Head of Key Stage 4 Paul Sanders gave high praise to Rydal Penrhos pupils.

This is an ever-changing and uncertain time for all our pupils at Rydal Penrhos. The second educational lockdown has forced the large majority back into online learning and left those about to sit or working towards examinations facing the most unprecedented of situations.

Our staff at Rydal Penrhos know it is not easy. That’s why they have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that fears are alleviated and every possible advice and support is available for pupils and their families throughout the process.

This has been especially evident within Key Stage 4 – the lead-up to GCSE examinations. Education Minister Kirsty Williams recently revealed her exam alternative that will comprise of non-examination assessments, internal assessments and, assessments that are externally set and marked due to current COVID-19 restrictions, which is another spanner in the works to those looking to gain vital qualifications in the coming weeks.

Paul Sanders, Head of Key Stage 4 at Rydal Penrhos, has been hugely impressed with the way each pupil within the Year 10-11 age bracket has coped and adapted not only to their online learning, but also the changes to how they’ll be assessed from a grade perspective.

He said: “For a group of young people who have already seen much disruption to their academic studies over the past 12 months, their resilience and maturity has been impressive.

“To have to try to plan, prepare and then undertake assessments in the current climate is a challenge and I am constantly impressed and proud of the manner in which our GCSE pupils, and indeed all those across the school community, have simply rolled up their sleeves and gotten on with it.

“The whole school community has come together to ensure that any learning loss is minimised and that all of our pupils achieve the outcomes their efforts deserve.”

Mr Sanders also signalled out the Year 10 cohort for their exceptional dedication over the last few months and since the start of the latest coronavirus lockdown. Such maturity and work ethic is sure to stand them in good stead both throughout the remainder of their education and in later life, with Rydal Penrhos’ outstanding online provision enabling them to continue aiming for their respective goals.

“Staff have been impressed by their attitude and I am proud to come into work every day and help to support their education,” added Mr Sanders.

“If anything, this pandemic has brought our school community together despite the physical barriers of social distancing and bubbles.”

With the latest period of online learning now in full swing, staff – Mr Sanders included – adjust and build new IT skills in the process, the Key Stage 4 head is eager for pupils to continue to engage with online sessions as well as they have been in recent months, communicate effectively when necessary and persevere until they can once again return to Rydal Penrhos.

He said: “Sitting alone in a bedroom, lounge or home office is never easy, especially when during adolescence, young people see their peer group as the most important people around them.

“To anyone who might be finding it difficult over the next few weeks, I would encourage them to speak to parents, tutors or teachers and to heed the advice of Nido Qubein, an American Lebanese-Jordanian businessman and motivational speaker: ‘Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start’.”

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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://rydal.wpengine.com/admissions/apply-now/