Hello, I am excited to bring you the Lent Term issue of ‘The Breconian’.
Each term, we aim to demonstrate the key aspects that make Christ College so special. This issue is filled with many exciting events that have taken place, achievements that have been made, and insightful pupil contributions.
You’ll find a special feature in our ‘Captains Corner’ , where this year’s Captains and ‘Head’s of’ express what their role means to them. As well as a ‘Hub Appreciation’ feature, demonstrating how important the Sixth Form Hub is to the school.
This newsletter reflects the many talents across the school. From music, drama, sport, and academic achievements, this issue has it all!
All aspects of school life have been very busy, and hopefully you will recognise how much we’ve accomplished, and see the countless opportunities experienced.
I am thrilled to share this issue with you, and I cannot wait to see what the term ahead holds.
The Breconian
Musician of the Year 2025
Our Musician of the Year prize winners , with our adjudicator for the evening, Mr Kevin Price.
The annual Musician of the Year Competition took place on Friday 14th February, generously supported by Old Breconian W. Hugh Phillips JP, FCOptom.
The adjudicator, Kevin Price, Deputy Director of Music at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, was mightily impressed with all our performers, awarding first prize for the Instrumentalist of the Year to Moriaki (Piano Y12 SCH) and Singer of the Year to Roshan (Y11 SCH). Runners Up in the instrumental competition were, in second place, Kurumi (Violin Y12 DON) and in third place, Bella (Cornet Y11 DEW).
In the singing competition, second place went to Elsie (Y13 DON), and in third place, Louisa (Y12 DON). There was also a new ‘Rising Star’ award, kindly donated by Mr David Grant, awarded to Summer (Y10 DEW) for her singing and to Shanshan (Y9 DON) for her piano performance.
Congratulations to all of this year’s performers and a huge thank you to all those who came to support our pupils for the evening.
A Quintet of Brass
Following the Musician of the Year competition, in fact only three days later, we were delighted to welcome Blacksmith Brass to the school.
They are a professional brass quintet, who spent the day with pupils in the Prep School, holding demonstrations and ‘have a go’ sessions in the Neuadd, as well as putting on a very entertaining lunchtime concert for all members of the school community.
It was uplifting to hear the power and passion of brass instruments in the hands of such capable and communicative young professionals, and our hope is that some of our pupils will want to take up these brilliantly shiny instruments in the future.
Chapel Choir Tour 2025
Every two years, the Chapel Choir embark on an overseas tour, which in recent years has taken us to Paris, Prague, Kuala Lumpur (hosted by King Henry VIII School), Rome and this year, Budapest.
A visit to the famous Liszt Museum and hearing a fabulous one-hour piano recital of his music was another highlight for many.
29 intrepid choristers from across the senior school, plus three staff, flew from Heathrow just before half term, spending four days exploring a wonderful city, rich in history and culture. They had the opportunity to sing at two Masses and one concert in three of the city’s most important churches.
The welcome we received couldn’t have been warmer, even though air temperatures were slightly less comfortable!
Nonetheless, nothing could stop us from having the most memorable time, not only eating at a restaurant where drinks were served from branch lines of a model railway, but also to indulging in the city’s famous thermal baths and visiting the most high-tech music museum that anyone had ever experienced.
Thank you to Mr Cooper who led the trip, as well as to Mrs Owen who supported us hugely along the way. We will certainly be returning to Budapest in the future.
Exploring the incredible history and sights of Budapest
Performing a concert at Matthias Church
Thank you to Mr Cooper for organising the trip and Mr Ling for conducting!
Lunchtime Concerts Continue in the Library
Aside from the major events of this term, our regular programme of weekly lunchtime concerts (taking place in the Library during colder weather) ensures that everyone has a chance to try out their individual or group performances in front of a small and friendly audience.
Recently, we have heard performances on the basoon, the piano, the flute, the violin and the guitar. We are deligthed that so many pupils and staff are able to take time out of their busy day to come along and support our musicians!
Performing in the Local Community
On Friday 7th March, members of the Prep School Choir (Years 5-8) gathered in Theatr Brycheiniog to perform alongside the Band of the Prince of Wales as their special guests in their concert ‘Cry of the Celts’.
The choir sang three songs, two by the well-known Lin Marsh and then the traditional Calon Lan, complete with full military brass band accompaniment –stirring stuff ! In addition, three of our prizewinners from our recent competition performed as soloists in this public concert: Moriaki performing a Chopin Polonaise on the piano, Roshan singing some Mozart and Bella performing several pieces as a guest of the band, as well as one piece as the star soloist.
All our musicians took the evening in their stride, performing with confidence and focus, as well as making the school and themselves proud in the process.
As I write, we have one more major event still to come with the Creative Arts Showcase, a collaboration between Music and Drama departments, taking place on Friday 21st March. From a Music department perspective, the audience can expect to hear performances from several of our school ensembles, including strings, percussion, guitars, and the invitational Film Orchestra, which traditionally meets this term to prepare music from famous film soundtracks. The Chamber Choir are also certain to make an appearance.
I would like to thank all members of the Music Department staff, including Mr Cooper and our talented and dedicated visiting instrumental and singing teachers, who do so much to help pupils develop their musical skills. Mr Grant and his Tech team are also always working behind the scenes to ensure that concerts run smoothly and look and sound great.
Thank you also to all those people, parents, staff and other pupils, who come to support, whether that be in the weekly lunchtime concerts, or in other events on site or further afield.
Year 12 pupil, Kurumi performing on the violin
Year 8 pupil, Yuri performing on the piano
Year 11 pupil, Roshan performing on the basoon
Academic News
Mock Exam Season
The Lent Term witnesses a large number of our pupils undertake mock examinations in preparation for the challenges of external exams during the Summer Term. The Library is transformed into a suitable invigilation hall and has hosted a number of important mock exam cycles this term.
The process began with a two-week intensive period of GCSE mock exams for our Year 11 cohort in January. The pupils displayed excellent resilience and commitment throughout the assessment period and should now be looking ahead to the real papers next term with a calm sense of confidence and purpose.
This was closely followed by modular mock exams for our pupils in the Lower Sixth undertaking AS qualifications in a number of subjects next term. Their mock process was completed after the February half-term, which then saw the turn of our Upper Sixth cohort to undertake a near two-week period of exams in preparation for A-Level and BTEC final exams next term.
Well done to this significant number of pupils undergoing rigorous exam preparation this term – your diligent and conscientious approach was evident throughout and we wish you all the very best ahead of your external exams during the Summer Term.
Confirmation that study leave for Year 11 and the Upper Sixth will begin on 12th May to coincide with a large number of external examinations beginning that week.
We have now recieved the full review of Christ College from The Muddy Stilettos ‘Best Schools Guide’ .
It provides a genuine insight into life at Christ College and it offers an independent, honest opinion following a visit from one of their editors in November 2024.
Estyn Inspection 2024
As an independent school in Wales, Christ College Brecon is inspected by Estyn, his Majesty’s inspectorate for education and training in Wales.
Following their review in 2024, we were delighted with their comments which we have highlighted below. You can read the full report on our website.
“Pupils demonstrate exemplary manners and celebrate each other’s achievements with sincerity and enthusiasm.”
“Pupils leave the school as well-rounded individuals, with strong public examination results and a clear understanding of how to identify and follow their future pathway.”
“A caring family community twoards which pupils, parents and past pupils display great loyalty and affection.”
“Teachers in the upper prep and senior school have exceptional subject knowledge that extends beyond the scope of school courses.”
House Debating Competition
An annual highlight of the Senior House Competition, House Debating took place during the first half of this Lent Term and displayed a superb range of public speaking and rhetorical skills from pupils representing all houses.
To begin this year’s competition, participants presented well researched, eloquent speeches in the semi-final round and grappled with two complex motions admirably. Teams from Orchard and De Winton teams duly progressed through to the much coveted final round, with speaker of the day awards justifiably awarded to Jed and Elsie with both Upper Sixth pupils modelling the highest quality of debating to those looking to participate in future years.
This year’s final took place in front of a packed and supportive Neuadd audience as De Winton and Orchard debated the abolition of juries in the UK. All six speakers provided hugely impressive speeches full of pertinent material, rhetorical flourishes and impressive rebuttal. Well done to Freddie, Edward, Harrison, Sophia, Megan and Darcey on your superb contributions to this year’s competition.
As ever there had to be a winnermany congratulations to the De Winton team on their triumph. The sheer volume of arguments, extension ideas and targeted rebuttal was enough to seal victory over a talented Orchard team.
Huge thanks again to our Head of English, Dr Evans, for all that he does in championing debating across the school - it’s held in such high regard here at Christ College and is an undoubtedly vital life skill.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s competition and the further participation of our pupils in external Debating competitions organised by both Cambridge and Oxford University.
Congratulations
Academic Colours and Oxbridge Update
An important assembly was held in February to award a large number of colours to recognize the achievements and efforts of our pupils across many areas of school life. Academic colours were this term awarded to those pupils who had secured interviews at Oxford and Cambridge following rigorous admissions processes – many congratulations to Harley (Engingeering), Moto (Engineering), Nyah (French), Tony (Mathematics) and Ben (Music).
Particular congratulations go to Frankie for securing an offer to read French at Jesus College, Oxford. Frankie’s dedication, conscientious approach and academic passion for the language have been evident to all here at Christ College.
After providing invaluable subject mentoring and support for Frankie’s application, Head of French Mrs McLean commented “This is a well deserved outcome for Frankie, who continues to make linguistic connections and strives to develop every aspect of her wider understanding within the world of language learning and beyond”.
The whole Christ College community is justifiably proud of Frankie’s achievement at the end of a rigorous, highly competitive application process.
Mr Evans and Mr Pearson with the Orchard and deWinton teams who progressed through to the final.
to deWinton House!
Junior and Senior Essay Society Updates
This Lent Term has witnessed a number of high quality junior and senior Essay Society theses delivered by a range of pupils seeking to extend their interests and ambitions beyond the regular curriculum.
Our first event of the term saw Ella deliver a well-researched, analytical paper exploring the actions of Macbeth against the context of modern legal principles. Ella’s paper used this famous work of Shakespeare to explore the moral and practical justifications of criminal acts in both modern and historic contexts.
Such inter-disciplinary, high level thinking is a hallmark of our Senior Essay Society!
Our Junior Essay Society cohort impressed with two very different research papers delivered by Maddie and Archie. Maddie’s thesis explored in excellent detail the psychological and scientific theories surrounding the nature vs. nurture debate.
Archie thoughtfully analysed the harmful impact of social media on the radicalisation of young people and displayed a nuanced understanding of some complex, difficult current affair topics.
The quality of these papers in our Junior Essay Society was evident for all to see and provides ample evidence that the Society looks set to go from strength to strength in the years to come!
Japanese Exchange Programmes
A notable feature of each Lent Term is the arrival at Christ College of a number of Japanese pupils from a range of partner schools in the greater Tokyo region.
As part of the Keio University (Tokyo) Study Abroad Programme we were delighted to welcome Mr Matsuoka from Keio University to Christ College once again. Mr Matsuoka arrived at Christ College in March with three pupils from Keio joining our Lower Sixth until the end of the academic year.
This is a prestigious, well established programme and one we look forward to annually. A warm welcome to our three new Keio pupils Kazufumi, Sota and Daichi and we hope you have an excellent remainder of the academic year with us!
Also arriving in March from Japan were four pupils from Meikei High School as part of our well-established pupil exchange programme masterminded by Mr Hill.
The four pupils were paired with our impressive Lower Sixth girls Holly, Louisa, Caty and Erin to immerse themselves in school life and, more broadly, British culture.
The programme undoubtedly encapsulates the truly global outlook we hold so dearly here at Christ College and was a resounding success for all involved.
Irasshaimase!
(Welcome)
Erin, Holly, Caty and Louisa at the airport setting off to Japan!
Mr Matsuoka with Mr Hill, Mr Mackridge and Mr Pearson before Chapel
Maddie and Archie with our Co-Chairs of the Junior Essay Society
Ella with Elsie and Tadhg, our Co-Chairs of the Senior Essay Society
Drama
Creative Arts Showcase 2025
The Senior School is busy with excitement as preparations are underway for the Creative Arts Concert on Friday 21st March.
This special evening promises to be a vibrant showcase of talent, featuring a diverse mix of performances, including solos, dramatic excerpts from West End productions, monologues, duologues, and winning entries from our recent House Speech and Drama competition.
The concert will also feature an array of dance styles, from dynamic hip-hop to graceful Chinese dance, in collaboration with the Music Department. It will be an inspiring celebration of the passion and creativity that define our school community.
Earlier this term, the House Speech and Drama Competition took place on Wednesday 19th February, with esteemed adjudicator Stephanie Webber. Each senior house presented a monologue, duologue, and classical and contemporary group pieces. We are proud to announce the winners:
•Best Monologue – Orchard House
•Best Duologue – deWinton House
•Best Classical and Contemporary Group Piece – School House, who were also crowned the overall winners.
The Prep School is equally busy preparing for their own House Speech and Drama competition, scheduled for Friday 28th March.
Our senior drama scholars will take on the role of adjudicators, selecting the best monologue and group piece from houses Usk, Wye, and Taff. We look forward to seeing the creativity and confidence of our younger performers.
This term also saw an exciting experience for our Year 11 GCSE Drama pupils, who attended a captivating performance of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at the New Theatre in Cardiff.
The trip provided valuable insights into stagecraft and character portrayal, enriching their understanding of dramatic performance.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce that preparations for the Alway Production of Oliver JR will begin in the summer term.
Auditions for lead and supporting roles will take place at the end of this term, and we can’t wait to see our students bring this classic musical to life.
It has been an inspiring and creative term so far, and we look forward to celebrating the incredible talents of our students in the weeks ahead.
Year 11 GCSE Drama pupils visited the New Theatre in Cardiff to see Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express.
Prep School
School Trips
This term has been a busy one, with lots of trips taking place.
Year 1 and Year 2 visited Techniquest for all things Science, while Years 3 and 4 travelled to Plantasia in line with their topic of Rainforests.
Pupils in Year 7 and Year 8 travelled to the Millennium Centre in Cardiff to watch ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’.
Boarding in Alway
Our boarders in the Prep School have been busy this term. Weekend activities have included Junior Bake off, a visit to Pen-y-Crug Iron Age hillfort, ten pin bowling, prize bingo and a Sunday trip to Cardiff, where they played mini golf and tried a little Brazilian cuisine!
Gap Students
As we started the term, we welcomed this year’s gap students from Australia, Miss Michaela Gallie and Miss Neve Cammons.
Miss Gallie and Miss Cammons will be at the heart of Prep School life and we hope they enjoy their time here at Christ College.
A New Reading Shed!
The St Nicks School Council have been setting up the playground Reading Shed.
The facility will give pupils access to reading during their break and lunch times and was a result of donations given in last year’s CCB Giving Day.
It was a fantastic show with all pupils enjoying the performance. Thank you to our English Department for organising the trip.
"Teachers in 'St Nicks' engage pupils effectively
Year 1 and Year 2 having fun and learning lots at Techniquest!
Year 3 and Year 4 learning all about the Rainforests in Plantasia!
Miss Gallie and Miss Cammons at the top of Pen-y-Crug
Our pupils in St Nicks have been enjoying their new reading shed!
Prep School Sport
On the sporting front, there have been hockey, football and netball fixtures against a host of schools including Moor Park, Llandaff Cathedral School and Malvern.
Our Under 12 and Prep First XI girls cricket teams took part in the Regional Indoor Cricket Championships, with the First XI qualifying for the South Wales finals.
On Thursday 20th February, 12 pupils from Years 4 to Year 6 competed in the annual Oakleigh House Swimming gala at the National Pool, Swansea, with the team finishing in fourth position.
Prep School Music and Drama
Our annual Eisteddfod took place on Wednesday 5th March. Pupils recited poetry, sang songs and performed instrumental pieces in celebration of Welsh culture.
As always, there was great support for the three house teams: Taf, Usk and Wye. The atmosphere was electric in the Neuadd as each competitor took to the floor, cheered on by their fellow house team members.
The pupils came dressed in Welsh attire and the Neuadd was turned red with Welsh rugby shirts, Welsh dragons and Welsh costumes.
On Friday 7th March, the Prep School Choir, along with Senior School pupils Bella, Roshan and Moriaki performed alongside the Band of the Prince of Wales in Theatre Brycheiniog. The concert was a huge success and the we were honored to be part of proceedings for the third consecutive year, with the pupils doing themselves and the College proud.
in their work and provide interesting learning experiences" - Estyn
The Prep 1st XI girls cricket team
The U14 boys hockey team
The U14 girls netball team
Prep School pupils singing ‘Mae Hen Wlad Fyn Hadau’ at the start of their Eisteddfod.
The Prep School Choir at the Band of the Prince of Wales concert
Matching costumes for Ariya and Isla at this year’s Eisteddfod!
Sport
Hockey
Girls
The U16 and U18 teams both secured places in the National Finals, which to add to the excitement were hosted by Hoci Cymru at CCB.
In the first finals of the year, Christ College played in a round robin format against Bro Morgannwg, Brynhyfryd, Llandovery College, Glantaf and Rydal Penrhos.
Having kept a clean sheet all day, with some excellent defence and goalkeeping, it all came down to the final game, where Christ College needed a win against Llandovery College in order to become the overall Welsh Champions.
With two minutes left in the game, a strike from the top of the circle from
Joely saw Christ College take the lead and finish off the game in style. We are so proud of the girls and the work they have put in, on and off the pitch over the last six months to get here, and we are so grateful to have hosted the event and played at home in front of our supporters.
The U16 had a tough day at the National Competitions, with an early defeat to Monmouth in their first game. They kept their spirits up throughout the day and continued to work hard until the very end, but ultimately not progressing out of the group phase. Star player was awarded to Sally.
The U12 and U14 teams put in brilliant performances at Regionals but unfortunately did not progress
to the National Finals. Star players throughout were Freya in U12 and Martha in U14.
A number of girls have represented Glamorgam Valleys in the county tournaments over February half term, and as a result have been selected to RPC training camps ahead of the final squad announcement. Well done to Beth and Sally.
The younger pupils have continued with training this term and wrapped up the season with a spirited boys vs girls match. Five girls have been selected to train with South Wales Dragons- well done to Seren, Aurora, Freya, Angharad and Matilda.
Christ College Brecon U12s
Christ College Brecon U14s
Christ College Brecon U18 girls team, Welsh Schools Hockey Champions!
Boys
At Christ College Brecon, the boys’ hockey program continues to thrive, highlighted by an exceptional year for the U18 team, who clinched the National title with some memorable and hard-fought performances at both the Regional Qualifiers and the National Finals day.
The U16s, showing impressive development, are building momentum and have set the stage for a bright future with their evolving skill set.
Meanwhile, the U14s and U12s have represented the school with pride in National age group tournaments, gaining invaluable experience that will serve them well as they grow in the sport.
The school’s commitment to player development extends beyond the pitch, with strong connections being forged with local clubs to provide further growth opportunities for the senior team.
An exciting curtain-raiser against Abergavenny Men’s team saw our 1st team play out a 2-2 draw, with a lot of thrilling hockey on display it was a positive sign of the potential within the squad.
The increase in interest and participation in boys’ hockey at Christ College Brecon reflects the program’s growing reputation and success.
This year, seven senior players participated in the County Hockey Pathway during the February half-term break, demonstrating their commitment to advancing their skills at the highest levels.
Additionally, four of our Alway players have been nominated for the prestigious South Wales Dragons, a testament to their exceptional talent and potential.
With such strong foundations and a clear focus on development, the future of boys’ hockey at Christ College Brecon looks incredibly promising.
The program continues to cultivate the next generation of players, with aspirations for even greater success in the years to come.
Upper Sixth pupils, AJ, Ben, Toby and Mario
Christ College Brecon U18 boys team, Welsh Schools Hockey Champions!
Christ College Brecon U12s
Christ College Brecon U14s
Cricket
It has been a busy Lent term for our cricketers at Christ College.
All players across each year group have been training hard every week in preparation for the upcoming season.
Well done to Sophie and Tess who have been selected for the Glamorgan Academy squad.
We are also excited to share the news that our new six lane outdoor net provision should be ready for the start of the term.
Pupil Achievement
Congratulations to Eve, who has been selected for the 1st Glamorgan professional women’s squad.
Eve has worked so hard over the past few years developing her cricket skills and thoroughly deserves her selection.
Rugby
The Rugby 15s season has come to and end, culminating with a competitive fixture against Millfield. As the traditional format comes to a close, the focus has rapidly shifted to the exhilarating 7s rugby season.
Recent Performance
The team has already participated in several 7s tournaments, including the Collegiate 7s, where the team made it through to the Plate Semi Finals and the West of England 7s, where they reached the Bowl Final, just falling short of securing the title.
Despite this setback, the performances have shown promise and provided valuable experience for our players.
The transition from 15s to 7s rugby is well underway, and with several tournaments on the horizon, the team is ready to build on the experiences gained so far.
Upcoming Tournaments
Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of tournaments scheduled:
CCB 7s: Unfortunately, this event was cancelled due to weather conditions, but has been rescheduled and will take place on Sunday 16th March.
Llandovery 7s: Set for 19th March, this tournament will be a key opportunity for our teams to showcase their skills.
Rosslyn Park 7s: Our U18 Boys, U18 Girls, U16 Boys, and U13 Prep Boys will participate in this prestigious tournament, which is always a highlight of the season.
We look forward to the upcoming competitions and are optimistic about our performance in the weeks to come.
This season has been a fantastic journey filled with both highs and lows, showcasing the resilience and growth of our players.
Across all age groups, we have participated in numerous fixtures, each game contributing to our development and experience on the court.
Week by week, our teams have shown tremendous progress, improving their skills, teamwork, and match play.
A standout moment of the season was the U16 and U18 teams competing in the regional final against Welshpool.
While the U16s put up a strong fight, it was the U18s who emerged victorious, securing their place in the Nationals. We wish them the best of luck as they represent the school at the tournament.
Overall, it has been a season of strong performances, and we are excited to build on this momentum as we continue to develop and strengthen our squads for next year.
Famous Faces In Sport
During this term, we have been honoured to welcome some famous faces to the school, to impart their knowledge to our pupils to help their development in their chosen sport.
In February, we were delighted to welcome back former Wales and British and Irish Lions Captain, Sam Warburton. Sam visited the school in conjunction with our links to our Regional Pathway Club, Cardiff Rugby. He spent the afternoon coaching our rugby boys, passing invaluable insights and knowledge around the contact area.
We were also visited by Beth Cobden, Loughborough Lightning and Engand Netball player, who spent some time with the girls across different age groups, coaching them in defensive play and interceptions.
We are very lucky to have such lucrative links, enabling our pupils to learn from the best and inpiring them to push themselves to become the best athlete they can be.
Christ College Brecon U18 Netball team
Combined Cadet Force
House Drill Competition
This year’s drill competition took place on a clear, but chilly Saturday morning in February. Once again, we welcomed Maj Mark Teesdale, the OC of 160 Brigade Cadet Training Team, as our visiting judge.
The houses had been practising hard during lunch times as well as after
Excercise
school for many weeks, and their hard work paid off, as Maj Teesdale commented upon the high standard of both the cadets’ turnout and drill.
The competition was particularly close this year but in the end it was de Winton House who came out on top.
Black Dragon
A Platoon of brave young souls, deployed to Sennybridge Training area in March for Exercise Black Dragon.
The exercise has become synonymous with our cadets for its testing and challenging conditions, along with an opportunity to practice advanced fieldcraft skills in a realistic setting.
Our cadets began on foot (after a short tactical journey by coach), met with a local agent, who then provided them with food, water and essential items to see them through the next 36 hours, such as talcum powder, lip salve and glow sticks!
The guide them led them to their ‘home for the night’ a coniferous hilltop woodblock. Our intrepid cadets, set up their bashas, cooked their evening meal and welcome hot drink and then set off on a night patrol.
Suitably acclimatised and tired, they retired to their super warm sleeping bags for a sound night’s sleep (by and large)!
The next day saw a programme of fieldcraft sessions, including the use of blank ammunition and culminated in a Section Attack – which to the uninitiated is a sequence of tactical manoeuvres, using speed, aggression and teamwork, to overcome the ‘enemy’.
The cadets all performed extremely well, whilst basking in the unseasonably warm early Spring sunshine. A great exercise attended by awesome cadets, which saw us once again working collaboratively with Haberdashers’ Monmouth School – a winning combination.
Congratulations to them, and to their squad leader Cdt Cpl Sam, as well as to Cdt Brooke (Donaldson’s House), who took the award as the best squad leader.
Blue skies for our pupils to taking on their field craft sessions
The Christ College platoon to took on Exercise Black Dragon
House drill line out ready for judging. Congratulations to de Winton house! Congratulations to Brooke, best squad leader.
CCB Adventure
What an adventurous start to the New Year! Our Wednesday Adventure options have been enjoyed by a good number of pupils across all year groups, whilst our Saturday Adventure programme was paused to ‘sit out’ the worst of the seasonal weather conditions delivered by the National Park.
This didn’t stop our climbers who were buoyed by their prestigious win in the South Powys Schools Climbing competition in Novemeber, forged ahead in preparation for the House Climbing Cup.
Our climbers, ably led by Seb have demonstrated real progress in their climbing skills – with a number of our pupils now tackling the most difficult climbs that Llangorse has to offer!
Neither did it stop our intrepid MTB crew who have used the ‘off season’ to forge ahead with trail building at the school track. I’m not sure many of our pupils realised that electing to join the team, would see them wielding hand tools in the pursuit of the perfect ‘berm’ or ‘line’ through the woods.
However, it is such a vital element to the sport, teaching our pupils the technical aspects of riding and trail building – they will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour in the spring, when riding conditions improve!
On to our annual House climbing competition, which took place once again at the Llangorse Climbing Centre at the end of January. The standard of climber and the level of competition just gets better year on year, our pupils ‘bouldered’, top roped and speed climbed to gain points for their respective Houses.
An absolute highlight was the manner in which pupils from all Houses enthusiastically encouraged the other climbers, demonstrating fantastic sportsmanship throughout the day.
Nick (SCH) retained his top senior male climber title, while Axel (ORC) took the junior title. Top senior female in her second year of competing was Evie (DON), while Eira (DON) emerged as a real talent, with bags of potential, taking the junior girl title. Overall ORC and DON Houses took the honours, both by the smallest of margins – well done all!
The Saturday adventure programme re-commenced at the end of February, challenging our pupils not only with the awesome activities on offer, but my goodness what about the weather!
Groups of pupils paddled the River Usk, walked the Beacons and solved new bouldering and climbing problems set by the Llangorse staff.
As this edition of The Breconian goes to press, this programme continues, with up to 35 pupils engaged in challenging and enjoyable outdoor activities each Saturday.
Getting the boats ready to go out on the water!
Canoeing on Brecon Canal
Getting ready to Kayak on the River
Climbing at Llangorse Rope Centre
Trail building ready for MTB season
House Climbing Competition!
Captain’s Corner
Head of Choir
“Being Head of Choir is particularly special to me as it allows me to give back to the community that has given me so much over the past 10 years.
Singing is such an important part of Christ College’s history and identity, and it’s a privilege to now stand in the choir stalls as Head of Choir, helping to continue that tradition.
Choir has shaped so much of my time here, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of something that has been at the heart of the school for so many years.”
Head of Choir and Co-Chair of Senior Essay Society
“The Chapel Choir is a really special facet of Christ College and has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time here. As Head of Choir, I am so proud to have continued its legacy.
Senior Essay Society meetings consist of an academic paper given by a member of the society and then discussion amongst a group of their peers. This year’s meetings so far have been a great success, with discussion topics ranging from Ethics and Foreign Policy to Literature and Linguistics.”
Captain of Rugby
“Being a 1XV captain has taught me a lot, by leading through courage, but also learning how to deal with the hardships and that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Captain of Rugby
“I’m immensely proud to captain the school’s rugby team and represent a place which has given so much to my family and I throughout recent years.”
Co-Chair of Senior Essay Society
“The Headmaster’s Essay Society offers an excellent opportunity to engage in thought-provoking debate and discussion on topics beyond the curriculum. From medical ethics to geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, these meetings foster critical analysis and the ability to articulate arguments, skills that will prove invaluable for life after Christ College.
As Co-Chair of the society this year, I have the privilege of helping to shape these discussions and encourage people to share their perspectives, which is incredibly rewarding.”
Captain of Rugby Sevens
“I am honoured to be selected as 7’s captain this year at Christ college Brecon. It’s a real privilege to captain the team alongside my mates and to do the best we possibly can in all competitions we take part in.” AJ Morris
“A leader is one who knows th e way, goes th
James Griffiths
Elsie Jones Tadhg Iley
James Thomas Rhys Conquer
Head of Debating
“The role of Head of Debating is important to me as it challenges me to grow both personally and academically, whilst empowering others to participate, shaping the growing future for debating at Christ College.”
Music Lead
Climbing Captain
Captain of Boys’ Cricket
“It’s a privilege to be able to captain a team that I have been involved in for many years. I feel honoured to be able to lead a team full of talented cricketers. I will always be appreciative for this opportunity!”
way,
Edward Habgood
“As Music Lead, my main goal is to deal with and assist with lunchtime concerts, ensuring they run smoothly and allowing the whole school access to music. I am also involved in the planning of the upcoming gig.”
“Climbing this year has been a huge success, both with a tight-knit group of regulars and a consistent number of new climbers trying it out each week. It’s a unique and useful skill to have and if anyone wants to tag along on a Wednesday, we would be happy to accommodate!
It’s been great having the opportunity to lead climbing, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team spirit that we have fostered. I think climbing has got a bright future at CCB, in fact we all do.”
Captain of Girls’ Cricket
“An honour to lead and represent the school with my team as well as encouraging the younger years to inspire them to be a part of the team in the future.”
Captain of Netball
“As netball captain, the team’s cohesiveness is one of my main priorities. I try to keep the spirits high and make sure that the team is focused on improving together.”
and shows th e way” - John C. Maxwell
Darcey Thomas
Eve Jackson Toby Palmer
Sofia Holmes
Seb Chambers
Captain of Boys’ Hockey
Captain of Girls’ Hockey
Senior Cadet and Captain of Football
“Being captain of the 1st XI hockey is a real privilege as I have been able to watch the hockey community within school grow and become even more established throughout the Easter term.”
Darcy Davies Ben McLean
“It’s been an enjoyable experience to captain a team that I have been involved in for 5 years. It has been very inspiring seeing the team around me progress through the seasons and I will always be grateful for this opportunity.”
“Being a senior cadet in the CCF is a whole new chapter for me. Being the senior cadet has taught me how to lead in a mature manner and has also developed my patience and understanding. It has meant that I have taken more responsibility for CCF related activities, such as leading roles in drill competitions or external camps.
Football Captain is an exciting role for me this year. Acaptain should be a role model for the team, not exert dominance over people. Leading in something that I truly enjoy doing is remarkable and my team will keep triumphing through this superb journey.”
Our Speakeasy Bench Has Arrived!
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our fantastic Speakeasy Bench, generously delivered by The Speakeasy Club!
The Speakeasy Club is on a mission to place free well-being and mental health resources in every community sports venue worldwide. Thier initiative ecourages open conversations and supports menatl well-being through sport.
Thank you to all of our pupils who have worked incredibly hard to fundraise for the Speakeasy charity. Your dedication and generousity have helped bring this important initiative to our school!
Don’t forget to check out the bench and scan the QR code on the bench to find out more about the support and resources available to you.
A massive thank you to Simon, Alan and the entire Speakeasy Club team for this wonderful addition!
Mario Cheng
In Other School News...
It’s A Small World After All...
It was wonderful to welcome Ella Gribbin to Christ College this term. Ella is the Head Girl at our sister school in Malaysia, King Henry VIII.
Extrodinarily, Ella went to the same primary school as our Head Boy, Ben. They haven’t seen each other since they were in Year 5, but it was a great trip down memory lane for them both as Ella spent some time with us at Christ College taking a tour and even joining in with the Choir rehearsals.
Welcoming Pupils From Around The World
During the Lent Term, we have welcomed pupils from Japan, China, Spain, Germany, Argentina and Chile to Christ College. Whether these pupils are with us for a short stay, or for a longer period of time, they fully immerse themselves into school life and quickly become a part of the CCB community.
We are delighted to have had pupils from Argentina and Chile with us this term and we hope that our links with South America will continue to grow. Clara, who recenly visited from Argentina and helped our 1st XI team win the Welsh Schools Hockey Nationals, said, ‘The girls in the house are like sisters now, we don’t want to go home’.
We hope that these friendships forged while at the school, continue well into the future.
Fernando, Jose, Rodrigo, Benjamin and Pedro joined us from Colegio Verbo Divinio, Chile
Clara, Clara and Joaquin joined us from St George’s, Argentina
Sixth Form Hub Appreciation
I am delighted to include an exciting segment in this issue, to highlight the Sixth Form Hub and show how this adds to the school’s culture and uniqueness.
The Hub is a warm environment, filled with brilliant, compassionate, and talented people who constantly make a massive difference across the entire school.
One of best parts of the Hub is ‘Poetry Friday’. This takes place every Friday morning in the hub, and it is a reflective time where various people across the school come together, and focus on an important message expressed through a poem.
This is really impactful as it shows immense amounts of support and leadership across the whole school, and it definitely makes everyone’s Friday morning.
As Head of Poetry Friday, Frankie says “It is an opportunity for the entire hub to come together”.
The Hub is a welcoming and enthusiastic environment. It is an inclusive space where everyone unites together, whether this is for a charity event, volunteering, or even studying.
They have an amazing workroom, that has a very productive atmosphere where the academic hub prefect, Neel, effectively monitors the workspace and instils a culture for successful academic achievements.
Head of Hub, Tadhg, conveys how everyone in the upper sixth gets the opportunity to take on a tailored hub prefect role, that works to their specific strength. This adds to why the hub body operates so well together, as they all love being a part of a place
“It’s a cohesive body, you don’t feel like there’s a separation between year 12 and 13”
Mrs McLean always has a puzzle on the table in the Hub!
Mrs McLean with the Lower Sixth girls in the Hub!
where they can excel. Fittingly, Tadhg says that the members of the hub are “people that throw themselves into every opportunity”.
It is undeniable that the hub would not be complete without the missing piece of the puzzle, Mrs Mclean.
Many pupils in the hub express how she is the heart of the hub, and that she makes it that much more special. She is amazing at organising bespoke Curriculum For Life talks, based on what the pupils want to hear about.
Mrs Mclean makes the hub a family that everyone wants to be a part of, and without her it would not be the same.
Written by Sofia, Editor
“The hub is a family which I can rely on to support me whenever I need”
Head of Senior Hub, Tadhg with Seniru at a recent Poetry Friday
Bacon rolls all -round as a reward for our Sixth Form pupils in the Hub!
Development and Foundation
Cricket Nets
Materials were delivered in February for the work on the cricket nets to begin!
Exciting developments are underway at Christ College Brecon, with one of the most notable being the construction of six brand-new cricket nets.
Over the past two years, cricket has experienced a major revival at Christ College. Strong partnerships with Cricket Wales and Glamorgan have greatly contributed to the development of young cricketers at the school. With the increasing participation of both boys and girls in the sport, a much needed upgrade was in order for the existing nets.
Thanks to the generous donations made to the Pavilion Fund these upgrades are now in progress. All donors were previously consulted about using the Pavilion Fund money to replace the three aging nets with six new ones. The response was overwhelmingly positive, showing the strong support and enthusiasm for cricket at the school.
These new nets will provide more opportunities for young cricketers, helping them to develop their skills. Additionally, some of the funds will be allocated to improvements and repairs to the Pavilion, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in May 2024. The project is set to be completed by Easter, just in time for a busy summer term of cricket.
A heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed to the Pavilion Fund making this project possible.
Tales from the
This edition’s Tales from the Archive takes us back only to 1988 - still a different century, a different time.
Prompted by a recent post about girls’ hockey in our popular Throwback Thursday series on social media, the photograph tells of the very beginnings of a sport that has long taken its rightful place alongside sports with much longer histories at Christ College.
The group in the photograph is the Christ College Girls Hockey XI that was about to take on the Llandovery Girls Hockey XI on 26 November 1988.
The much-anticipated match was their first home game against their rivals. They are standing outside the newly built de Winton House (opened in 1987). Closer inspection reveals that there is no conservatory, nor is there the extension near what is now Henry’s.
Even less obvious is that it was barely three years since Sixth Form girls were first admitted to Christ College and there were only 34 girls in the school at the time.
The hair, the hats, the trainers and the poses all tell of a very different era but most startling of all is that the Girls 1st Hockey XI are wearing the school’s everyday colours of light blue and dark blue for a First team match. The team was not allowed to wear green and gold until a decade later.
In the group in the photograph is Sarah Jones (de Winton 1987-89) who scored the very first goal for a Christ College Girls Hockey XI.
Scored away at Llandovery in a match that was lost 4-1, the spectators’ response to the goal was one of understandably boundless elation.
Archive
Also in the photograph is Rachel Marsden (de Winton 1987-89) who scored the goal that led to only a 1-2 loss on the day the featured photo was taken.
After losing by 6 goals to 0 in the very first match against Llandovery a year earlier, the goal and the team’s progress was enthusiastically elebrated by players and supporters alike.
Under the leadership of their coach, Alison Hembrow (Staff 1987-99), and a continuous sequence of very able captains, the teams soon gained an enviable reputation for their hockey skills and sportsmanship.
Less than ten years after this photo was taken, the 100th girls’ hockey match was played on 21 September 1996 - fittingly against an Old Breconian Girls XI led by the first ever Girls Hockey captain, Naomi Smith (de Winton 1986-88).
In the same season, led by Suzy Thomas (de Winton 1995-97), for the first time Christ College won both their Home and Away Llandovery games, with Kate Sheehan (de Winton 199698) scoring a hat-trick in the 4-0 Home win.
Girls’ hockey has come such a long way since those early beginnings that it is all too easy to assume that it was ever thus.
This photograph gives us a chance to share some of its early history and celebrate some firsts: the first goal scored, the first home match, the first goal scored at home. It also offers an opportunity to remember with some pride those early pioneers - players, coaches and supporters - who led the way to the future of girls’ hockey at Christ College.
The photo featured in this Tale from the Archive is just one of many held by Christ College Archive.
The images tell of the school’s evolution from its Victorian re-foundation as a secondary school for boys to a 21st century school for boys and girls across a much wider age range.
You can keep in touch with the stories they tell by visiting the Archive pages on the Community Hub:
The Society of Friends look forward to attending various events throughout the summer term.
Dates For Your
DIARY
Holistic education for boys and girls age 4-18. Boarding from age 10.
Open Afternoon
Monday 5th May 2025
With small class sizes, teachers know our pupils well and help them to thrive in a kind and caring environment.
If you are interested in joining the school, come along for the afternoon and experience a typical school day, followed by an afternoon tea and a chance to meet our friendly staff.
10th May
The Society of Friends will be offering refreshments on Sports Day. Fingers crossed the sun will be shining!
7th June
The inflatable assualt course will return to Christ College for the pupils to enjoy!
26th & 27th June
The Society of Friends will be on hand to offer refreshments in the Neuadd for the Junior Production of ‘Oliver Jr’
Keep up to date with all the upcoming events and how you can get involved on our Instagram page!
