Hello, my name is Sofia, and I’m thrilled to be stepping into the role of Editor for ‘The Breconian’ this year.
I am excited for the impact this newsletter will have in bringing our school community together by celebrating the achievements of our pupils, houses, and the school as a whole.
As Editor, my goal is to ensure that every aspect of school life has a chance to be seen, highlighting the talent, accomplishments, and experiences that make our school unique.
Whether it’s covering a drama production, showcasing talented athletes, or shining a light on our unsung heroes, there’s something for everyone.
I hope this issue leaves you feeling more connected, informed, and inspired!
The Breconian
MICHAELMAS 2024
Academic news
Public Examination Success
Christ College began the academic year 2024-25 on the back of genuinely excellent public examination success following the release of GCSE, BTEC and A Level results in August.
Our outgoing Upper Sixth achieved the most impressive set of results on record with a mightily impressive 60% of grades at A*- A and 85% of the cohort taking up their first choice UCAS offer following confirmation of their excellent grades.
A particularly notable ‘well done’ to Jack who takes up his place this term at Exeter College, Oxford University to read English Language and Literature!
Public Examination Success continued...
We were delighted with the performance of last year’s Year 11 cohort with almost one in four grades (24%) at Grade 8 or 9. This impressive set of results has ensured a smooth transition to Sixth Form study this term for our returning and new pupils in the Lower Sixth. It has been excellent to welcome more than 20 new entrants into the Lower Sixth and have been impressed by their early contributions to school life in and beyond the classroom.
Debating Update
Under the expert guidance of Head of English Dr. Evans, whole-school debating at Christ College continues to go from strength to strength.
Our pupils enter a number of external competitions throughout the year and this term’s focus has been on the Mace competitions organised by the English Speaking Union.
Many congratulations to our talented team of Ella, Sophia and Megan for navigating their way through a regional debate held online, before making it through to the Welsh national final held at Cardiff Sixth Form College.
The team finished runners-up and performed superbly as they continue to finely hone their debating style and quality of rebuttal.
We look forward to the high-quality Inter-House Debating competition held in the Lent Term and will report on this year’s Oxford and Cambridge Debating Competitions in future editions of the Breconian.
Ella, Sophia and Megan made it through to the Welsh National Debating Final at Cardiff Sixth Form College.
Last year’s Year 11 pupils who gained five or more A* grades at GCSE level following the publication of results in August. Well done to Pallav, Charles, Larissa, Harrison, Hannah, Ella, Freddie, Louisa, Sophie, Will, Katie, Joely, Jack and Laragh!
Aspirations for Learning
Following consultation and review during the academic year 2023-24, we were delighted to launch our five ‘Aspirations for Learning’ in September 2024.
These aspirations aim to capture what a Christ College education is all about and are applicable to all pupils, all of the time.
We believe that our pupils will be able to reach their goals and ambitions by striving towards continuous improvement and reflection in each of these areas:
1. Authentic Engagement
We challenge our pupils to be engaged and involved in all lessons and activities by emphasising the importance of effort.
2. Every Minute Counts
Christ College pupils are both purposeful and focused and maximise each lesson as a genuine learning opportunity.
3. The Big Picture
Our pupils develop critical life skills in and out of the classroom and see links between subjects rather than unconnected trenches of knowledge that have no connection.
4. Acting on Feedback
Teachers provide quality feedback to our pupil body with a simple challenge to act upon it in order to keep improving.
5. Risk & Resilience
We accept that making mistakes is part of the learning journey and challenge our pupils to control their fear of failure and be comfortable going beyond their academic comfort zone.
‘ A small, genuinely all-rounded and exceptionally friendly school that makes excellent use of the national park it sits within.
Proud of its heritage but not weighed down by it, there’s a sense of tradition balanced by a light-heartedness. Best suited to those with a can-do attitude who like being busy.’
Senior and Junior Essay Society Updates
Our Essay Societies have resumed successfully this year led by new chairs at both senior and junior level. This year’s Senior Chairs are Tadhg and Elsie with the Junior Society led by Seniru and Sophia.
These societies remain open to any pupil with an interest in extending areas of interest beyond the curriculum and a willingness to discuss, share and debate ideas with their peers and senior teachers.
Frankie delivered the first Senior Essay Society thesis of the year and successfully explored the debates surrounding the adoption of a universal language.
Following this, the Junior Society commenced with a detailed paper delivered by Freya on the ethic of genetic alteration.
Both papers were highly successful in exploring links between different disciplines and revealed careful, balanced and thorough research in advance of the presentation.
The hallmark of the society is the ability to engage in reasoned, calm and thoughtful academic discussion – a real strength of the pupil experience here at Christ College.
National Poetry Day CCB’s ‘Poetry Party’
Alway had a packed day on Friday 4th October: Year 8 returned from their Geography field trip to Caswell Bay and Year 7 from the St Nick’s Children in Need ramble to celebrate National Poetry Day with the English Department.
Pupils have been reading a collection of poems selected by our Head of English Dr. Evans on this year’s theme of ‘Counting’.
We gathered in the Chapel to hear the best recitals from each class. Our Heads of School, Elsie and Ben were our judges and were impressed with the thoughtful and engaging delivery of all that read.
Gruff was judged runner up for his reading of ‘The Lost Generation’ by Jonathan Reed and our winner was Aurora for
her reading of ‘Tankas for Andre’ by Keisha Thompson.
Poetry is an important part of our school life, not just in our English lessons but in Chapel and in the Sixth Form Hub where poetry is shared and read every Friday.
Love of literature and language is core to an education at CCB.
Senior Chairs Tadhg and Elsie with Frankie who delivered the first thesis of the year.
Junior Chairs Sophia and Seniru with Freya who delivered a paper on the ethic of genetic alteration.
Sport Hockey
The number of girls playing hockey at Christ College continues to rise, and across all ages their commitment to training and matches has been exceptional.
Pupils in Alway have enjoyed numerous fixtures, with many earning their Prep 1st Team hockey badge. They are fortunate to have brilliant role models in the senior girls, who often help out during training.
The U14 and U15 girls are having an excellent season and are showing huge progress as the term goes on, with the U14s working hard towards next steps in the National Competition.
This year we are hosting Powys County Hockey, with numerous pupils selected across all ages. Several of these girls progressed to regional performance centres.
We are delighted for Tilly, who was selected to represent Wales in the 5s format of hockey in Croatia this summer.
The highlights of the Senior season have been the 5s hockey tournament and hosting Craighouse School from Chile.
All the girls progressed their game hugely throughout the afternoon, in a twelve team tournament
playing this new fast andexciting version of the game.
Another growing tradition at Christ College is the Friday Night Lights game vs Llandovery College, marked as a spirit event and brilliantly supported by the CCB Community.
We have also added another high profile game against Cathedral School, Llandaff played under lights at Sophia Gardens.
This season the team has been captained by Darcy, supported by vice captains Molly and Nyah, who have been excellent leaders and role models amongst the squad.
The U16 and U18 girls have qualified for South Wales Regional Finals, hoping to earn a spot in the National Finals next term.
We are delighted to be working with Hockey Wales and hosting all of the boys and girls hockey finals here at Christ College.
Girls in Sport
Although a small co-educational school, Christ College has always provided many opportunities for both boys and girls in sport.
In recent years, opportunities for girls’ sports have expanded significantly in response to growing demand.
Read a recent article about girls sport at Christ College on our website:
www.christcollegebrecon.com/ latest-news
Sarah Hardman, Assistant Director of Sport, says ‘I am so proud of what our girls continue to achieve within our school sports programme and beyond.
For a small school, we continue to punch well above our weight whilst maintaining an inclusive atmosphere where sport is for all.
Our senior girls are brilliant role models for the prep pupils and regularly support them in their training and matches.
I am excited for the future of girls' sport at Christ College.’
CCB pupils with Craighouse School during the 5s hockey tournament.
Sophie during a match against Collegiate School.
Cricket
Preparation for the 2025 summer Cricket season has started early this year. The five boys and five girl's teams have been training during lunchtimes, and both senior teams have had early evening training sessions once a week.
A positive start!
We are delighted to announce that three of our female players, Eve, Tess and Sophie have been selected for the new Glamorgan Cricket Club Women's Professsional Pathway. Beth has also been selected for the U13 Glamorgan Junior squad.
Congratulations also to Freya and Holly, who have been selected for the U14 East Wales Training Squad.
Sophia has been selected for the Herefordshire U15 squad, together with her brother AJ who has been selected for Herefordshire U18's.
Jack captained the Wales U16 team and has also played for the U17 and U18 teams. He was also a member of the Glamorgan Batting Academy.
Congratulations to Henri (Cricket Wales West U12) and Ted (Cricket Wales East U11) for their selection for regional Wales squads.
Badminton
The development of school Badminton has grown significantly, with many players showing an interest and ability in the sport.
They have been supported by a dedicated training program, with a newly established partnership with Brecon Badminton Club and fixtures against other local schools.
Players' positive involvement is evident throughout and shows by the growth in numbers since the start of the year.
The sport's inclusive nature makes it accessible and appealing to a wide range of students that may not enjoy the traditional sports at CCB.
As our new partnership continues to grow and our players improve, new opportunities for them to test themselves will become available, with our sights set on entering local and national competitions.
It's an exciting time to be a Badminton player at CCB!
Freya and Holly have been selected for the U14 East Wales training squad.
Eve, Tess and Sophie have been selected for the new Glamorgan Cricket Club Women’s professional franchise.
Netball
Even though it’s the off-season, our netball team’s dedication has really stood out.
Our U19 and U16 teams secured impressive victories in the South Powys tournament, beating local rivals.
With club sessions taking place on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the girls have remained focused and prepared, and we can’t wait to carry this momentum into the next round.
Cross-Country
Our athletes have taken part in a series of cross-country fixtures held at CCB, Gwernyfed, Crickhowell, and Brecon.
Special recognition goes to those who completed every race in the series, demonstrating outstanding commitment to their sport.
Our senior athletes who completed all four races earned the coveted Senior Cross Country t-shirt for the 2024/25
Basketball
A number of new players joined the Basketball club at CCB in September.
The new squad worked hard in the first three weeks of training in preparation for the matches before half term.
Despite losing to a good team at Merthyr College in our first game, the team played very well. The first home game produced a convincing win for the team (87-22) against local rivals Brecon High School.
season, while junior athletes who accomplished this impressive feat received a special medal in recognition of their dedication.
Congratulations to Franz, Anna and Freya who all placed first in their age groups, and to all our athletes for their remarkable achievements and to our teams for excelling in the County standings!
Unfortunately the third match was abandoned due to a wet floor at Hereford Cathedral School. The game was stopped in the 2nd quarter when CCB were winning 27-22.
We have four home matches and a Powys tournament to look forward to in the second half of the term.
Christ College Brecon U19 netball team
Christ College Brecon U16 netball team with visiting school
The Michaelmas term has presented a challenging start for our rugby teams, facing tough opponents that have tested their resilience and skill.
However, the 2nd team has shown remarkable success, achieving a strong string of results that has boosted team morale.
Across all age groups, we played a total of 37 fixtures, with our lower age groups competing in 18 of these matches.
Notable highlights include the U15 team’s impressive victories over Clifton and RGS Worcester.
Additionally, we are proud to have seven representatives in the South Powys U16 team and 14 in the U15 South Powys EPP program.
In an exciting development, the 1st XV faced Craighouse School, who were touring from Chile, providing a unique opportunity for our players.
Meanwhile, the 1st XV narrowly lost to Llandovery in a hard-fought match, showcasing their determination and potential for future games.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
At the beginning of November, our newly established Clay Pigeon team competed in an event at Millfield School, participating in an independent schools' clay pigeon shooting competition.
The team delivered an impressive performance, securing a top-five finish with a score of 107.
Competing against some of the country’s top schools, we achieved a strong result in the challenging Flush round with a score of 78.
Notably, we outperformed several well established teams, including Warwick, Wellington, Marlborough, Glenalmond, and Harrow.
Individually, AJ and Hugh achieved notable placements among the 50 competitors.
AJ finished in 7th place, and Hugh closely followed in 8th place, both contributing significantly to the team’s success.
This impressive performance highlights the team’s potential, and the experience gained at Millfield will be invaluable as they prepare for future competitions.
Congratulations to all team members on a brilliant start!
Christ College Brecon 1st XV team with Craighouse School from Chile
Christ College U13 Prep school 1st XV teeam v RGS Worcester
Christ College U15 teeam away v Clifton College
Drama
Shrek The Musical
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure.
The stage production brings all the beloved characters from the film to life and reveals that there’s more to the story than meets the eye. With a wealth of creative opportunities—from costumes and sets to puppets and special effects—Shrek is an irreverent, fun-filled experience for the whole family.
It’s a heart-warming reminder that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.
The cast and crew have been putting in a lot of hard work throughout the term, rehearsing every Monday afternoon and Saturday morning to ensure a fantastic show.
This year, we were thrilled to be able to work with professional makeup artist Mica Curry during show week. Additionally, the cast had a special workshop with Marcus Ayton, who played Donkey in the UK tour of Shrek.
We were excited to have professional set and costume hire from World of Wigle, along with props provided by Celtic Prop Hire.
To make the experience even more memorable, the show was professionally engineered and recorded, allowing parents and family members to watch from home.
With a double cast, we ensured that all pupils were involved in the performances that were shown across two days.
Congratulations to all involved for your hard work in putting on a truly magnificent show!
Dance
The Michaelmas term has been one of exploration and challenge for our budding dancers at CCB.
Mrs Mackridge led a small group through a variety of sessions focusing on different dance styles such as Jazz, Musical Theatre, Salsa and Hip-Hop.
Pupils from Years 9 to 13 were able to explore and learn new moves in each style before having the opportunity to help create a full routine.
All pupils enjoyed learning new skills and seeing an impressive end product in each session.
Lots of team work, positive contribution and appetite to try something new was on show, fantastic work everyone!
Prep School
Congratulations to the Year 8 pupils selected to be Prep School prefects. They will not only play an integral part in establishing the Prep School but will form a vital link with the Senior School too.
The team have already carried out a host of responsibilities including leading tours with prospective parents for our open morning, attending various whole school meetings and helping organise recent St Nicks’ Halloween disco.
Our Head Girl and Head Boy, Alice and Freddie, attend Senior Prefects meetings each week, passing on news from the Prep School.
Head Boy - Freddie
Round
Up: Years 1 – 6
In terms of events taking place, the year started in a fairly quiet fashion in St Nicks. However, as the weeks have gone by, it has become busier and busier!
Year 3 and 4 boys have played rugby against Rougemont and Lucton, with the Year 3 and 4 girls playing hockey fixtures against Hereford Cathedral and Lucton.
The U11 boys and girls have also started their seasons with fixtures against Moor Park Prep School. The staff and coaches have said the standard of play in the fixtures has been excellent. They have also said the conduct and behaviour shown in the matches has been excellent –which is always the most important aspect!
Well done to everyone!
On Tuesday 8th October, Year 3 and 4 took part in a Welsh Water workshop, where they had lots of problem solving and watery fun!
On Friday 11th October, following our first Prep School assembly, pupils in Years 1-6 learnt all about Senegalese culture in an exciting drumming and dance workshop in the Neuadd.
To end the half term, the St Nicks House Council, along with a little help from some of the prefects, held a spooktacular Halloween party. The Neuadd theatre was transformed into a frightening haunted house full of scary creatures of the night.
Pupils wore their scariest costumes and had a fun-filled afternoon of mummifying, pumpkin racing and lots of crazy dancing!
Head Girl - Alice
Round Up: Years 7 – 8
Back at the start of term, Year 7 and 8 had their Adventure Day. Year 7 climbed the Sugar Loaf which overlooks Abergavenny and Crickhowell. Year 8 climbed Fan Frynach, across the valley from Pen-Y-Fan. Both walks were a good test of stamina and excellent way to start the year!
A big thank you to all the staff that made the Adventure Day possible, but especially to our Head of Adventure, Mr Kerr.
This half term as been very busy with Year 7 and 8 sports fixtures. The girls have played hockey against Cathedral School, Llandaff, Bloxham School,
Llandovery College, Moor Park, Bedstone College and Rydal Penrhos. The boys have had some tough rugby fixtures against St John’s, Bloxham School, Brecon High School and RCS Worcester.
In the heavy rain on Wednesday 16th October they grabbed a convincing win over Rydal Penrhos. Well done to all who have taken part but a special mention to Beth who has been player of the match on multiple occasions and to Wilf who has had an excellent half term of try scoring for the boys.
There has also been South Powys Cross Country competition this half term. The first was held here at Christ College on Tuesday 24th September. There were some
impressive results including Raife who finished in 6th place, Wilf in 8th place and Freya and Mariana finishing 11th and 12th for the girls.
Whist Years 1 – 7 were taking part in the Ramble last Friday, Year 8 travelled to Caswell Bay and Gower Peninsular in Swansea for a Geography trip to study erosion and coastal defence.
Thank you to Mr Goodrich, Mr Evans and Tremea for organising a great trip.
It’s Christmas!
On Saturday 23rd November, St Nicks were due to take part in the annual Brecon with Bells, signing festive songs and carols to mark the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights. Unfortunately, due to Storm Bert, this event was cancelled.
In the lead up to Christmas, Santa dropped in to see the pupils. A big thank you to the Sixth Form and the Society of Friends for making the magic happen!
This was followed by the much-anticipated annual Christmas disco, once again hosted and organised by Orchard House.
On the penultimate week of term, our Year 6 pupils visited local care homes to sing Christmas carols; both the pupils and the residents had a lovely time, demonstrating the value of community.
On Tuesday 10th December, pupils in Years 1-6 travelled to Cardiff ’s New Theatre to watch ‘Cinderella’ pantomime- as always, lots of fun and laughter was had by all.
We rounded off a busy Michaelmas term with a wonderful Year 1 and 2 nativity and a magnificent whole-school Carol Service.
Orchard house getting into the Christmas spirit to host the disco in 2023
Prep School Boarding
The new school year saw Mr Bufton and his family move into Alway House.
It has been an exciting term and it has been great to see our new boarders settle into house life.
We have been thrilled to see lots of new faces join the Friday Night Club (boarding taster).
Our weekly boarding programme offers something for everyone and this term's activities have included a variety of sports, cartoon drawing and arts and crafts.
The half term break saw a new kitchen installed in Alway. The boarders have already been taking full advantage, making pizzas and cupcakes!
It has also been a busy term of weekend activities including a visit to Cardiff Museum, a cinema trip and a visit to Winter Wonderland.
There have been lots of opportunities to meet the senior school boarders with each house hosting an evening of snacks and entertainment.
In October, Alway House played host to this year's boarders' Halloween party.
There was plenty of messy fun with a range of games taking place involving boarders from across the school.
St Nicholas House pupils love their new climbing frame!
Over the summer, new equipment was added to the playground for our very youngest pupils in Years 1 and 2. It has been a big hit and with lots of smiles and excitement at its unveiling!
Tatler Schools Guide 2025
We are delighted to be featured in the Tatler Schools Guide 2025, with our very own Head, Mr Gareth Pearson nominated for ‘Best Head of a Public School’ in the Tatler Schools Awards 2025.
The Tatler Schools Guide says, “Founded by Henry VIII in 1541, this establishment prides itself on its two-pronged approach: maintaining a caring ‘famly’, while offering the opportunities you might associate with a larger school.
‘What I love most is how our small pupil-and-staff bodyresults in a tight-knit community. Everybody has time for eachother,’ says one pupil.
‘I have never seen a school community where the teachers and children meet so often to work together on projects, events or issues.’
Given the location in a stunning national park, much of this bonding happens in the great outdoors. Character building challenges in the Brecon Beacons are common, and a lot of time is spent on the sports pitch. (Dating back to 1879, the
traditional ‘varsity match’ against local rival Llandovery College is the oldest school-rugby game in Wales and draws 1,000-plus spectators.)
Extra-curriculars offer even more of a chance to muddy the knees: think riding, climbing and mountain biking.
And all this activity is fuelled by hearty breakfasts at which Welsh sausages are proudly served in the widely held belief that bacon is no substitute.
A new boarding house is in the pipeline. So is a new Cultural & Academic Preparation scheme, aimed at suporting international pupils, who comprise 20 per cent of the total.
Every year, five Spirit Days celebrate such different disciplines as music and sport; open to parents, they are firm calendar favourites.
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“What I love most is how our small pupil-and-staff body results in a tight-knit community. Everybody has time for each other.”
Music
The first term of a new academic year is always exciting in the Music department, with new ensembles up and running and many new and returning pupils auditioning for a place in the Chapel Choir or the Prep School Choir.
We continue to offer a busy programme of lunchtime rehearsals for wind, brass, strings, percussion and guitars, as well as a Senior Chamber Ensemble and the Chamber Choir. As part of the post 4pm programme, both the Chapel Choir and Prep School Choir meet for their main rehearsal of the week, preparing for weekly Wednesday and Friday services, as well as for important events such as the Remembrance and the Carol Service.
Our relatively new lunchtime concert series has continued each week on Tuesdays at 1.20pm in the Chapel, with pupils of all ages coming forward to bravely try out their performances in front of a small and friendly crowd of friends and supporters. These events are designed to build confidence and to provided a ‘safe space’ in which to come and take risks and hone performance skills.
On Tuesday 12th November, we were treated to a special performance given by the String Ensemble, containing players from Years 9 to 13, as well as a Beethoven Piano Trio performed by the Senior Chamber Ensemble (Kurumi – violin, Mr Davies – cello, Ben – piano).
House Music
The highlight of the first half of term was surely the annual House Music Competition.
On Friday 11th October, the Neuadd was buzzing with activity in the House Instrumental Competition, as the four senior houses took to the stage, first with three soloists from each house for the solo round and then the four ensembles following at the end.
The adjudicator, Sue Bird, chose Kurumi as the winner of the solo round for her violin performance of Edouard Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, and Orchard House’s rendition of New York State of Mind, arranged and directed by Ben, winning the ensemble round at the end of a long evening of excellent music making.
Surely the most impressive part of the event must have been the attentiveness and respect shown by pupils in the audience, filling the Neuadd space, in support of their friends on stage.
A proud moment for all concerned.
Our newly formed Prep School choir before their first practice session at the start of term.
House Singing
The much anticipated and fiercely contested House Singing Competition followed the very next day, with pupils and staff mustering the required momentum and discipline to navigate their way through this exciting event.
Nervous energy, excitement, vigorous shoe polishing, precise stage placement and attention to musical detail are hallmarks of this event, with singing very much the focal point of the event (rather than any fancy choreography or other distractions).
So much work goes into this behind the scenes, with pupils giving up much of their free time in the weeks leading up to the big day.
The sense of togetherness that is forged in these rehearsals is never forgotten and brings the houses closer together in the early days of the academic year. Our adjudicator, Jonathan Brown (Director of Choral Music at Malvern College) thoroughly enjoyed his visit to Brecon, placing De Winton first for their part song rendition of Linger by The Cranberries, as well as first place for Orchard House who sang The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, byThe Script.
Orchard House were the overall winners of the whole competition – the first time since 2010! It’s reassuring to witness that over the past four years, each of the senior houses has managed to secure a win.
More From Music...
In the second half of the Michaelmas Term, our attention turns to other major events such as the various Acts of Remembrance for all parts of the school community, as well as the Senior School Musical Production of Shrek.
The various events associated with Advent and Christmas, including St Nicholas pupils performing at the Brecon with Bells on event in town, the Prep School Choir singing for patients at the Brecon War Memorial Hospital, and all pupils coming together for the end of term Carol Service at Brecon Cathedral, complete with uplifting fanfares, drums, organ, choir anthems and congregational carols, will certainly send us off for the holidays with plenty of festive cheer.
Thank you to everyone - pupils, staff, parents - who have done so much to make this term a very musical one.
Head of Orchard house, James leading his house to victory in the House Singing competition.
It’s all an adventure
And we’re off !!
Adventure was front and centre at the beginning of the school year once again. In September, pupils from Year 7 to 12 engaged in the biennial Adventure Days programme.
First up were our Year 11’s who scoured the Black Mountains for remnants of a downed aircraft, closely followed by Year 10 and 12 challenging themselves by climbing and abseiling in Twyn y Gwynion and Morlais. Weather conditions weren’t exactly ideal for climbing, however fortitude, determination and spirit prevailed – especially on the windy cliff top of the abseil descent.
Alway pupils conquered Sugar Loaf Mountain and Fan Frynach in the Beacons, and Year 9 completed the iconic circuit route of Bannau Sir Gaer in the Black Mountains under the most challenging of conditions – wind and rain demanded real grit and character from the pupils, who delivered in spades!
In conjunction with these activities, the Saturday Adventure program kicked off with Year 7 and 8 pupils venturing out to tackle the River Usk and Brecon Canal by canoe, kayak and SUP.
Pupils experienced the thrill of navigating a craft through moving water at the end of the programme, completing a challenging trip down the River Taff, moving water, rapids, obstacles galore, it was an excellent day out and a fitting conclusion to the programme for the paddlers.
Meanwhile our climbers were in Llangorse, getting stuck into bouldering and top rope climbing and the MTB crew enjoyed a varied programme of trail and downhill track cycling, with encouraging signs of new riders really honing their bike handling skills.
Wednesday afternoons also offer climbing, paddling and MTB. Providing a fantastic opportunity for pupils to ‘give something new a go’ with many pupils opting to return week on week.
Finally, our Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) candidates undertook the now traditional September Expedition challenge, by successfully completing their qualifying expedition amid unseasonably good weather.
A smaller cohort of participants than we are normally used to, displayed real camaraderie and determination to complete the gruelling 4 day expedition.
Good luck to them all in the process of completing the remaining elements of their award.
Once again a varied and busy outdoor start to the academic year, where the majority of our pupils experience some form of challenging outdoor activity.
Combined Cadet Force
Once again this has been a busy time of year for the officers and cadets of the CCF. Whilst most of the school were enjoying the first few days of their summer holiday, twenty cadets accompanied by Maj Kerr, Lt Howells and Lt Goodrich (and, making a guest appearance Mrs. McLean) attended camp at Longmoor in Hampshire.
Whilst there, they took part in a wide range of activities including live firing as well as a range of challenging field exercises which allowed the cadets to put into practice the skills they had been developing.
The Michaelmas term saw the arrival of the new Yr 9 intake into Gaza Platoon which, when added to an already large Rorkes Drift Platoon plus the senior cadets, means that numbers on parade are now regularly over one hundred cadets – a significant proportion of the school. Mario has assumed the mantle of senior cadet, the first RAF cadet to hold that position, and he is being assisted by a growing number of junior NCOs who are beginning to be more confident at delivering some aspects of training to the younger cadets.
Fifteen of our cadets, together with Maj Kerr and the Contingent Commander, Sqn Ldr Cooper, took part in the annual Remembrance Day parade in Brecon. After a short service and the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial in the centre of the town, the pupils, together with regular soldiers and members of other cadet organisations marched through the town to the Cathedral. Following the event many members of the public commented on the excellent standard of turn-out and drill displayed by the cadets.
More wreath laying took place when, as part of the Yr 9 Battlefields trip, three cadets took part in the ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. The Last Post ceremony takes place daily at 8pm at the Ypres Memorial, which was unveiled in 1927, and bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known.
Plans are now well underway for a number of exercises which will take place after Christmas and cadets are busy honing their field skills.
The Yr 9 cadets are also polishing their drill in preparation for their beret parade which will take place just before the end of the Michaelmas Term.
Belle, Noa and Arthur at The Menin Gate last post ceremony.
Christ College Cadets during the annual Remembrance Day parade through Brecon Town centre.
Cadets at CCF camp in Longmoor, Hampshire
Chapel and Heritage Fund
Looking after our past for our future.
Heritage is important at Christ College, and current pupils enjoy a backdrop of buildings that have been familiar to Christ College pupils across the centuries.
Within those buildings are important features and objects that require continuing care and attention. This year, the Chapel and Heritage Fund has enabled us to make great strides in completing projects planned to protect some of them.
Further to our report in the Summer edition of this newsletter, the medieval stalls have been restored and are now back in the antechapel. The stalls have been appropriately enlivened by local craftsman, Noel Gaskell, and their misericords have been structurally secured. The creatures that hide beneath the seats can now be safely viewed without fear of broken toes.
Returned from refreshing treatment by local picture restorer, Paul Millis, are three important paintings: the Goddard landscape of the school site that hangs in the Library foyer and the portraits of Lord Atkin and J R Cobb that hang in the dining hall.
Lord Atkin, now cleaned and behind new glass, came ‘home’ in time to observe this year’s Lord Atkin lecture.
Plans are underway to look after more of our treasures in the coming year, and Chapel and Heritage Fund continues to play an important role in helping us take care of features and objects that will hopefully outlive us all.
We’d like to express heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported this important fund. You are really are making a difference by helping to look after the heritage of the school.
To join the growing band of donors who contribute regularly to the Chapel and Heritage Fund, find out more at https://ccbcommunity.co.uk/ pages/heritage-fund
The medieval stalls enlivened
Christ College by WW Goddard restored
Lord Atkin cleaned and on display during the annual Lord Atkin Lecture
Tales from the Archive
The OB community weaves its magic.
As well as photographs like those in our popular Throwback Thursday posts on social media, Christ College Archive also includes Textile, Object and Document collections.
The Archive regularly receives donations of artefacts from OBs and occasionally acquires artefacts from other sources. One such acquisition came to us through OB connections earlier this year in a most surprising way.
A photograph of E E Arnott (School House 1913-14) together with the colours cap awarded to D J Thomas (School House 191216) were found on sale together in a Cardiff Antiques Market by OB Nic Hanson (School House Blue 1976-81) and his wife. The pair tells a moving tale of friendship and remembrance.
It is easy to imagine a young Arnott signing the photograph and sharing it with his teammate, in the same way that pupils share social media posts today. But this young man was of a generation caught up in world events.
As soon he was old enough to serve in the First World War, E E Arnott made the decision to leave school to enlist in the middle of the Summer Term of 1915. A year younger, D J Thomas left school to enlist in 1916 having captained the XV in the 1915/16 season.
Both of them served in France and both of them were killed in action at the Front when they were 19. They were the two youngest OBs to be killed in the First World War.
Thanks to Nic and his wife, and to the OBA who kindly purchased them for the Archive, this extraordinary pair of objects will remain together in the Archive collection to tell the tale of two young teammates who left school to fight for their country and never returned home.
You can read the story in full on the Community Hub: https:// ccbcommunity.co.uk/ news/christ-college-archive/261/261-The-OB-community-weaves-its-magic
More good news on the awards front! We have been shortlisted for the The Institute of Development Professionals in Education (IDPE) award for the best Engagement Campaign. This is based on the work we have done on the Community Hub and the variety of stories that are shared.
E E Arnott (School House 1913-15)
D J Thomas (School House 1912-116) Read the story in full...
Old Breconian Association
Welsh Athletics - The Performance Coach of the Year was awarded to Ryan Spencer-Jones (SDA, 97-05)
Trust in the process to deliver a performance, manifest positivity and be in the moment of the competition.
This summer Ryan has been very busy, coaching three athletes at the Paris Paralympic Games as well as being the Team GB Throws Lead. Two of Ryan’s athletes – Aled Sion Davies and Sabrina Fortune both medalled and Sabrina also came home with a World Record!
This also followed some incredible successes at the Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe earlier in the year.
As well as a highly successful coach, Ryan also works as the Welsh Athletics National Throws Coordinator, developing the throws programme across Wales and is in his 13th year with Welsh Athletics. He also supports UKA in developing their throws programme.
Alongside his own coaching endeavours, his mission is to develop, assist and work on key partnerships with personal and community coaches to ensure Wales produces a succession of throwers, working with the incredible range of existing coaching and athlete talent.
If you would like to share your news with the OBA community, contact huw.richards@christcollegebrecon.com
You can keep up to date with news and upcoming events at www.ccbcommunity.co.uk
Christ College Gin
Following the success of their ‘Festive Gin’, The Society of Friends of Christ College have been working with forager Richard and Spirit of Hertfordshire to create an artisan gin for each of the school houses. Using some of the botanicals foraged within the school grounds, they have put together some delicious blends for each of the houses.
Get your’s here: https://spiritofherts. co.uk/product/christcollege-brecon-festive-gin/
The Prep School Gin Apple, blossom and intense blackberry.
School House Gin
Black Poplar, buddleia and tomato flower.
Orchard House Gin
Douglas fir, citrus zest, grapefruit and peppermint.
Donaldson’s House Gin
Pink pagoda rowanberries, raspberry and pink peppercorns.
