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Mr Waszek’s challenge to Rydal Penrhos families on adolescent minds
October 7, 2020

Rydal Penrhos’ Executive Principal recently issued a challenge to Year 10-13 pupils and their families regarding the mysterious workings of the adolescent brain.

John Waszek, who took up the position at Rydal Penrhos in February 2019, recently watched a TED talks seminar featuring Sarah-Jayne Blakemore on the topic, which explains the science behind teenage behaviour and personality traits.

The key component of the talk was exploring the development of adolescent brains during the critical period of their learning, which might explain why they might find it harder to see things from another’s point of view.

Mrs Blakemore also discussed why teenagers are bigger risk-takers who process emotions and rewards differently at this stage of their life.

This represents an opportunity for Rydal Penrhos’ exceptionally dedicated teaching staff to train and mould the adolescent brain at a time when it is “most adaptable and malleable”.

It bears more significance as 40 per cent of teenagers don’t have access to secondary school education across the globe, according to a recent study.

rydal penrhos

John Waszek

Their adaptability and mindset at this stage of their lives also represent a tremendous opportunity for learning and creativity, something that is prevalent at Rydal Penrhos and has brought some truly exceptional examination results last summer.

Not only this, the rich variety of extra-curricular and leadership opportunities available gives each pupil a well-rounded education that is a proven method of building valuable life skills before they move on to the next stage of their respective journeys.

One prime example of a family rising to Mr Waszek’s challenge came from Janet Legget-Jones, who is the mother of Upper Sixth Form pupil, Tegid Goodman-Jones.

She responded to the talk by coming up with a presentation to help families think about how things are from a teenager’s point of view and how “workarounds” can be created to help.


This is yet another prime example of the Rydal Penrhos family working together to get the most out of our pupils’ education.

Staff are always striving to not only maintain their professional standards but also making families more aware of what they can do to give their children a vital boost away from school hours.

Mr Waszek recently agreed to remain in the post until the summer of 2022, which is another substantial boost for the school that has gone from strength-to-strength during his tenure.

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Rydal Penrhos is now able to offer private tours to prospective pupils and their families.

For more information email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or book online at https://rydal.wpengine.com/open-days-visits.