Pupils, teachers, and staff at Rydal Penrhos bid adieu to our Class of 2023 on Friday, who now embark on study leave ahead of their A-Level exams.
The end of the academic year is always a bittersweet time at any school, including Rydal Penrhos. Although there are many different events to be excited about, from drama productions and Sports Days to charity events and activity week festivities, there is the sadness of having to say goodbye to our oldest pupils as their school days draw to a close and they move onto pastures new.
On Friday 26 May 2023, as pupils, parents and staff enjoyed a gloriously-sunny Sports Day, our Year 13 class and their teachers were reflecting on their final day at school before embarking on study leave for their summer exams.
A morning of celebration began with an extended final Form Period from 08:45 to 09:15. This allowed pupils to say their goodbyes to their Sixth Form tutors – namely Mr Baker, Mrs Richardson, Mr Robson, and Mr Sherrington – who have helped guide and advise pupils through the challenges of Sixth Form study over the past two years.
Following this, Year 13 took their places in the Ferguson Centre for one final assembly with Mr Alun Brown, the Pastoral Lead for Years 11 to 13. This was a final opportunity to reflect on their time at Rydal Penrhos and look forward to the prospect of completing the exams they have worked towards for so long. Senior Prefects and pupils also addressed the group, offering their perspective on their last real day in school.
Following some delicious refreshments specially prepared by Mr Jonathan Stubbs and his Catering Team, our Class of 2023 made their way to the Quad to take some group photos together, before their final chapel service at 11:00. Led by the School Chaplain, the Rev’d Dr Rob Beamish, the service included the opportunity to sing the firm-favourite Welsh hymn ‘Calon Lan’ for one last time. At the end of the service, all pupils took away a hymn book for posterity.
With the afternoon’s Sports Day activities fast approaching at this point, Year 13 returned to the Ferguson Centre to fuel up with a delicious barbeque lunch (thanks once again to our Catering Team). This was a fun way to end the morning’s proceedings and pupils thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to spend time together as a year group before their attentions turn to their exams.
Although we will see our Year 13s again at the likes of Speech Day, the Leavers’ Ball and Results Day, this sadly marks the end to their day-to-day presence around school. We bid farewell to you all with best wishes for both this summer’s exams and the bright future that lies beyond. You will be missed!
