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, future plans and important diary markers.
Meet the Admissions Team We are here to answer any of your admissions queries, whether it be about our entry process and tests requirements, immigration / VISA issues or our welcome arrangements for international pupils.
Making the most of our
LOCATION
We are unable to offer traditional open days at the moment but we are continuing to offer Virtual Open Days in the meantime, as well as ‘socially distanced ‘visits to the school and skype/video calls with the Head.
Based in the Brecon Beacons National Park, the school uses this vast outdoor space as its extended classroom.
Louise Griffin Marketing & Admissions Director
Here, in our latest video, Head, Gareth Pearson explains how the school takes advantage of its location to promote the character development of its pupils.
Margaret Stephens Admissions Registrar admissions@ christcollegebrecon.com
Christ College Brecon, Brecon, Powys LD3 8AF 01874 615440 enquiries@christcollegebrecon.com www.christcollegebrecon.com
https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/ prospective-parents/location/
Goods School Guide
OUR COVID-19
PRECAUTIONS
S H I F T
Earlier this year, the GSG review team visited Christ College to update our review. We are pleased that they liked what they saw:
“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.” Good Schools Guide 2020
OCIAL DISTANCING principles will guide all of our daily routines, activities and sport programmes
COVID PRECAUTIONS
ANDWASHING and the use of sanitiser at regular intervals through the day NSPECTIONS and regular cleaning of classrooms, social spaces and houses throughout the day ACEMASKS may be worn in class and around the school and must be worn on school transport HERMOMETERS will be used to monitor every pupil’s temperature every day
This approach will be supported through the reinforcement of correct protocols for pupils and staff alike.
Robust measures are in place for any pupil or staff member showing symptoms.
The Senior Team has been working tirelessly to ensure that the school is a safe place to return to. ‘Shift’ protocols were developed and bubbles created with pupils inducted into the new procedures at the start of the term.
Tatler Schools Guide 2021 Once again we are proud to make it into Tatler’s ‘Schools Guide 2021 – the top prep and public schools in the UK’
Country Life We featured in the article ‘The schools that give children room to breathe’ as our school site has 40 acres of land as well as the Brecon Beacons National park on its doorstep.
HENRY OUR MASCOT Henry our school Mascot arrived at school just in time to meet the pupils during their ‘check in and catch up’ sessions before the end of the summer term. The school was keen to have a mascot that was distinctive and, with feedback from pupils, ‘Henry’ was born: https://youtu.be/S_je3ftSmHI Henry will be making an appearance at sports events, performances and spirit days when covid restrictions are eased. https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/news/latest-news/welcoming-henry-ournew-mascot/
www.christcollegebrecon.com
THE SECOND CURRICULUM We believe that a balance should be struck between academic study and extra curricular activity for a pupil to have a truly enriched school experience. Our Second curriculum team have been explaining how their departments are becoming centres of excellence:
ART
Online Learning Covid-19 remains a challenge for us all. We were pleased to quickly adapt to the situation and deliver a comprehensive programme of online classes and online learning. Nothing however compares to in person learning and we are pleased to welcome all pupils back this term. https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/n ews/latest-news/remote-learning-hasproven-a-far-and-away-success/
DIARY MARKERS
Head of Creative Arts, Deirdre Houghton outlines how her team nurtures pupil talent in the Creative Arts faculty: https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/news/latestnews/creativity-uncovered/
MUSIC Director of Music, Jonathan Ling explains how making the Music school accessible provides opportunities for all pupils to hone their talents: https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/news/latestnews/music-it-is-in-christ-college-brecons-dna/
OUTDOOR EDUCATION Director of Outdoor Education , Chris Kerr, joined Christ College Brecon in September 2020 after over 30 years’ service serving in the British Army. Here he explains how the school’s outdoor education programme contributes to the pupils self confidence and develops their resilience. https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/prospective-parents/school-life/cocurricular/outdoor-education/outdoor-education-programme-explained/
PERFORMING ARTS Director of Performing Arts, Lucy Richards shares the range of exposure pupils have to all aspects of performing arts both on and off stage. https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/news/latestnews/performing-arts-it-is-not-just-acting/
SPORT VIRTUAL OPEN DAY 3rd October 2020
OPEN DAY 31st October 2020
SIXTH FORM EVENT 14th November 2020
Director of Sport, John Patterson has transformed how sports are delivered at the school since he joined in September 2019. https://ie-today.co.uk/sports-leisure/interview-johnpatterson-director-of-sport-christ-college/ From totally overhauling the sports activity timetable, reconfiguring the sports pitches to overseeing the creation of a mini golf course on the school site, it has been a busy year. This September saw further enhancement to our rugby programme with the launch of a joint venture with Cardiff Blues to provide dedicated coaching support to pupils from junior years to sixth form as part of our talent development programme.
www.christcollegebrecon.com
ACADEMIC RESULTS
BEACON COURSE
Over the past three years at A level, 43% of grades were A* or A and 87% grade A to C. Over the same period 46% of GCSE results were grades 9 to 7.
The Beacon Course is a new 2 week course for Year 9 pupils and much of the course will be conducted outdoors in the Brecon Beacons.
This strong track record of success has enabled most pupils to progress on to their first choice of course and university.
We will be utilising experts in psychology and military training to encourage positive thinking and to teach young people how to acquire a mind set to overcome life’s challenges. The course will develop selfconfidence, team building, resilience, learning by self-reflection and how to empathise with others. We will also be focusing on environmental issues and exploring creativity in a rural setting. Here is the Beacon course video: https://youtu.be/HaS_gDEIekQ For further details contact: martyn.thomas@christcollegebrecon.com
International Admissions •
COMING SOON
Summer Camp A new Adventure Summer Camp will be running in July & August 2021 for international and UK students. Students aged 10-17 will be immersed in a programme of exciting adventure and sports activities each week. Residential and day camp options are available.
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International Pupil Support •
https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/ open-to-all/summer-camps/ For further information please contact: Sharon.ling@christcollegebrecon.com
A report from the previous school and supporting reference is required. Overseas Pupils applying whose first language is not English must sit online English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Maths tests. An interview with the Head is required (Skype). Tier 4 Student Visa once a place is formally accepted, the Admissions Registrar supplies the Certificate of Acceptance (CAS). Registration fee: £150. Acceptance fee £2000.
Heathrow Airport Bus Service (beginning/end of term and half terms). • Host Families Scheme. • English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. • Sunday excursions to Cardiff/Bristol for shopping, cinema, cultural experiences. www.christcollegebrecon.com admissions@christcollegebrecon.com
www.christcollegebrecon.com