This is an uncertain time for families due to the coronavirus pandemic and its continued rise across the country.
At Rydal Penrhos, we have strived to alleviate these concerns by providing our pupils and staff with a safe and cautious environment that has allowed them to feel safe, happy and thrive academically.
Prep School head Lucy Davies and Estates Manager Richard Smith have co-ordinated the COVID-19 risk assessment,in conjunction with Conwy Borough Council, which is a working document that focuses on every area of the school and the safety measures that need to be implemented.
This is constantly updated given such an ever-changing situation, but the school remains at the forefront of implementing measures quickly and efficiently, which also includes making contingency plans in the event of a second lockdown.
Rydal Penrhos’ incredible teaching staff have adjusted to the digital age with online learning extremely well in such a short space of time. This enabled the school to hold a typical day of lessons virtually during the first lockdown period each and every day, in addition to other schemes such as the Classroom to Campus initiative for Year 13 in order to fully prepare them for university life and the virtual speech day for our Year 6 pupils.
Of course, a second lockdown is a worst-case scenario, but it is one that Rydal Penrhos is fully prepared for.
The school has been in constant contact with Conwy County Borough Council regarding an ever-changing situation, and the incredible commitment shown by teaching and support staff during this unprecedented time is a further indication of the care and thought that goes on behind the scenes to ensure each pupil gets the most out of their education.
We have installed the strictest of guidelines to prevent COVID-19 cases within the school. This includes all pupils and staff taking their temperatures before arriving on-site and constant monitoring of their physical and mental wellbeing during school hours and beyond.
Masks are being worn by Senior pupils and staff throughout the Prep and Senior school sites in accordance with Welsh Government advice, which is something that is being adhered to superbly by the conscientious children under our care.
The school is also providing free iPads for pupils in Year 3 and above to aid with their learning and provide them with a useful tool in the event of a second lockdown.
Children below Year 3 will also be able to use iPads during school hours and Rydal Penrhos will also source enough for them to take home if they move back to remote learning.
The school is fortunate to have 38 acres of grounds to give pupils plenty of room to relax, move around and feel safe. Prep School children will continue to benefit from their Forest School initiative to further enhance their well-being and all-round development.
This has been done in structured bubbles both academically and during the rich and varied extra-curricular opportunities available. University preparations for Upper Sixth Formers are continuing through online seminars with prestigious higher education establishments across the country as the current Year 13 look to emulate this summer’s historic A Level results, which were Rydal Penrhos’ best ever.
We are proud of the way everyone associated with the Rydal Penrhos community has adapted to the current climate and the school’s confidence for every eventuality is of paramount importance.
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Rydal Penrhos is now able to offer socially distanced tours to prospective pupils and their families.
For more information email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com, prep@rydalpenrhos.com or book online at https://rydal.wpengine.com/open-days-visits.
