The Rydal Penrhos Weekly: 2 July 2021
The weekly digital newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School.
The RP Weekly
2 July 2021
Head Girl
Shruthi appointed for 2021/22 academic year
Our Sixth Form leaders are exceptional role models for younger members of the Rydal Penrhos community.
This is especially evident with the school’s Senior Prefect team, who are tremendous ambassadors both on-site, within the community and raising worthy causes across the region and beyond.
The outgoing 2020/21 team did a remarkable job of keeping spirits high across the school during a difficult academic year of restrictions and educational lockdowns thanks to COVID-19 precautions.
They are now heading on to the next stage of their respective journeys whether they have chosen university, the working world or GAP years, with staff at the school guiding them every step of the way to ensure they are fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead for them.
Looking forward, the school is delighted to announce that Shruthi Ganapathi has been appointed as Head Girl for the 2021/22 academic year, replacing Anna Parry-Williams.
This represents a significant achievement from the pupil, who joined Rydal Penrhos in Year 7 and has excelled across her academic subjects during this time.
Shruthi is following in the footsteps of her brother, Shaswath Ganapathi, who was Head Boy of Rydal Penrhos in 2015/16 before beginning his medical training.
The new appointment is currently studying Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Mathematics at A Level and is looking to pursue a career in Dentistry upon completing her studies.
She secured an exceptional set of GCSE results last summer, which included three 9s in English Literature, German (2nd Language) and Music, in addition to four 8s in English (1st Language), Geography, Mathematics and Religious Studies.
Shruthi also attained A* grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as a Distinction in Additional Mathematics.
Not only has Shruthi achieved a significant amount from an academic standpoint, but her vocal talent has also been evident with leading contributions at various concerts throughout her time at Rydal Penrhos.
Her talent on stage was evident during the Rydal Penrhos Dramatic Society productions of Les Misérables and Annie the Musical. This has brought some tremendous grading success from recent Associated Board of the Royal School of Music and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art assessments over the years.
Shruthi was also part of the Year 12 team that emerged victorious from the Royal Society of Chemistry‘s Analytical Division North West regional competition alongside classmates Suhas Shekar and Daniel McLaughlin.
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos would like to congratulate Shruthi on her well-deserved appointment. We wish her the very best of luck and are fully confident she is going to offer a substantial amount to the role.
Head Boy
Arthur secures role for 2021/22 academic year
The title of Head Boy is always a coveted one at Rydal Penrhos.
Year 12 pupils when vying for the role have to put together an exceptional case to attain the position, including writing letters, being interviewed and being voted for by both staff and pupils within the school.
Many previous Heads of School have gone on to achieve great things in later life.
Richard Wolfendale did an outstanding job as Head Boy in difficult circumstances over the last academic year. Things were not easy for anybody thanks to educational lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions. However, his leadership and willingness to keep spirits high in addition to progressing his studies is something that won’t soon be forgotten.
With Richard now preparing for the next stage of his journey at university in September, Rydal Penrhos is delighted to announce the appointment of Arthur Hind as Head Boy for the 2021/22 academic year.
Arthur has been at the school since the age of 3 back in 2008. He has matured into a fine young man who is thriving academically and in many other activities available to pupils across every year group. He achieved some truly outstanding GCSE examination results working hard with staff both on-site and online to achieve his goals.
Arthur is now halfway through his Further Mathematics, Design Technology and Physics studies at A Level and is hoping to go to his first-choice university when he has completed Year 13.
One area where Arthur has thrived during his time at the school is on stage. He is an incredibly gifted vocalist that has not only contributed significantly to concerts at Rydal Penrhos, but he has also been a valued member of the St Asaph Cathedral Choir.
Arthur will now begin working with new Head Girl Shruthi Ganapathi and the Senior Prefect Team to build on the fine work done by those who have gone before the next group of Rydal Penrhos leaders.
We would like to congratulate Arthur on his appointment and wish him every success in the world in the coming months.
Year 4
Conwy Mountain adventure during Wellbeing Week
Gaining different experiences outside of the classroom is something that forms a key component of the exceptional education provided at Rydal Penrhos.
The school is situated in a stunning location on the North Wales coastline, just a few hundred yards from the beach and just a short journey away from prominent areas such as the Isle of Anglesey and the Snowdonia National Park.
This approach to learning in an outdoor setting benefits our pupils considerably. It gives them a more relaxed environment to develop key skills and even bring some of their classroom projects to life in areas such as Coastal and Forest School under the supervision of the school’s incredible staff team.
As part of the recent Wellbeing Week initiative organised by Rydal Penrhos, Year 4 were treated to a little adventure along the picturesque Conwy Mountain on Tuesday 22 June, which was a thoroughly enjoyable experience in glorious sunshine.
After starting off at the Sychnant Pass, the pupils – together with Mr McLeod and Miss Conway – trekked up various vantage points, giving them amazing views of the beautiful coastline we are fortunate to call home.
The overriding theme for Year 4 since last September has been the word ‘Resilience’. They had this in abundance as they topped peak after peak, supporting one another along the way whilst keeping an eye out for any flora and fauna worth noting.
They even got the opportunity to witness some wild horses walking along the mountains, which proved to be a cause for great excitement. There was even time to finish off their adventure with a hide and seek game called ‘Eagle Eye’.
Upon returning to school, pupils got the chance to detail their journey with specially made videos outlining their route taken, the experiences gained and their favourite parts of the excursion.
CCF
Year 8 gear up for annual training camp
One of the most popular additions to Rydal Penrhos’ extra-curricular opportunities in recent years has been its Combined Cadet Force initiative, which has gone from strength to strength since its inception.
The programme builds key life skills they can take with them throughout education and in later life and aims to promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness and a sense of service to the community.
In normal circumstances, 40 per cent of a cadet’s time will be spent on adventurous training activities. Although this has been restricted considerably over the last 16 months due to COVID-19, things are now returning to normal and those involved in the school’s CCF are benefitting from group activities in a safe, outdoor setting.
The latest of these came last week and involved Year 8, who were dressed in their newly acquired uniform for the first time and looked absolutely fantastic.
They participated in a preparation session with Lt. Col. Martin Stead, previously of Harrow School who is helping out at Rydal Penrhos as an adult volunteer.
His activities centred on camouflage and concealment, which should stand cadets in good stead ahead of their annual three-day training camp from 6-8 July at the Kinmel Park Training Area.
Lt. Col. Stead took the contingent through how camouflage works in the field, including the importance of concealment on patrols.
Captain Alun Brown, who is also the school’s Head of Key Stage 5, led another group in constructing a Basha observation post, which will be needed throughout their camp during what is sure to be an incredible experience for all involved.
This is part of the usual activities that the CCF are involved in during the academic year. Cadets also have the opportunity to get involved with volunteer and charitable work in the community and to gain nationally-recognised qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and BTECs.
As part of their upcoming camp, cadets will construct their own Bashas and live outside for two days.
They will be led by members of the 160 Brigade Wales cadet training team, going through situations tasks including patrolling living in the field and other exciting activities before heading off on their deserved summer holiday.
Great work, Year 8! Have a great time at camp and we hope you gain a significant amount from the challenges ahead.
Podcast Club
Staff guest star with book questions
One of the best things about a Rydal Penrhos education is what transpires beyond the classroom.
The school has a rich and diverse extra-curricular provision for pupils of all ages, which build key skills and enhances intrigue in areas of interest that is proven to boost overall development in an encouraging fashion.
Focusing on academia is a core component throughout the school and something that’s brought an exceptional amount of success in terms of exam results, value-added, pupils reaching their first-choice university destinations and going on to thrive in the working world.
However, it’s through extra-curricular activities that children find their passion and nurture it under the incredible guidance and support of the school’s staff team, who put together a programme that truly has something for everyone.
One of the more popular additions to the options for Years 3-6 this academic year has been the Podcast Club, which is an ever-growing method of acquiring knowledge and communications in the increasingly digital age.
These fast changes are something that teaching staff fully recognise is essential to a child’s education. So much so, that some staff members took time out of their busy schedules to guest star in the club’s recent broadcasts.
Members of the Podcast Club were set a challenge of going around the school and interviewing staff on the topic of books. Each willing participant was asked eight thought-provoking questions for separate podcast editions, centring on their likes and dislikes, any books they would recommend and what sort of reading material they tend to avoid.
Each submission was then put together online with the tools each pupil has developed during their time with the Podcast Club so far under the leadership of teacher Catherine Culver.
A huge well done to the pupils involved with the Podcast Club. Not only for their efforts in their latest task, but also for the way they’ve taken everything on board in an area they had little experience in before signing up.
Listen to the Podcasts here.
Kevin
Joint-Deputy Head Boy reflects on Rydal Penrhos journey
Kevin Farrell, who is Rydal Penrhos’ outgoing joint-Deputy Head Boy, has been a fantastic ambassador for the school and achieved a considerable amount since enrolling as a Year 3 pupil back in 2010.
Not only is Kevin a strong academic, but he is a talented musician, a nationally recognised sailor, contributed to the school’s Welsh championship-winning hockey sides and also gave a flawless performance during Les Miserables.
The Year 13 pupil is the embodiment of what can be attained from a Rydal Penrhos education.
Kevin has seized every opportunity available and has flourished as a result, fully preparing him for the next stage of his journey at university later this year.
Speaking to the June 2021 edition of the Rydal Penrhos Society newsletter, Kevin reflected on his time at the school for a special feature.
So we are nearing the end of another strange term in a very strange year, but it hasn’t all been strange.
At last, we are finally on our way out of the ‘new normal’ and on our way back to the old normal which we all loved.
With a successful vaccine programme we have finally managed to reduce the restrictions in school, and it won’t be long before the queue outside the dining hall is stretched to full length, and there won’t be a mask in sight.
Activities have been reignited, as pupils rolled back into school. The Astro is rarely empty after school, the gym has re-opened and clubs such as the Year 13 debate society have begun to meet.
After a longer than expected lockdown in the first term, we managed to get into school and be together once again for the final few lessons before the assessments began.
With many exams being cancelled earlier in the school year, we expected that it would be similar to last year’s events, but strangely enough, it has been one of the most normal of all the aspects of Rydal Penrhos life.
I don’t doubt that everyone sitting an assessment this year is working as hard as they can, and taking the positives from this different style of assessment.
These assessments in their unique form are no less important to the people sitting them than they have been for previous years.
I and many of my peers will be hoping to secure a spot in university next year, which can only be confirmed by performance in the internal exams.
Although it will be sad to leave this school, I am very excited for the years ahead and the opportunities that await as I move on to the next chapter of my life.
I am very conscious that it is my last year at Rydal Penrhos.
It is not the finale I would have expected nor the one I would have picked, but there are some things that are completely out of our control.
When I leave this school, it will be the years leading up to this interesting plot twist of a final year, that I will cherish and look back on fondly for I know that I have had some of the best years of my life already, here at Rydal Penrhos.
I will remember this year as a blip, but a blip that I won’t ignore, or disregard as to the lessons I’ve learned, and the memories I’ve made have been very important.
I have been at Rydal Penrhos for the majority of my life. It’s the place where I have grown and developed into the person I am today.
It’s the community where I have met some of my greatest friends and the most interesting people.
It’s the home that I love dearly. And it’s the school where I have learned almost everything I know.
I am grateful that I have spent my youth in this wonderful school and I will dearly miss the old buildings, the satisfying learning and most importantly the community and the people that make Rydal Penrhos a school to be proud of.”
Kevin Farrell – Joint-Deputy Head Boy 2020/21
Skiing
Strong showing at North Wales championships
A group of talented skiers at Rydal Penrhos got back down to competition with a strong showing at a high-profile regional event.
Snowsport Cymru Wales hosted the North Wales Schools Skiing Championships on Wednesday 23 June at Llandudno’s Snowsports Centre, which is a change from its usual location and a big boost for the region.
This saw a number of pupils take to the slopes for their first taste of competitive racing for some time thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, which made training and competing incredibly difficult over the last 16 months.
Despite this lack of activity, the school’s skiers turned in some noteworthy performances throughout the event, with plenty of medals secured across various age groups.
Year 11 pupil Chay Bonnington added to his growing list of accolades within the sport by securing first place in the U18 registered boys’ event, with Year 7 pupil Cameron Pye also attaining the top spot on the leaderboard in the U14 registered boys’ event.
Both Chay and Cameron formed the Rydal Penrhos boys’ senior team, coming away with a second-place finish overall to round-off a fantastic competition from the duo.
There was further cause for celebration with two other podium finishes from August Ball-Iverson and Clarence Chasteau, who came second and third respectively in the U16 and U14 unregistered boys’ competitions.
This represents a fantastic effort from our young skiers, who took on the challenge incredibly well and the experience should stand them in good stead for competitions throughout the summer if restrictions allow.
The school has a rich and proud history of skiing success over the years, which is another unique element to the thriving extra-curricular provision provided by Rydal Penrhos and is available for pupils from a very early age.
Many of our talented skiers have gone on to achieve individual and team achievements for the school at regional and national competitions across the country, and our skiers are supported away from the slopes by the school’s athletic development programme which assists them in boosting their conditioning.
A huge well done to all our competitors. We are very proud of you!
Wellbeing Week
Year 12 "save" the Bayeux Tapestry
The subject of wellbeing and children’s mental health is something that’s been at the forefront of everyone’s minds of late.
COVID-19, restrictions and educational lockdowns have forced the Rydal Penrhos community into a completely different method of learning at times, which only focused more on the strains of isolation on a pupil’s state of mind in extremely difficult times.
Thankfully, our incredible staff team were always on hand to provide all the support and guidance needed to ensure that not only academic goals remained the same in an ever-changing climate, but they also catered to the personal concerns of pupils under their care.
Further proof of the individualised approach to learning across the school and the benefits it provides.
This was enhanced by the school’s Senior Prefect Team, who organised special events for younger pupils to keep spirits high both online and when they returned to campus during the academic year.
In further recognition of this, Rydal Penrhos held a Wellbeing Week from 21-25 June, which saw various activities take place within the day-to-day timetable.
One fantastic example of this came within the History department, with Mrs Maria Freeman devising a challenge for Year 12 that centred on the Bayeux Tapestry, which is an embroidered cloth nearly 70 metres long and 50 centimetres tall that depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England concerning William, Duke of Normandy, and Harold, Earl of Wessex, later King of England, and culminating in the Battle of Hastings.
Mrs Freeman’s “Save the Bayeux Tapestry” brought the best out of Year 12 pupils taking part, who not only had a lot of fun but also got to revise in a different way from what they are normally accustomed to.
In one hour, History A Level pupils had to solve a series of riddles to retrieve the “stolen” artefact, which also improved their communication as well as problem-solving. The group managed to complete the challenge in good time thanks to a fabulous effort.
This innovative approach to wellbeing and learning is something that is prevalent across all areas of school life. Rydal Penrhos endeavours to provide a safe and happy environment where pupils from Pre-School to Sixth Form thrive, which has brought some exceptional examination results, value-added scores, extra-curricular achievements and a close affinity with the school long after they depart.
Just another thing that makes Rydal Penrhos such an incredible place to grow and learn.
Gallery
Class of 2021's final day and Year 4 Conwy Mountain Walk
Class of 2021 Gallery
Anyone wishing to view a full gallery of images from what was an emotional final day for the Class of 2021 can now do so at the link below.
It was a fantastic occasion in the circumstances, with each Year 13 pupil leaving fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead both at university and in the working world.
A full gallery can be found here
Year 4 Conwy Mountain Trip
Year 4 pupils at Rydal Penrhos made the most of the great outdoors during a special hike up Conwy Mountain.
You've read the story, now check out the images in the gallery below.
A full gallery can be found here
Celebration Chapel
Rev'd Sissons passes the robe in final Friday service
One thing that’s really helped keep spirits up over the academic year at Rydal Penrhos is the virtual chapels and assemblies organised by the school.
Despite restrictions meaning these events weren’t permitted to take place in person, the Reverend Nick Sissons and other staff members ensured stability and some semblance of normality in uncertain times by producing content to view online.
This is yet further proof of Rydal Penrhos going above and beyond the call of duty for its pupils, which has been especially evident over the last 16 months and something that’s benefit the entire school community enormously.
Rev’d Sissons is in the final few days of his time at the school after an incredible 12 years. He has now decided it is the right time to make a return to the Church Ministry, giving himself a sufficient period in which to engage with a worshipping community.
The popular and much-respected figure will become the new Superintendent Minister for the Bangor and Holyhead circuit and join the chaplaincy team at Bangor University and leaves with the school’s best wishes at heart.
In his final Celebration Chapel on Friday 2 July, Rev’d Sissons passed the torch – or the robe in this case – to the Reverend Dr Rob Beamish, who be assuming the role of Chaplain from September 2021.
Rev’d Dr Beamish was educated at St John’s College Southsea before being awarded an MA in Theology and Philosophy at the University of Oxford. He also has a PhD in Theology from King’s College London and is also a qualified teacher.
To conclude his final Friday chapel, Rev’d Sissons stated he thoroughly enjoyed his time at the school. This is a place where his sons Jack and Will were educated and where the outgoing Chaplain made many memories, even coming through the Graduate Teaching Programme at Bangor University to gain his Qualified Teacher Status.
On behalf of everybody at Rydal Penrhos, we would like to thank Rev’d Sissons for his exceptional commitment to the school. We wish him the very best of luck in his new role and he will always be a member of the Rydal Penrhos family after such an outstanding contribution over the years.
Vacancy
Additional Learning Needs Teaching Assistant (Key Stage 3)
ALN Teaching Assistant (Key Stage 3)
Temporary until August 2022
- Salary: SCP 1- 5 - £18,198 - £19,312 pro-rata dependent upon experience
- 21 hours per week (Monday to Thursday)
- Temporary position to start 01 September 2021 until 31 August 2022 term time only (Key Stage 3)
Rydal Penrhos School is looking to appoint an enthusiastic, caring and flexible person to support and motivate children and to be part of our outstanding school.
The successful candidate will be a positive person, with high expectations of the children and themselves.
The successful candidate will be a positive person, with high expectations of the children and themselves.
They will have the ability to work within a vibrant team who are relishing the challenge of continuing to move the school forward.
They will have the ability to work within a vibrant team who are relishing the challenge of continuing to move the school forward.
If you are an outstanding practitioner, who has good behaviour management skills, a good understanding of children with additional needs, and the desire to take on a new challenge, please apply today.
The successful candidate will have the desire to take a full and active part in the life of the school.
The post requires the successful candidate to support children with additional learning needs on a 1-1 basis within Key Stage 3, as well as general duties.
Vacancy
Alumni Liaison & Fundraising Officer
Alumni Liaison & Fundraising Officer
Due to the creation of an exciting role, Rydal Penrhos is seeking an Alumni Liaison & Fundraising Officer to lead on the development of excellent relationships with alumni.
The role will require the successful applicant to demonstrate his or her ability to implement and deliver a successful fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on building relations with the wider community.
The successful applicant will join a highly motivated and successful Marketing & Admissions department, with the ability to work as part of the team being key in this role.
The ideal candidate will have excellent oral and literacy skills.
Completed applications should be emailed or posted to Kay Walters: kwalters@rydalpenrhos.com by 5pm, Friday 9 July 2021.
Full job description and how to apply can be found here
