“They achieve because they believe they can.” SCHOOL MOTTO
CHRIST COLLEGE BRECON 1
2
Welcome
from the Head of Christ College Visitors to Christ College often comment on a ‘special something’ about the atmosphere in this unique school. It has something to do with our stunning location in the Brecon Beacons National Park and the opportunities this gives for outdoor education, sport and healthy, active growth. It has something to do with the long, rich history of the school. Since its creation over four centuries ago, Christ College has evolved and developed without losing touch with that sense of heritage and belonging. Most importantly, it’s something to do with the unique atmosphere of the school. Our strong, close-knit community is characterised by mutual respect and warmth, with each individual pupil’s interests, skills and needs being appreciated and cared for. Gareth Pearson Head 3
“Christ College Brecon had already been in existence for nearly 100 years, it is not difficult to feel that much has been absorbed from history and the world around. Perhaps it is not too fanciful to think that the extraordinary atmosphere of friendship, mutual loyalty and academic endeavour has emanated from the variety and insistence of the past.� Good Schools Guide 2017
4
Our history Founded by royal charter in 1541, Christ College is embedded in the history of the local market town, Brecon. The school’s site, located in the Brecon Beacons National Park alongside the River Usk, was first mentioned in 1269 as a Dominican Friary. In 1541, Henry VIII established a school here, and in 1855, the modern 'public' school was founded by Act of Parliament. The surviving buildings reflect each of the three periods. The school is set in 40 acres of grounds on one campus and boasts a mix of traditional and modern buildings and numerous playing fields.
5
Our focus
6
A strong moral foundation
Academic Excellence
The most important aspect of any education is to nurture a strong moral compass. We aspire for all of our pupils to make a positive contribution to the society in which they live. While we will always strive for pupils to achieve academically, it is important that this is underpinned by a set of values by which our pupils can direct their talents in a positive way. This is the cornerstone of a Christ College Brecon education.
We aspire for all our pupils, irrespective of their academic ability, to achieve the best they can. To accomplish this we help our pupils to develop selfbelief, a growth mind-set and a work ethic that will enable them to fulfil their ambitions. Our teachers are committed, caring and able to inspire pupils to aim high.
Developing the Whole Person Great schools develop the whole person. We believe that as people grow, they should gain self-belief and discover their passions in and out of the classroom. We are deeply committed to offering a rich co-curriculum programme of Sport, Music, Art and Drama, areas where pupils learn about themselves and others, and grow as individuals. They learn how to collaborate, how to win, lose or draw with humility and grace. They learn how to cope with challenge and develop a love of their beautiful environment through our Outdoor Leadership programme, comprised of the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Curriculum for Life. They also learn about tolerance, respect, community living and leadership through day to day life within their House.
Strong Community A good school is built upon a good community. Our community is inclusive of all: parents, the local town, key partners, all staff and pupils. It encourages selflessness, leadership and is a safe and supportive environment for all. Our pupils learn everyday about how to contribute positively to society. The strength of a community is perhaps best judged by how they treat the most vulnerable within it. We aspire to nurture a caring and compassionate culture that looks out for those that need support the most.
7
EXCELLENT WELLBEING AND ATTITUDES TO LEARNING:
‘The behaviour of nearly all pupils is exemplary. They display exceptional manners both in the classroom and around the school.’ Estyn 2017
8
Our school JUNIORS - ST NICHOLAS HOUSE St Nicholas House is the junior section of the school for pupils aged 7-11, providing the best educational experience for children in a safe and happy environment. It is located in the heart of Christ College’s historic and beautiful grounds, and offers a self-contained space which is purpose-built for their requirements. The junior pupils are taught primarily in their own classrooms, with visits to other school facilities such as the Chapel, Dining Hall, Science Centre and Sports Hall at particular times of the week.
9
10
LOWER SCHOOL - ALWAY HOUSE In Years 7 & 8, pupils establish many of the learning and exploration habits that will enable them to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way during senior school. They have the advantage of being based in Alway House, which enjoys a strong family atmosphere and sense of togetherness, whilst having access to the state-of-the-art facilities and expert teaching resources that the school offers. Without the pressures of external examinations in these two years, Alway pupils have a chance to explore, discover, build and strengthen friendships and acquire the resilience and routines they will need to thrive and excel as they proceed through school.
The Houses all have their own character and are run like an extended family by Houseparents, supported by a team of assistant Houseparents, tutors and domestic staff who all ensure that every child’s welfare and health are safeguarded, as well as their academic progress. Each pupil has unrestricted access to their Houseparents and this open-door policy encourages a strong relationship between parents, staff and pupils. At Christ College, we blend traditional and progressive values to live in a friendly, family atmosphere with pastoral care our top priority. Christ College has five senior Houses:
SENIOR SCHOOL Whether a day pupil or a boarder, every senior boy and girl joining Christ College becomes a member of one of our Houses. Each House is a special environment where friendships are forged for life.
• Boys boarding in School House and Orchard House • Girls boarding in De Winton House and Donaldson’s House • Day girls and boys in St David’s House
11
EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:
‘Leadership at all levels contributes extremely well to the strong sense of community, commitment to shared values and aims, and loyalty that pervades the school.’ Estyn 2017 12
Our campus Our 40 acre campus and school buildings reflect its ancient past as well as its determination to provide the best modern facilities possible for our pupils. The Chapel and Dining Hall, both in daily use, date from the 13th Century. The Neuadd Memorial Hall, built in 2014, provides a 250 seat theatre with music and drama rooms, gallery space and a sociable foyer. Our sporting facilities are regularly upgraded and improved. Outdoor facilities include six rugby pitches, three cricket squares, four hard court tennis courts, three netball courts, an all-weather Astroturf as well as three artificial cricket nets and five grass. We also have a 25 metre indoor swimming pool, a fitness suite, three squash courts, a Sports Hall where we play badminton, volleyball, five-a-side football and hold indoor winter cricket nets. The Sports Hall also houses the climbing wall. St Nicholas House has its own outdoor play area, forest school and shares a small Astroturf with Alway House.
13
EXCELLENT STANDARDS:
‘Senior school pupils are exceptionally confident and highly articulate. As a result, their classroom discussions are often thought provoking and extend pupils’ knowledge and understanding extremely well.’Estyn 2017
14
15
16
Our location We are situated just a minute’s walk from the centre of the historic market town of Brecon which is the bustling centre of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It offers a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as a cinema, a theatre and a large leisure centre. Opportunities for outdoor activities are enormous. Although academic study is an essential part of a Christ College Brecon education, our pupils’ challenges and lessons are not confined to the classroom. We are in an ideal situation to make the most of our remarkable environment through canoeing, kayaking, fell running, horse riding, cross country, mountain biking, shooting and more.
BIRMINGHAM
BRECON CARDIFF
LONDON
We are just under one hour from Cardiff and Cardiff Wales Airport, only one hour and 30 mins away from Bristol and its international airport and just three hours away from London Heathrow Airport. 17
18
Our academic excellence We take pride in our very strong record of success at GCSE and A level. The Christ College curriculum is carefully structured to provide a balance of subjects and to allow individuals to play to their academic strengths. The emphasis is on first class teaching, provided in wellresourced departments and with small class sizes, allowing plenty of individual attention. Every pupil is assigned their own dedicated tutor, who is responsible for the general welfare, organisation and academic supervision of their tutees. They meet at least once a week and tutors play a key role in monitoring academic progress and setting targets to ensure that each child achieves his or her full potential. We have seven Faculties: • • • •
Creative Arts Humanities Maths & Computer Science Science
• English • Learning Skills • Modern Languages
19
20
21
22
Our community Our aim is to provide facilities, opportunities and experiences that will enable all pupils to develop tolerance of others, high moral standards and a strong sense of citizenship. We are proud that our boarding and day pupils consider the school a home from home and quickly develop a sense of belonging and loyalty to their Houses. Our Houseparents and their support teams ensure that a welcoming family atmosphere is created and all take an active approach to pastoral care and pupil welfare.
Being a member of the Christ College Brecon family doesn’t stop when studies are completed with us. We have an active past pupil network, the Old Breconian Association, with which we keep in touch throughout the year via events at home and abroad. We are also proud to have a strong parent group called The Society of Friends of Christ College Brecon. They work tirelessly throughout the year raising funds that are ploughed back into the school to enhance the pupil experience.
23
24
Our sports Christ College Brecon has a proud sporting tradition and has enjoyed success over the years in cricket, hockey, netball, tennis and rugby. We believe that sport should be enjoyed by all and can help teach pupils valuable lessons such as teamwork, self-discipline and how to win and lose graciously. We have expert coaching to help develop pupils’ skills and confidence and there are many opportunities to play in team and individual games. Pupils can also participate in a range of recreational sports - yoga, pilates, squash, football, golf, cross country running, basketball, badminton, mountain biking and much more.
25
EXCELLENT CARE, SUPPORT, GUIDANCE:
The care, support and guidance provided by the school are exceptional. Provision is inclusive, fully embedded across all areas of the school, and contributes successfully to particularly high levels of wellbeing among pupils. Estyn 2017
26
27
Our creativity Pupils’ performing arts talents are nurtured in the Neuadd, our 250 seat purpose built theatre, and adjacent music rooms. The Neuadd is one of our most modern buildings where parents and friends of the school are treated to a variety of concerts, recitals, and productions during the year, with the light and airy upper foyer providing a fantastic exhibition space to show off pupils’ artwork. The school has its own Art centre, a hotbed of creativity nestled on the banks of the river Usk, on the fringe of the campus, and a dedicated area housing photographic studios and editing suites.
28
Here, pupils are immersed in a variety of creative disciplines and gain recognition for the quality of their work in national prizes and competitions. Whilst our location in the Brecon Beacons is an artist and photographer’s dream, we provide pupils with the opportunity to broaden their experiences through participation in overseas cultural trips. These have included New York, Rome and France, to name but a few.
EXCELLENT TEACHING & LEARNING EXPERIENCES:
‘Across the school, the quality of teaching is good. Working relationships are excellent and staff are particularly effective role models for pupils’ social and academic skills.’Estyn 2017 29
“Great things are being delivered at Christ College Brecon, even more is promised and this is a school that warrants admiration, loyalty and, above all, trust.�Good Schools Guide 2017
30
31
Outside the classroom Christ College is characterised by a strong co-curricular programme. For those who love the outdoors, challenge and adventure is offered via participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme whilst teamwork, resilience and self-confidence is built through participation in the Combined Cadet Force. A range of after school clubs are also offered throughout the week to enable pupils to pursue their specific interests. From speech and drama to art and photography, to musical ensembles and board games, there is plenty to keep them occupied.
33
34
Our sister school 475 years of Christ College Brecon’s British education pedigree and Welsh spirit is now available in Kuala Lumpur. King Henry VIII College Malaysia is a fully fledged sister school to Christ College, replicating its structure, ethos and achievements but in a more modern setting in the global tech hub, Cyberjaya, midway between Kuala Lumpur city centre and its international airport. The College opened in September 2018 and offers a British curriculum, with pupils sitting GCSEs and A Levels.
35
Christ College Brecon, Brecon, Powys LD3 8AF Tel: 01874 615440 Email: enquiries@christcollegebrecon.com www.christcollegebrecon.com