Learning by heart

Over recent years, Rydal Penrhos has built upon an already-excellent academic track record and established itself as one of the leading schools for teaching and learning in the country.

Last year’s GCSE and A-Level results demonstrated once again the standard of excellence Rydal Penrhos has set for itself. Even though pupils were sitting exams for the first time after the pandemic, the school returned a fine set of results nonetheless. 64.2% of pupils achieved A*-A grades at A-Level, while the GCSE results were equally impressive, with 57% of candidates achieving A*-A (9-7) grades, compared to a national average of 25.1%. Rydal Penrhos’ A-Level pass rate (A*-E) remained at 100%; the eighth time since 2000 that the school has achieved this feat.

With summer fast approaching, pupils across the country are making their final preparations for another all-important exam season. As two-years of study culminates in a final few weeks and months of revision and consolidation, Rydal Penrhos expects another bumper set of results thanks to a range of initiatives implemented in- and outside the classroom to provide pupils with the best possible chance of success.

For a second successive year, Rydal Penrhos has offered a programme of Easter GCSE Revision Courses. These courses provided Rydal Penrhos pupils and local young people an excellent opportunity to strengthen their understanding of their subjects and fill any gaps in their knowledge. The GCSE Revision Courses offered intensive, seven-hour, distraction-free immersion in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, led by experienced teachers, many of whom are examiners. Collaborative work with peers and teachers can play an invaluable role in the final stages of exam preparation, particularly during the school holidays, and the revision courses provided precisely this type of support. During the sessions, teachers worked to convey what examiners would be looking for in examination responses, as well as covering key areas of the subject syllabus. The small class sizes ensured pupils received the individual attention they needed to succeed. The courses were highly appreciated by the pupils who attended and provided a welcome break from individual study over Easter. As one Year 11 pupil said, “it was great having the teacher there to answer questions, rather than sending an email.”

Alongside the revision courses, Rydal Penrhos has also partnered with Positively You, one of the UK’s leading providers of educational workshops, to prepare pupils for the personal and emotional challenges of exam season. As part of the sessions, pupils are offered advice and support on how to manage the demands and stresses of revision, helping them to be in the best possible state of mind for their exams. The workshops cover everything from goal setting and time management to building resilience and self-confidence. Young people have found these workshops extremely helpful in the past and we are sure that Rydal Penrhos pupils will similarly appreciate the sessions, as well as the emphasis our school places on both their personal wellbeing and academic success.

Of course, our pupils’ success is down to more than just these specific initiatives. Small class sizes, experienced teachers, a thriving extra-curricular programme and a robust network of pastoral support; all these day-to-day features of a great school can be found at Rydal Penrhos, and all contribute towards the overall flourishing of our pupils, both in academics and beyond.

With the commencement of a new academic year only a few months away, now is the perfect time to consider September 2023 entry to our school. Places are still available, alongside bursary and scholarship opportunities. Whether your child is about to start their GCSEs or A-Levels, or is only just beginning their school journey, a Rydal Penrhos education can provide them with the very best preparation for life ahead. n