Aspiring stars strive for accolades!
One of the most enjoyable, competitive and fun occasions on the Rydal Penrhos calendar signalled the start of the half-term break as pupils from our Pre-School to Sixth Form descended on school’s exceptional "New Field " for Sports Day 2022.
The event was greeted by glorious sunshine and a huge number of enthusiastic family members who took time out of their busy schedules to lend support to the festivities.
The day involves meticulous planning from staff in the lead-up to the event, with pupils demonstrating the house spirit that makes Rydal Penrhos such a close-knit community and an amazing place to learn.
Pre-School and Reception to Year 6 pupils were first to compete in various competitions. These ranged from the more traditional races such as sprints and long-distance to special challenges such as the sack race and the always amusing egg and spoon.
Mrs Davies, Deputy Principal Prep, was in charge of compering the event and provided a running commentary of amusing quips as well as keeping all the parents informed as to which children were in each race and what they were supposed to be doing (or at least in the case of the Pre-School). The action was interspersed with sections of parent and pupil dancing and with no doubt the Prep sports day will be remembered for two tunes in particular from the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 - Sam Ryder's "SpaceMan" and Subwoolfer's "Give That Wolf A Banana". The Rev'd Dr Rob Beamish was always on hand to lead the dancing as was Mrs Davies herself.
After a hugely competitive morning of action, Brecon House emerged as the overall winners, with Snowdon House and Pembroke House also contributing significantly during a thoroughly entertaining Sports Day for those in Pre-School to Year 6.
It was then the turn of Senior pupils to strut their stuff on New Field, which brought some truly exceptional individual performances and a deserved house triumph for Osborn.
Jonathan Osbourne enhanced his growing reputation with victory in the 100 metres for Morgan House after crossing the line in 11.17 seconds, with Charlotte Payne of Wesley House coming away with the girls’ 100m championship in 14.08 seasons.
The Rydal Penrhos Mile is always one of the most anticipated events of Sports Day and this year proved to be no different. Gabriel Speakman turned in a fabulous performance for Wesley House to secure the Overall and Boys’ Mile title with a time of six minutes, two seconds, following in the footsteps of brother Zach who also won this race in previous years.
Lily Copeland proved that age is no barrier, with the Year 8 pupil blazing a trail across the course to win the Girls’ Mile category in an impressive time of six minutes, 19 seconds.
It proved to be a Sports Day littered with accomplishments for Lily, who also scooped the 800 metres, the discus, and produced a sensational relay effort to come away with a well-deserved Junior Girls’ Championship as a result of her outstanding commitment throughout.
The Junior Boys’ title went to Freddie MacLaverty, who won the 800 metres and 200-metre events to secure the accolade in fine fashion.
Gabriel was one of the standout performers on the day. In addition to his Rydal Penrhos Mile success, he was also the fastest Year 10 pupil in the 100 metres and won the 200m and 800m events en route to a convincing Senior Boys’ championship.
In the Senior Girls’ category, Isabella Peevor came away in the top spot thanks in no small part to her victories in discus and javelin.
Following the Sports Day, pupils, staff and parents came together for a special Jubilee Picnic before heading off on their well-deserved half-term break.
