Rydal Penrhos’ Head Boy Arthur Hind and Head Girl Shruthi Ganapathi reflected on what’s been an eventful academic year so far.
It has been a strong start to the academic year across all ages at Rydal Penrhos. Academic subjects are in full swing, extra-curricular activities and sporting fixtures have resumed following increased COVID-19 restrictions, with those in Years 12 and 13 gearing up for examinations and university applications under the guidance of the school’s incredible staff team.
Leadership is a trait we look to install from a very early age within our pupils. This allows them to express opinions, improve teamwork and communication as well as become exceptional ambassadors for Rydal Penrhos as they progress through their education with us.
This is especially evident within the school’s Senior Prefect Team, which is led this year by Head Boy Arthur Hind and Head Girl Shruthi Ganapathi.
Both pupils have been at Rydal Penrhos for a substantial portion of their education and contributed significantly to a wide range of areas. Not only this, but they’ve emerged as outstanding role models for younger pupils who might follow in their footsteps when they enter Year 13.
Arthur and Shruthi wrote a special feature for the Autumn 2021 edition of the Rydal Penrhos Society newsletter, which centred on their thoughts and experiences throughout an action-packed term.
“Our first few weeks as Heads of School have probably been the most eventful and rewarding weeks of our time here at Rydal Penrhos. Not only as a result of our newfound responsibility in coordinating the new Senior Prefect team, but also in the attempt to transition smoothly to post-COVID school life.
“It has been lovely to see everyone from Years 7 to 13 reunited, bringing back the Rydal Penrhos sense of community. This has meant that the Peer-Mentoring has been able to take place again this year, which we’re sure both Years 7 and 8 have found comforting after having almost two years in isolation.”
Another notable highlight so far was Founders’ Weekend, which made a welcome return to the calendar after the 2020 festivities were cancelled in accordance with Welsh Government guidelines.
This enabled the 2020 and 2021 leavers to reunite all together at the Rydal Penrhos Society Dinner in the Ferguson Centre, which is the Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form) base and where they spent the majority of their final two years at the school.
“Founders’ Weekend was extra special this year, as both the 2021 leavers and 2020 leavers were able to come together to celebrate their years at the school.”
In addition to their academic progress, Arthur and Shruthi have been coordinating house events and engaging with younger years groups in order to “keep the house spirit thriving“.
The Head Boy and Girl also commented on the determination displayed by members of Year 13 on their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award expedition, in addition to the hugely successful Open Morning event held in October.
“This half term has been successful in many ways, and we are both so grateful that we have had the opportunity to give back to the school. We are very much looking forward to seeing the school production of Matilda the Musical Jr. which will provide a well-earned break for all those taking mocks in December.”
Both Arthur and Shruthi have handled their extra responsibilities in exemplary fashion so far. We congratulate them on their smooth transition and wish two wonderful pupils well for the remainder of the academic year.
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Anyone wishing to enquire about Rydal Penrhos School can do so by calling 01492 530155, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or register your interest online here: https://rydalpenrhos.com/admissions/apply-now.
