Not many schools can say they have a national park literally on their doorstep.
Situated at the heart of the Brecon Beacons, pupils at Christ College Brecon, are able to take advantage of the natural environment beyond the four walls of the school and learn skills that can’t be taught solely in the classroom.
The independent co-educational boarding and day school, which has 355 pupils between the ages of seven to 18, firmly believes co-curricular clubs and societies play a crucial role in character development - a reason why it has restructured its weekly timetable.
The restructure has seen the introduction of its adventure programme, which gives pupils a series of challenging outdoor activities with the aim of promoting their physical, spiritual, social and moral development.
The “second curriculum focused Saturdays” also allows drama, music and creative arts to have designated, extended time and elite sports pathways to be supported fully.
New adventure programme
The school's adventure programme offers a series of progressive and challenging outdoor activities that help build self-resilience and promote teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
Through being exposed to activities that test mental and physical robustness, pupils will not only learn a great deal about themselves but also how to support, encourage and empathise with others. This will serve to enhance pupils’ social development as well as help to develop them physically and emotionally.
Activities pupils can enjoy include climbing, gorge walking, paddle sports, hill walking and mountain biking.
The sessions are aimed to give pupils positive experiences in order to make them more comfortable with the outdoor environment, themselves and the natural things around them.
Learning outside the classroom
The second curriculum focused Saturdays have already been introduced to sixth form pupils, who have been following the school’s Curriculum for Life programme.
Older pupils are able to participate in seminars focusing on financial literacy, politics or philosophy, get advice on navigating the UCAS system and university courses, and learn general life skills such as cooking. It helps pupils to learn outside of the classroom by getting outdoors, helping in the community and working towards extra-curricular awards, such as the Duke of Edinburgh award.
The school’s Spirit Days will also take place on Saturdays where the whole community, including parents, can enjoy supporting the school teams or performances.
Maintaining a family life balance
As part of the restructure, Christ College is offering a weekly boarding option. Pupils will arrive at school on Monday morning and stay until Saturday where they can spend the rest of the weekend at home with their family.
Conscious of parents’ busy schedules, the school is offering minibus transfers at the beginning of the week. This will begin in Pembrokeshire and Cardiff from September, subject to sufficient demand, and will be extended if successful. It will enable pupils to experience the educational and social benefits of boarding whilst maintaining a family life balance.
Why choose Christ College Brecon?
Founded by Henry VIII in 1541, the college is one of the oldest schools in Wales and it consistently achieves excellent results at A level and GCSE. Over the past three years, 43 per cent of A level grades were A* or A and 87 per cent grade A to C. Over the same period, 46 per cent of GCSE results were grades 9 to 7.
Christ College prides itself on its exclusive learning community, where the school becomes a second home and pupils and faculty become family. Its second curriculum, which complements academic study and contributes to pupils’ skills development, includes music and performing arts and an excellent sport and outdoor pursuit provision including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Combined Cadet Force and the Adventure programme. Pupils have access to a high calibre coaching team and can access a range of facilities including a modern fitness suite, astroturf pitch, hard tennis courts, indoor sports hall, 25m swimming pool, as well as the surrounding Brecon Beacons for activities.
Virtual open day
Whilst Covid restrictions are still in place, there is an opportunity to hear from the senior team and get a ‘sneak peak’ of the school via its virtual 360 tour.
For more information about Christ College Brecon visit www.christcollegebrecon.com
