Senior pupils in Years 7-13 that will take place throughout the upcoming academic year.
Rydal Penrhos Drama – Key Stage 3
Mr Pete Williams and Miss Fiona Earle are thrilled to confirm that Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) Drama and Music lessons will have a number of shared units moving forward. This will allow pupils to rehearse together ahead of their combined performances.
This will hopefully include some small Christmas celebrations, the return of inter-house competitions and outdoor performances in the Memorial Quad during the Trinity Term, weather permitting.
These have been implemented with a view to parents sharing their child or children’s successes and progression in both subjects, with pupils continuing to enhance their experience of performing in front of a live audience – a foundation they receive throughout their time at Rydal Penrhos Prep School.
Rydal Penrhos Productions
The school is also thrilled to confirm that there will be two productions this academic year, which follow on from the sensational Matilda the Musical Jr. performance that wowed audiences.
A senior production for Years 11-13 will be the amateur production of “Under Milk Wood (The Definitive Edition)“, which is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatres Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
It’s hoped that the large majority of Years 11-13 will participate in the production, with the play boasting more than 50 roles for those looking to take the stage.
There will also be a Junior production for Year 7-10 pupils later in the academic year. This will be a musical during the Trinity Term to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
This will provide more opportunities for pupils of all ages to get involved in the performing arts. Rydal Penrhos has a proud history of productions dating back decades, so there is an enormous sense of anticipation surrounding these upcoming events already.
Rydal Penrhos Theatre Thursdays
Theatre Thursdays is a new initiative organised by staff that will take place from 8 September until 8 December and provides the option for parents, pupils and staff to visit the theatre and enjoy a production. These are social occasions and not associated with the curriculum.
A diverse range of productions have already been confirmed, which include The Shawshank Redemption, The Famous Five Musical and Noughts and Crosses among many others.
Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The entire programme of productions and booking details are set to be published at the start of term.
Year 8
Group explore local history at prominent landmark
Whether children are just starting out their journeys through education or getting ready for the next stage as Sixth Formers, Rydal Penrhos endeavours to treat every pupil as an individual with a broad academic curriculum and extra-curricular options that cater to every possible passion and interest they may have.
Learning in the classroom remains at the heart of a good education. But our incredible teaching staff at Rydal Penrhos are always looking for ways to boost development and allow pupils to sample new experiences whenever they can.
This is done through trips and educational visits throughout the academic year, which form a key part of the school’s enriching academic ethos and benefit their studies enormously.
Another example of this came during the Trinity Term and involved Year 8, who got the opportunity to delve deeper into a prominent historical local landmark to further boost their topics in a typical classroom setting.
Under the supervision of staff, the enthusiastic group visited the picturesque Penrhyn Castle, which is a country house situated in Llandygai that takes on the form of a Norman castle.
It was originally a medieval fortified manor house, founded by Ednyfed Fychan. In 1438, Ioan ap Gruffudd was granted a licence to crenellate, founding the stone castle and added a tower house.
Samuel Wyatt reconstructed the property in the 1780s and the present building was constructed between about 1822 and 1837 to designs by Thomas Hopper on behalf of its owner, who expanded and transformed the building beyond recognition.
During the visit, pupils took a tour around the stately rooms, acquiring information about the castle’s way of life during various eras and how things have changed dramatically from the world they live in today.
This was a tremendous experience for Year 8, one that enabled them to conclude their history studies on a high after an academic year full of wonderful accomplishments.
We would like to thank our staff for organising the trip, to Penrhyn Castle for an enjoyable visit and our pupils for representing Rydal Penrhos in an exemplary fashion.
Prep School
Eco competition highlights sea pollution
A Prep School competition, set by the Eco Committee and Mrs Woodthorpe, saw more than 70 entries.
The pupils were asked to make a sea creature out of rubbish. The winners for each class were decided by a vote from the Eco pupils and Prep staff.
All entrants received house points and the creative designs took pride of place in the Prep library before the summer break.
The overall key stage winners, taking home multiple house points and lovely Eco books were Eglantine in Year 4 and Eleanor in Year 2. Well done to everyone who entered and raised awareness about the state of our polluted seas.
Hockey
Rafael selected to North Wales U13 squad
Our aspiring sporting stars at Rydal Penrhos have been busy honing their skills throughout the summer months both in school and during the well-deserved break. Our exceptional staff team is always looking to assist our pupils in whatever way possible, which has seen plenty of national recognition across a wide range of different fields.
This is something that’s been at the heart of school life for decades. Rydal Penrhos has consistently produced international-calibre athletes, with teams also going on to achieve great things on the national stage as demonstrated by our U18 hockey side at the Welsh Schools’ Championships this spring.
Another young hopeful looking to make a name for himself is Rafael Eyre, who is progressing well with his hockey exploits and recently earned a call-up to the North Wales U13 squad following a successful trial period.
The Bangor Hockey Club representative impressed selectors with his composure and overall influence during two separate trials, which saw beat out a plethora of other candidates to secure his place in the 18-player squad.
Rafael has been busy building chemistry with his teammates ahead of their biggest test of the summer, which saw the North Wales contingent travel to Nottingham Hockey Centre for the Regional Hockey Finals in June.
This was another wonderful experience for the group, who competed against and acquitted themselves well in the face of some of the brightest young talent anywhere in the country.
Rafael was not the only Rydal Penrhos pupil competing at the event, with Lily Copeland (captain), Charlotte Payne (vice-captain) and Fleur Roberts turning our for the North Wales U13 girls’ squad at the same tournament.
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos would like to congratulate Rafael on his North Wales selection and his ongoing success. We hope this is the start of big things to come!
Alumni
Former pupil turned dentist living the dream
We are always thrilled to hear of stories featuring former Rydal Penrhos pupils thriving in the working world. This is a testament to the exceptional foundation they receive at the school, something that allows them to flourish in a safe, happy environment from Pre-School to Sixth Form.
Mike Hesketh, who attended the school from 1997-99, has been on an eventful journey since leaving Rydal Penrhos, which began at the university before joining the Navy, the Marines and then starting up and selling his own dental practice.
Dentistry and business were always great passions for Mike, even as a pupil. He attained exceptional examination results and thrived in higher education, where he successfully obtained his qualifications to become a dentist.
Upon leaving university, Mike then went on to become a Navy dentist and held the same position with the Marines before setting up his own practice, which was another major success. By the time the former pupil headed back to the University of Exeter for an MBA in 2016, he had 10 dentists and 40 staff overall on the books.
Mike has now completed his second degree, with his dissertation centring on a business plan for a dental chain with a financial backer. He also sold his practice for considerable profit and planned on sailing around the world with his family before beginning his next venture.
Speaking to High Five, Mike offered advice for any aspiring dentist looking to follow a similar path, outlining the need to be fearless when it comes to making significant changes to any project in pursuit of progress.
“If it’s growth you’re after, change everything from top to bottom. Patients like to see investment. You get about 10 people who will complain. Remove them from your life if they don’t self-select themselves. Then start afresh, improving things for everyone who wants to move with the times.”
Mike now focuses his time on bespoke healthcare leadership coaching and is also a director of Dartmoor Dental Ltd. But what advice would he give himself as a 21-year-old based on numerous life experiences so far?
“Everything that you do, be it education or business or work, is leading you onto a path of achieving whatever your ultimate goal is. Everything you do is worthwhile, even travelling.”
Eton Fives
Welsh Invitational Open makes a triumphant return
This was a fantastic occasion for Rydal Penrhos pupils, parents, and staff, with Fives also proving a particularly popular sport among our former pupils. This has been repeatedly demonstrated by the number of alumni who have returned to school to support or take part in tournaments and competitions over recent years.
The latest among them is former pupil Matthias Fiorita (RPS 2006-20), who was kind enough to share this account of the Eton Fives Welsh Invitational Open for the latest edition of the Rydal Penrhos Society newsletter.
Returning to Rydal Penrhos in any instance is always a pleasure, however, also getting to take part in the first Welsh Fives Championship since the Covid-19 pandemic meant that there was more to enjoy over the weekend as a whole.
Immediately on arrival, it became apparent that the school and Mrs Head had done an outstanding job in creating a new generation of Fives players, as we had the most girls ever take part over the weekend as a whole.
The approach to the weekend was to help grow the sport and create excitement around both the weekend and future events. This was helped by having many older pupils involved, a couple of former pupils returning and then having members of the ETA (Eton Fives Association) help organise the event. Overall the level of Fives played on the weekend was excellent and the attitude towards the competition was even more so.
The difference in experience is what makes these weekends so special, as we had a men’s 12-time world champion and a women’s nine-time world champion at the event whilst simultaneously having many pupils who were playing their first-ever tournament.
It’s a great weekend to be a part of and helps create memories and new friendships as you are matched with a different partner every game. I recommend everyone keep an eye out for the next one and sign up, even if only for one day, and parents don’t be shy, spectators are just as important as the participants.
A big thank you to Matt for capturing the spirit and excitement that draws former Rydal Penrhos pupils back to pull on their gloves once again.
We look forward to the Fives competition that will take place at this year’s Founders’ Weekend and would encourage any of you that would like to take part to please join what should be a fantastic occasion for not only fans of the sport but all members of our school community past and present.
Finally, we would also like to thank our former teacher and pupil Mr Mike Leach (RS 1971-76) for presenting the trophies along with the Mike Leach Award for Exceptional Contribution to Sport to Anthony Bowe, who had recently been awarded the cup at the Colours Awards event.
Mr Leach is a true Rydal Penrhos legend who inspired countless pupils during his time here as a teacher and sports coach. We appreciate him taking the time to support the event.
Society Golf
Silcock Salver celebrates 25th anniversary
Rydal Penrhos Society Golf is once again thriving after a period of disruption due to COVID-19 restrictions. One event, in particular, celebrated a significant milestone recently.
The ever-popular Silcock Salver is a long-time highlight of the Rydal Penrhos Society’s golfing calendar. This year’s competition was the 25th anniversary and something that sparked great celebration from those participating.
A total of 25 golfers took their place in the line-up, enjoying the usual 18-hole format at the nearby Maesdu Golf Club in Llandudno. One of the most picturesque, testing courses in the region.
This was followed by a lavish dinner at The Imperial Hotel in Llandudno before golfers tested their skills at Conwy Golf Club to determine the overall victor.
Ellie Evans played very well and almost retained the Silcock Salver but was surpassed by John Bryan Williams, who was a worthy first-time winner.
Silcock Salver
- 1st John Bryan Williams 31+35 = 66 points
- 2nd Ellie Evans 31+34 = 65 points
- 3rd Steve Elvidge 31+31 = 62 points
Johnny Williams Cup (guests’ cup)
- 1st Jack Travis 39+32 = 71 points
- 2nd Helen Fowler 34+36 = 70 points
- 3rd Liz Bruynooghe 31+36 = 67 points
A remarkable £550 was raised for the Donald Hughes Trust, a worthy cause at Rydal Penrhos that provides Fully Funded Places to local disadvantaged children in memory of the selfless former Headmaster.
Another competition held recently by the Rydal Penrhos Golf Society was the Marsden Trophy, which took place at Conwy Golf Club in blustery conditions that tested each competitor throughout.
After a hugely competitive day with plenty of memorable highlights, Matt Bennett came away with the prize, closely followed by David Gale in second and Lee Fosbrook, who finished third as a result of his efforts.
Excitement is already building for the next event – The Pochin Cup – which takes place at Sandiway Golf Club on Tuesday 13 September.
Gallery
Year 2 art inspired by Colin See Paynton
Gallery
Sports Team photos 2021/22
