CCB Newsletter November 2021

Brecon bulletin

Welcome to the ‘Brecon Bulletin’, our round-up of Christ College Brecon news and information to keep you updated with what has been going on at the school and important diary markers.

Meet the Admissions Team Louise Griffin

Margaret Stephens

We are here to answer any of your admissions queries, whether it be about our entry process and test requirements, immigration / VISA issues, our welcome arrangements for international pupils or our host family scheme.

 admissions@ christcollegebrecon.com

Isobel Hurn

Christ College Brecon, Brecon, Powys LD3 8AF  01874 615440  enquiries@christcollegebrecon.com  www.christcollegebrecon.com

International

SUMMER

CAMPS 2022 Our summer camps are the perfect opportunity for children to learn new skills and enjoy a great adventure, all while speaking English in a school steeped in history, in a beautiful national park setting.

Our international summer camps give girls and boys aged 10 to 16 the opportunity to experience life in a foreign country where they can learn or improve their English alongside having tremendous fun.

We have two, two week camps running during July and August 2022.

The programme combines a varied sport and activity programme, day trips to experience British culture and the local environment alongside English language tuition. Participants can also take advantage of our pre-camp host family scheme to further immerse themselves in the English language. Further information can be found here: https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/internationalsummer-camps/

ACADEMIC RESULTS Over the past three years at A level, 47% of grades were A* or A and 91% grade A to C. Over the same period 46% of GCSE results were grades 9 to 7.

This strong track record of success has enabled most pupils to progress on to their first choice of course and university this year as well as gaining places at ‘Oxbridge’ and prestigious Medical Schools. This year two pupils gained a place at Oxford and 4 gained places to study Medicine - an excellent achievement for a school of our size.

Goods School Guide “One of the best value schools in the UK, where the fees comprise almost everything and extras are limited” “Again and again we heard the words ‘family’ and ‘community’ This is a small school that caters for everyone.”

Tatler Schools Guide 2022 Once again we are proud to make it into Tatler’s ‘Schools Guide 2021

‘The top prep and public schools in the UK’

Top 10 Best Value UK Boarding Schools

SENIOR PRODUCTION

THE ADDAMS FAMILY This year’s senior production is the well known musical ‘The Addams Family’. Auditions for the key parts have taken place and rehearsals are well underway.

Cast members will be heading to the New Theatre on the 13th November to see the touring production of Addams Family, to witness how the professionals do it. Meanwhile the Tech Team, responsible for ensuring the lighting and sound systems operate during the performance, have been putting their training into practice, under the expert guidance from our Technician, Mr Grant during weekend rehearsals. The school will have a sneak preview of the show before the production opens to parents and friends of the school 30th Nov - 4th Dec.

www.christcollegebrecon.com

BAROQUE WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE

Year 9 violinist, Kurumi was selected to take part in a Baroque workshop led by renowned violinist, Rachel Podger.

Held at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff, the event was attended by RWCMD students as well as pupils from music colleges in London. The workshop gave the participants a unique and valuable experience to play alongside Baroque specialist Rachel as well as other professionals in the field.

DIARY MARKERS OPEN MORNINGS 26th March 2022 2nd June 2022

INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CAMPS 9th - 22nd July 2022 30th July - 12th August 2022

STRIKING A BALANCE Following 18 months of upheaval for the education sector, the school has reshuffled its weekly timetable to include more extra-curricular activity to help with pupils’ physical, spiritual, social and moral development.

As of the new academic year, pupils have been offered a mix of outdoor activities such as mountaineering, climbing, paddle sports and trail running, as well as creative arts including musical production, cookery, action photography, robotics and video game development. The additional options have created a ‘second curriculum Saturday’ leaving weekdays primarily focused on academic lessons.

Deputy Head (Pastoral), Simon Hill, said: “The past year has not been easy for many school-aged children, but we believe that combining academic lessons and a rich extra-curricular programme with plenty of opportunities to experience the outdoors or try a new hobby or skill is a great way to help develop a young person and give them the best start in life.”

One Lower School pupil said: “Building the robot was great fun, but I really enjoyed the coding. I’m really interested to see what else I can learn and how to use it.” Speaking about music lessons, one pupil commented: “I already play musical instruments, but this option helps me improve my techniques as well as play pieces that are not for my exams. It’s really fun to play with other people too.”

A Senior School parent said: “My children are extremely positive about the timetable change as they can now really concentrate on their sport on Saturdays as there is more time available to do it. It is a big thumbs up from this household.”

Link to Saturday programme video: https://youtu.be/vOk4rIwx3Tk

www.christcollegebrecon.com

SPORTING SUCCESS Mounted Games: Oliver Jones (Yr 10) and the Monmouthshire Mounted Games team won two trophies at the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham: https://www.christcollegebrecon.com /news/latest-news/double-trophytriumph-at-horse-of-theyear-show-for-oliver/

Athletics: James Hayward (Yr 12) competed for Wales in the Schools Track and Field Internationals: https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/news/latestnews/pb-for-james-at-siab-schools-track-field-inter nationals/

Sailing: Emelia Tinch has been selected for the Welsh National Laser Squad after training with the Welsh Sailing Squad over the summer: https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/news/latestnews/pb-for-james-at-siab-schools-track-field-inter nationals/

Hockey: Rosie Thomas (Yr 12) and Ben McLean (Yr10) represented Wales in Hockey in the summer: https://www.christcollege brecon.com/news/latest-news/waleshockey- success-for-pupils/

Skiing: 17 pupils represented the school at the Welsh Schools Skiing Championships amassing a haul of medals: https://www.christcollege brecon.com/news/latestnews/medal-success-atwelsh-schools -skiingchampionships/

SPIRIT DAY October 2021 Each year we focus on a number of school events to support, including sport, drama, music and art, inspiring the pupils involved to perform as well as they can and creating an atmosphere of inclusivity, where we remind ourselves of the pride we have in our school and the support we have for each other.

This was the first Spirit Day held since before the pandemic began and saw our senior hockey girls and rugby boys playing matches against Llandovery College to round off a very busy half term.

As well as the action on the sports fields which saw Christ College victorious in both matches, there was plenty on offer for spectators and pupils alike.

Around the school there were games stalls, competitions, mural creations and face painting.

The Spirit Day saw the return of the popular Hot Dog stand which was joined this time by a fresh pizza stall, barista coffee van and amazing ice cream creations from the ice cream van.

It was great to see so many parents, past pupils and friends of the school supporting the pupils. We look forward to seeing everybody at our next Spirit Day in February.

Link to Spirit Day video: https://youtu.be/oGJMLZvMNqk

www.christcollegebrecon.com