On Thursday 6th July 2023, Rydal Penrhos pupils from Year 7 to 10, along with their parents, gathered at the Memorial Hall to celebrate the accomplishments of the past academic year. 

This was the final day of the academic year at Rydal Penrhos, and there was a palpably positive atmosphere in the Memorial Hall as Senior pupils of all ages, parents and visitors filed in to begin the morning’s proceedings.

The event began with addresses from key figures in our community. This included a final opportunity for Executive Principal Mr Waszek and Deputy Principal Mr Sutton to speak to the school before they relinquish their current roles ahead of the new academic year. It was also the moment for the School Chaplain, Rev’d Dr Rob Beamish, to lead the school in prayer and foreshadow the whole school end of year service that would follow in St John’s Church in the afternoon.

After Mr Waszek had spoken, Year 8 pianist Carys Evans enchanted the audience with a wonderful musical performance. Carys, along with our other outstanding pupils, received well-deserved recognition during the presentation of awards.

Among the big winners from Year 7 and 8 were:

• Sophie Jameson, who achieved Attainment awards in Computer Science, Art, Food and Nutrition, as well as a Sport Award and Progress Awards in Physics and Maths.
• Alfie Thwaytes, who secured Attainment Awards for Maths, Spanish, and Geography, the Progress Award in Biology, along with a Sport Award.
• Ophelia Lees, who won in Attainment Awards in Chemistry, English, Music, and Accelerated Reader, while also earning Performing Arts and Sports Awards.

Special mention should go to Ophelia for her recent musical achievements. The talented Year 7 pupil successfully secured a distinction in her ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory in May, and has now set her sights on taking on the Grade 6 piano examination in the upcoming Advent Term.

After Nestor Pento provided another brilliant musical interlude, the awards ceremony continued, with Year 9 and 10 pupils receiving their well-earned accolades.

Two notable winners from Years 9 and 10 were:

• Zachary Jewell, who was honoured for his achievements in Physics, Maths, and Religious Studies, as well as receiving Sport and Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
• Keira Luke, who won Attainment Awards in Chemistry, Maths, Spanish, History, and Business, in addition to Sport, CCF, and Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and a Gold Award in the National Scientific Thinking Challenge.

As the awards presentation concluded, it was time to present the Yeung Bowl House Cup, the trophy presented to the house that has accumulated the most house points over the academic year. A sense of anticipation descended on the hall, as pupils wondered whether all their efforts in competitions over the year would translate into triumph.

In the end, it was delight for Osborn and their new House Captain, Rebecca Casson, as green ribbons adorned the Yeung Bowl Cup once again! Once the cheering and celebration calmed, the entire Memorial Hall resonated with the singing of ‘Calon Lan,’ a hymn long loved by Rydal Penrhos pupils, who always sing their hearts out to its famous words.

After the ceremony concluded, pupils took to the Quad and enjoyed a delicious barbeque lunch to mark the end of the year, prepared by the school’s outstanding catering team led by Mr Stubbs. The atmosphere was brilliant, with pupils laughing and smiling as they reflected on an excellent school year and fantastic summer ahead.

Congratulations everyone!