From the Executive Principal and Chair of Governors
As for many millions of people throughout the world, 2020 has been a very difficult year for the pupils, parents and staff of the school.
Throughout Rydal Penrhos pupils have been brave, sensible and completely committed to the tasks before them. The spirit of the school has shone through. We particularly commend to our alumni, the dedication of the staff of the school.
We were especially pleased that, despite all this turmoil, at both GCSE and A level our pupils secured the best set of results achieved, certainly since the turn of the century. These results in turn meant that the vast majority of our own Year 13 Leavers secured their first choice university place. The details are available to read on the school website: https://rydalpenrhos.com/parent-new/exam-results/
Pupils could only be taught online for much of the summer term and that brought challenges for teachers and pupils alike, and the restrictions on face to face teaching has required very significant changes to the daily operation of the school.
The school has been able to accelerate the IT aspect of Project Bold with an investment this year of £250k, including the provision of iPads for every pupil, designed for daily use in school; but very helpful for remote learning. There is no doubt that ‘Learning Loss’ is a very real issue for all schoolchildren and will undoubtedly have a real impact in years to come. The commitment of the school to ensure that Rydal Penrhos pupils continue to thrive is unwavering.
Although we have been unable to have a Chapel service since March, online services have carried on. We also look forward to the resumption of many activities currently impossible including much sport, music and drama.
Staff have been inventive and imaginative in how many activities can continue whilst ensuring that pupils and staff remain safe and that we remain compliant with the regulations.
Even the Governing Board has moved to online meetings and has had 100% attendance to all committee and Board meetings.
Like the vast majority of fee-paying schools and charities, Rydal Penrhos has also faced very significant financial challenges as a direct result of Covid-19, as have many of our parents.
During these times the support of our Alumni is of great importance. We are deeply grateful for the many messages of encouragement that we have received and we look forward to the time when we can welcome you back to Colwyn Bay to visit the school.
Julian Barnes - Chair of Governors
John Waszek - Executive Principal