Rydal Penrhos pupil Alexandra Lopez-Moreno is now within touching distance of securing a prestigious Karate Black Belt.

Alexandra Lopez-Moreno, who is a Year 4 pupil at Rydal Penrhos, has moved one step closer to securing a prestigious distinction in the Martial Arts after passing a difficult grading with flying colours.

This came after a significant period of commitment away from school hours in tough circumstances, with social distancing measures relating to COVID-19 meaning Alexandra had to study, learn and improve during virtual sessions rather than on-site at the John Lynn’s Black Belt Martial Arts Academy in Colwyn Bay.

Maintaining commitment in an ever-changing climate was a testament to Alexandra’s dedication and discipline in order for her goals to remain unaltered. This is something that the pupil also displays in and out of the classroom at Rydal Penrhos and she is a credit to herself and the school.

Alexandra faced a big challenge ahead of possibly attaining his Brown-Black Belt in Karate, with her latest assessment taken in front of adjudicators online.

A fantastic demonstration of technique saw Alexandra deservedly pass the grading, meaning there are now just two levels standing between the pupil and a Black Belt in the discipline.

Rydal Penrhos offers a wide and varied range of extra-curricular activities as part of its provision, but the school also highly encourages participation in clubs, activities and organisations away from school to further enhance development.

This is a key component for boosting key skills and improving confidence, that can make a successful transition into classroom lessons and during things such as Forest School, sport, music and the performing arts.

Alexandra is aiming to add her name to the long list of pupils who have achieved a Black Belt distinction in recent years, and she has already begun working on the next step – a White-Black Belt – ahead of her next grading test.