P1. FRONT COVER
Christ College Brecon
PRIZE DAY
Saturday 6 July 2024
Guest speaker: Sir Anthony Seldon
Prize Day 2024
Saturday 6 July 2024
Guest speaker: Sir Anthony Seldon
We warmly welcome
Sir Anthony Seldon, our guest speaker for Prize Day 2024.
Sir Anthony Seldon
We warmly welcome Sir Anthony Seldon, our guest speaker for Prize Day 2024.
BENEFACTORS
Each year we recognise and give thanks to our Founders and Benefactors in our annual Thanksgiving Service.
This year, with much gratitude for his very generous continuing support, we are delighted to recognise Kelvin Bryon as a new Benefactor.
Sir Anthony Seldon is one of Britain's leading contemporary historians, educationalists, commentators and political authors. Head of Epsom College since February 2023, he was Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham from 2015 to 2020 after being a transformative head for 20 years of Brighton College and then Wellington College.
He is author or editor of over 45 books on contemporary history, including the inside books on the last six Prime Ministers, was the co-founder and first director of the Institute for Contemporary British History, is cofounder of Action for Happiness, was honorary historical adviser to 10 Downing Street for ten years, was the UK's Special Representative for Education to Saudi Arabia, was Deputy Chair of The Times Education Commission, was a member of the Government's First World War Culture Committee, was chair of the Comment Awards, is a director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, is the President of IPEN, (International Positive Education Network), is Chair of the National Archives Trust and is initiator and deputy chair of the “commission on the centre” run by the Institute for government.
He is patron or on the board of several charities, founder of the Via Sacra Western Front Walk, and was executive producer of the film ‘Journey's End’. He appeared on Desert Island Discs in 2016. For the last fifteen years he has given his money from writing and lecturing to charity. He has three children; his wife of 34 years, Joanna, died of cancer in December 2016. He married Sarah in April 2022.
Welcome
Welcome to Prize Day 2024, the most important day in our calendar as we gather to celebrate all that our pupils have achieved this academic year.
This is an especially important day for our Leavers, and a proud and emotional day for their families as they watch their loved ones move on to the next exciting chapters in their lives. Personally, it is not their achievements that make me feel most proud but the people they have become. Breconians strike the right balance between confidence and humility; they are well-mannered whilst maintaining a twinkle of mischief and a wonderful sense of humour. I hope that never changes.
Our Leavers are ready for all that comes next and they go with the love, good wishes and blessings of us all in the Christ College community. Congratulations to all our winners, and Godspeed to the Leavers of 2024.
Gareth Pearson Head
END OF TERM PRIZE GIVING
FRIDAY 5 July
4.45pm Art Exhibition: Neuadd Foyer
5.30pm Gratitude Receptions for U6th Parents and Pupils: Houses
6.30pm Leavers Service for U6th Parents and Pupils: Chapel
7.15pm Drinks reception and OB Association presentation for U6th Parents and Pupils: Chapel Lawn
BENEFACTORS
SATURDAY 6 July
10.00am Thanksgiving Service: Brecon Cathedral
Each year we recognise and give thanks to our Founders and Benefactors in our annual Thanksgiving Service.
11.00am Refreshments for Parents and Guests after Cathedral Service: Neuadd Foyer
12noon Prize Giving Ceremony: Sports Hall
This year, with much gratitude for his very generous continuing support, we are delighted to recognise Kelvin Bryon as a new Benefactor.
Term ends after prize giving for all pupils except upper sixth formers
1.00pm Lunch for U6th Parents and Pupils, Governors and Guests: Dining Hall.
6.00pm Summer Ball: Christ College
Life outside the classroom has provided our pupils with a multitude of activities aiming to stretch and challenge. Elite pathways continue to be the beacon for many of our top performers and for the majority of our pupils, participation and competition remain the driving forces. The second curriculum is well named, complementing and supporting our core business of academic improvement.
The ‘work hard, play hard’ philosophy pervades all that we do. Christ College provides a platform for our players, performers and artists to derive the sense of achievement, improvement and belonging that their efforts merit. The prizes and trophies presented today recognise this fact, and are proudly won and cherished by our school community.
Simon Hill Deputy Head (Pastoral)
I am delighted to be awarding these prizes at the end of another busy, successful Christ College academic year. The pupils listed as prize recipients have shone through as beacons of intellectual generosity and all are genuine role models to the wider school community. The prizes reflect a truly wide range of academic aptitudes, interests and effort beyond the basic demands of subject and curricula duly studied.
In a world of increased competition and outstanding performance in public examinations, it has never been more important to stand out from the crowd. These prizes ably facilitate our pupils in doing just that and are fitting reward for their approach in and beyond the classroom during 2023/24.
Many congratulations to you all – I do hope you enjoy the occasion and reflect on a stellar
Harry Mackridge Deputy Head (Academic)
English
Alway Literary Prize
Awarded to an Alway pupil for outstanding flair and promise in creative writing.
Founded in 1988.
Awarded to Anna Beharell
Walter and Diana Greenwood English (Jnr)
Awarded to a junior pupil for excellence in English.
Founded in 1980 on his retirement by W D T Greenwood (Master 1961-80). WDTG taught English and was the first to hold the office of Second Master (Deputy Head). He was for sixteen years Housemaster of Donaldson's, and for five years Head of English.
Awarded to Ella Ling
Norbury English Literature (Snr)
Awarded to a senior pupil for excellence in English and commitment to its study.
Founded in 1946 by an anonymous donor, it is traditionally awarded to a pupil working to the highest level in all aspects of English.
Awarded to Jack Organ
Corbett Winder Debating Cup
Awarded for debating skills of the highest level in public competitive debate.
Given in 1985 by Mrs Ailsa Corbett Winder. Brought up in India and Iraq, Mrs Corbett Winder was committed to life in Wales and the County of Brecon, and helped many young
people give of their best. She believed that by ‘speaking out’ in debates young people of the school would learn about important ethical issues and develop their confidence and make a contribution to society.
Awarded to Tomos Feasey
D C Thomas Poetry Prize
Awarded to the winner of the annual D C Thomas poetry competition.
Founded in 2016 by the family of David Cuthbert Thomas (1895-1916) in remembrance of a young man who inspired the poets Siegfried Sassoon and Robert Graves. D C Thomas (Hostel 1906-14) played for the 1st XV and the 1st XI. He had hopes of going to Oxford but enlisted just a few weeks after leaving school in 1914. While serving as a Second Lieutenant with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, he was hit by a sniper’s bullet and died of wounds on 18 March 1916.
Awarded to Sophia Sidoli for ‘van Gogh’
Modern Languages
John de Winton Spanish (Jnr)
Awarded to a junior pupil for sustained good work and promise in Spanish.
Founded in 1977 as a Modern Languages Prize in memory of John C P de Winton (1905-1976). A partner in a firm of local solicitors, John de Winton was Registrar and Clerk to the Governors of Christ College from 1946 until 1965 and a Governor from 1965 to 1976.
Awarded to Stella Thewes
C W Kleiser French (Jnr)
Awarded to a junior pupil for sustained good work and promise in French.
Founded in 1998 by C W Kleiser (Staff 1967-98) on his retirement. CWK taught French, and was also Housemaster of Alway from 1972 to 1984. He was Master i/c Cricket and coached the XI (1967-98). He was responsible for bringing firstclass cricket matches to CCB, and undertook the first Christ College cricket tour to Australia. He also initiated the annual COBS (College and Old Boys) side made up of the current XI and former players, and arranged regular COBS tours to Paris.
Awarded to William Thomas
Welsh Prize (Jnr)
Awarded for sustained good work and promise in Welsh. Founded in 2013.
Awarded to Harrison Fec
Ruth Wilkinson Modern Languages (Snr)
Awarded to a talented senior linguist for outstanding work in Modern Languages.
Founded in 1989 by the Venerable W D G Wilkinson (Hostel 1907-1916) in memory of his daughter, Ruth Wilkinson (1932-1975), who was a talented student of literature and an exceptional linguist.
Awarded to Mark Gorodkin
Humanities
Preb. Walters Scripture (Jnr)
Founded in 1975 as a Scripture prize. Now awarded to a junior pupil for sustained good work and promise in Religious Studies.
Given by Prebendary E E F Walters. Affectionately known as ‘the Preb.,’ he retired to Brecon in 1968. Having been Chaplain at Ellesmere and Epsom and the Founding Headmaster at Lichfield Cathedral Choir School, he acted as assistant Chaplain at Christ College for several decades in his retirement.
Awarded to Harrison Fec
Lady Jenour Scripture (Snr)
Founded in 1977 as a Scripture prize. Now awarded to a senior pupil for outstanding work in Religious Studies.
Given in the name of Lady Jenour by her husband, Sir Maynard Jenour, the Welsh industrialist and philanthropist who was also a Christ College Governor and Benefactor.
Awarded to Rasana Garcha
Douglas Inglis History
Awarded for excellence and promise in History.
Founded in 1969 in memory of Douglas Inglis (1904-1967). DI (Master 1954-67) taught at Brecon Boys County School for 25 years before his appointment at Christ College to teach History. He was also Master i/c Golf. An able golfer himself, he was an active member of Brecon Golf Club from its inception and had been its Captain and Secretary. He was also Chairman of local Athletics and Cricket Associations, and was a founding member of the Brecknock Little Theatre.
(Jnr) awarded to Sophie Pickup (Snr) awarded to Mark Gorodkin
Lady Brecon Geography
Awarded for excellence and promise in Geography.
Founded by Lady Brecon in 1965, wife of Lord Brecon and herself a generous supporter of Christ College, to mark the opening in May 1965 of the Cartwright Building (now the Languages Faculty building), which was designed to include a dedicated Geography classroom.
(Jnr) awarded to Pallav Shrestha (Snr) awarded to Jack Organ
Francis de Winton Economics (Snr)
Awarded for outstanding work in Economics.
Founded in 1986 by Francis de Winton, Governor. Francis de Winton is one of a long line of the de Winton family who have been Governors of Christ College. The first of them, John Parry de Winton, was in attendance as a Governor at the very first Governors Meeting held on 1 October 1855 under the new Scheme that refounded the school by Act of Parliament.
Awarded to Valerie Wong
Business
Awarded for sustained good work and promise in Business. Founded in 1992.
(Jnr) awarded to Pallav Shrestha (Snr) awarded to Leah Goffin
Mathematics and Computing
Jack Rees Mathematics (Jnr)
Awarded to a junior pupil for mathematical excellence.
Founded in 1975 in memory of Major H J V ‘Jack’ Rees (1891-1964) in recognition of a generous bequest. Jack Rees (School House 1902-10) gained Colours at Rugby, Cricket, and Hockey, and captained the XV in 1909. He gained a Blue for Rugby Football while at Exeter College, Oxford, and also played for the Harlequins and Barbarians.
He served with the Brecknockshire Battalion (South Wales Borderers) during WW1 and was appointed Secretary to the Brecon War Memorial Hospital when it opened in 1928. He remained a keen supporter of his old school,
and for several years coached Rugby and Cricket. A memorial to him, the ‘Jack Rees stone’, is on the boundary of the 1st XI pitch.
Awarded to Charles Chen
Roger St Elvan Richards Mathematics (Snr)
Awarded to a talented senior pupil who shows exceptional interest in mathematics and commitment to its study.
Founded in 1987 by Roger St Elvan Richards (Hostel 1914-16) in memory of his own lifetime’s love of mathematics. During the Second World War, Roger St Elvan Richards was employed by British-Thompson-Houston Ltd on the development of radar. After the war he was employed as an electronic engineer in connection with rocket guiding systems. It was only on his death in 1991 that his involvement with the early development of radar became known.
Awarded to Rowan Beasley
Dr and Mrs F W Gibbs Computing
Awarded for outstanding individual work in computing.
Founded in 1967 in memory of Dr F W Gibbs (1914-1967), Secretary of the Royal Institute of Chemistry and Editor of the journal ‘Chemistry in Britain’. First given as the Dr F W Gibbs Science Prize.
Since 1989 given as the Dr and Mrs F W Gibbs Computing Prize, in recognition of the loyal dedication of the late Mrs H T Gibbs as a founder member of the Society of Friends.
Awarded to Max Burgess
‘Chemical Lab’. 1908. Christ College Archive. Now Reception.
Science
Winifred Thomas Science (Jnr)
Awarded as individual prizes to junior pupils for aptitude and promise in individual sciences.
Founded in 1989 by W D G Wilkinson (Hostel 1907-16) in memory of his sister-in-law, Winifred A Thomas (1905-1938).
Physics (Jnr): Charles Chen
Chemistry (Jnr): Freddie Melzer
Biology (Jnr): Hannah Langley
R E M Meredith Physics (Snr)
Awarded to a senior pupil for excellence in Physics.
Founded in 1974 in memory of R E M Meredith (1900-1972). R E M Meredith (School House 1917-18) left school to become a pharmaceutical chemist. Though in school for only for a year, he regularly attended Old Breconian dinners and stayed in contact with his OB peers.
Awarded to Cian Epstein
O L Hughes Chemistry (Snr)
Awarded to a senior pupil for excellence in Chemistry.
Founded in 1946 in memory of O L Hughes (1909-1945). Until 1953 awarded as the O L Hughes Memorial Prize. Affectionately known as ‘Oscar’, O L Hughes (School House 1919-27) left school for Balliol College, Oxford. Having achieved a First in Natural Sciences, he was a Research Fellow and studied in Germany before returning to his old school for two years to teach Chemistry.
Awarded to Oliver Rose
Dr James Powell Biology (Snr)
Awarded to a senior pupil for excellence in Biology.
Founded in 1953 in memory of Dr James Powell (1886-1945). James Powell (Morton’s 1900-04), one of three brothers to attend Christ College, won his Rugby Football Colours at school in 1903. He left school to study medicine at St Mary's Hospital, London. After qualifying and working in his hometown of Aberdare, he was for 25 years a GP in Sennybridge.
Awarded to Alex Joseph
Dr Charles Eric Blank Science
Awarded for outstanding good work in Science up to Year 9.
Founded in 2015 in memory of Dr C E Blank (1930-2007). Eric Blank (Day Boy 1942-48) excelled academically and musically while at school, and showed equal talent in athletics. He captained the XV in 1947 and was a track athlete of some distinction.
On leaving school, he first studied the piano at the Royal Academy of Music before joining the
Medical School at Cardiff University. He went on to become a consultant in clinical genetics, and was for many years the Director of the Centre for Human Genetics.
Awarded to Eric Xue
Lady Brecon Natural History
Like the Lady Brecon Geography prize, founded in 1965 by Lady Brecon to mark the opening of the Cartwright Building. Awarded since 1965 for good work in the study of Natural History.
Now awarded to a pupil who has shown a consistent, authentic interest in the natural world and demonstrated outstanding dedication to improving their understanding of life in all its forms.
Awarded to Tomos James
Psychology
Awarded for sustained progress and aptitude in Psychology.
Founded in 2014.
Awarded to Douglas Freeman
BTEC Sport
Awarded for sustained progress and aptitude in BTEC Sport.
Founded in 2021.
Awarded to Olivia Haggar
Creative Arts
Dr and Mrs John Sharp Art
Awarded for exceptional and talented work in Art.
Founded in 1973 by Dr John Sharp (Headmaster 1962-71) and his wife, Jean, on the occasion of their leaving Christ College. Dr Sharp was the first non-classicist to be appointed Headmaster in the history of Christ College. He later served as Chairman of the Governors (1993-99).
(Jnr) awarded to Katie Zhao (Snr) awarded to Efanna Hawking Photography
Awarded for exceptional and talented work in Photography.
(Jnr) awarded to Olivia Powell (Snr) awarded to Michelle Kang
Janet Morgan Academic Music
Awarded for excellence in academic Music.
Founded in 1966 in the name of Mrs J T Morgan by her husband, J Trevil Morgan, Company Director of David Morgan in Cardiff and a Governor of Christ College. Originally the Janet Morgan Sight-Reading Prize, it was the first specialist music prize to be given in Prize Day.
Not awarded
Colin Ross Instrumental
Awarded for excellence in instrumental music.
Founded in 1979 by C A C Ross, composer and organist. Colin Ross (Day Boy 1921-27) left
school to become the assistant organist at Brecon Cathedral at the age of sixteen. He studied conducting and composition at the Royal Academy of Music. Amongst others, he held posts as organist and choirmaster at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne, Australia and the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas in Newcastle.
Awarded to Kurumi Tajiri
Perpetual Challenge Music Cup
Awarded to an individual musician for allround musical excellence and consistent contribution to the musical life of the school.
Originally a House Music Cup, awarded to an individual since 2005.
Awarded to Tali Eastwood
The Perpetual Challenge Cup was presented in 1957 by Aberhonddu Male Voice Choir in memory of two of its members, Old Breconians L H Sefton (Day Boy 1936-37) and R C Scholefield (Day Boy 1935-40) who were killed in action in WW2.
L H Sefton, a 21-year-old wireless operator posted to an RAF night bomber unit, was killed on the night of 17 August 1943 when his aircraft was one of 40 lost in a bombing raid.
20-year-old R C Scholefield, serving with the Nottinghamshire Yeomanry attached to the Royal Armoured Corps, landed in Normandy before D-Day. He was killed when his tank was destroyed on 2 August 1944.
Lord Brecon Singing
Awarded for excellence in solo singing.
Founded in 1979 in memory of Lord Brecon (1905-1976), Governor and Benefactor. After a career in local politics, Lord Brecon was appointed as Minister of State for Welsh Affairs from 1957-64. For four decades he endowed the Lord Brecon Scholarship. The Lord Brecon Classroom Block, opened in 1981, is named in his honour.
Awarded to Annika Hewitt
Cathedral Singers
Awarded for excellence in choral and solo singing.
Founded in 1987 by the Cathedral Singers at Brecon Cathedral.
Awarded to Tali Eastwood
S W Hockey Choir Prize
Awarded for excellence in leadership of the Chapel Choir.
Founded in 1999 by Mr S W Hockey (Headmaster 1986-96) on his retirement from Christ College. As well as overseeing the introduction of girls to Christ College, SWH was also a driving force in ensuring recognition of a wider range of school activities on Prize Day, including music.
Awarded to Efanna Hawking
Catherine Bishop Drama
Awarded to the pupil who has contributed most throughout the year to the school’s drama.
Founded in 1987 by Francis L P de Winton in the name of his daughter, Catherine Bishop, who succeeded him as a Governor.
Awarded to Annika Hewitt
Academic Drama
Awarded for sustained progress and aptitude in academic Drama.
Founded in 2001.
Awarded to Rory Mears
Other Academic Prizes
‘Most
outstanding academically’
Awarded to pupils in Alway and Y9 who have achieved outstanding results in Grade Review Attainment and internal examinations across the academic year.
Founded in 2008.
Most outstanding boy academically in Alway: Arjon Zunaid
Most outstanding girl academically in Alway: Anna Beharrell
Most outstanding boy academically in Year 9: George Bragg
Most outstanding girl academically in Year 9: Freya Hope
Extended Project Prize
Awarded to a pupil who has completed an outstanding Extended Project.
Founded in 2016.
Awarded to Valerie Wong
Harvard Book Prize
Given by the Havard Book Club of London since 2000. The selected publication from the Havard University Press is awarded to “the outstanding student in the Lower Sixth who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields”.
Awarded to Lillian Chen
Lord Atkin Essay
Awarded annually since 1960 to the writer of a cogently argued persuasive essay. Now awarded for the most outstanding paper delivered at the Senior Head’s Essay Society.
The Lord Atkin Essay Prize is named in honour of James R Atkin (School House 1879-85). While at school, ‘Dick’ Atkin was a regular speaker at the Debating Society and claimed numerous Classics Prizes.
He was also a sportsman of some distinction. He had a distinguished career in Law, becoming a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary (1928). His judgements are regarded as models of clarity and good sense, and many still influence current law.
Awarded to Mark Gorodkin
Sport
Jon Williams 7-a-side Rugby Cup
Awarded for significant commitment and contribution to the Rugby VII.
Given in 2004 by Jon R Williams (Staff 19862003). As well as teaching Economics and being Housemaster of School House Blue and St David’s House (1989-2001), JRW coached the Rugby XV and Rugby VII from 1987 to 1999.
Awarded to Lewis Howells
John Morgan Rugby
Awarded for significant commitment and contribution to the Rugby XV.
Founded in 1992 in memory of John D Morgan (1939-1991) who was a Day Boy at Christ College from 1949 to 1958.
Awarded to Nicholas House
Ewart Morgan Cricket
Awarded for significant commitment and contribution to the Cricket XI.
Founded in 1987 by Ewart D Morgan (Day Boy 1913-17). First awarded for ‘Games’. Awarded as a Cricket prize from 1992 in conjunction with the Rugby prize founded in the name of his son, John D Morgan.
Awarded to Rhys Pearson
Adams Cup for the Boys Hockey Player of the Year
Given in 2007 by Steven A Adams (Donaldson's 1993-98) who joined the staff to teach Maths and coach Hockey (Staff 2002-09).
Awarded to Ben McLean
Gwyn Davies Memorial Trophy
Awarded for outstanding commitment and contribution to boys sport at Christ College.
Given in 1995 in memory of Gwyn Davies, parent of P J B Davies (School House Red 1984-92) and G A R Davies (School House Red 1987-94), who spent many hours on the touchlines encouraging school teams and supporting them with knowledgeable enthusiasm.
Awarded to Rhys Pearson
Suzy Thomas Prize for the Girls Hockey Player of the Year
Founded in 2007. Named in 2024 for Suzy Thomas (de Winton 1995-97) in recognition of her committed leadership as Captain of the Girls Hockey XI (1996/97) and her continuing hockey career. Suzy captained the XI to its first victory at the South Powys Tournament and at
its first appearance at National Finals in 1997. For more than 20 years she has represented Cardiff and Met Hockey Club (previously Cardiff Athletic), and has been capped for Wales as a member of Wales Masters.
Awarded to Annabelle Sykes
Lynne Webber Netball Cup
Awarded for significant commitment and contribution to the Netball VII.
Given by in 2003 by Lynne Webber (Staff 19892017). LW taught PE and coached Netball for nearly two decades before her retirement from Christ College in 2017. With her husband, Chris, LW was Houseparent of Alway (1991-98). She was Senior Mistress and the first Housemistress (1998-2010) of Donaldson’s House when it became a girls House in 1998.
Awarded to Arwen Thomas
Mary Hockey Girls Games Cup
Awarded for outstanding commitment and contribution to girls sport at Christ College.
Given in 1997 by Mrs Mary Hockey, wife of Mr S W Hockey (Headmaster 1985-96). A great supporter of co-education at Christ College, Mrs Hockey had a particular interest in encouraging opportunities for girls to participate in sport.
Awarded to Alex Poole
