SIXTH FORM | 16+

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Contents

2 Introduction

5 Community

9 Individual Mentoring and Support

10 Stretch and Challenge

13 Participation, Enjoyment and the Pursuit of Excellence

15 Our History and Geography

18 Bright Futures

In the Sixth Form the emphasis is very much on encouraging independence and a sense of direction for each pupil. Sixth Formers have significantly more responsibility and freedom than their junior counterparts; these are privileges, but more importantly they are preparation for self-reliance in the future. Specialist Sixth Form tutors are assigned carefully to ensure each pupil has a mentor with academic and other interests in common with them, and close monitoring of the appropriateness of A level choices and of progress towards their own targets is a priority. Sixth Formers also enjoy giving back to the community; playing for senior teams, showing leadership in houses, speaking in chapel, offering guidance and support to younger pupils are all sought after roles that are seen as positions of honour.

Our aim is that our leavers will gain access to their future courses and careers of choice but also that they will leave school valuing the opportunity to serve others and to use their gifts to the full in whatever futures they carve out for themselves.

MRS EMMA TAYLOR Head of Christ College

Introduction from the Head of Christ College

V isitors to Christ College almost invariably comment on a ‘special something’ about the atmosphere in this unique school. It has something

to do with the stunning setting of the Brecon Beacons, and the unprecedented opportunities this gives for outdoor education, sport and healthy, active growth. It also has something to do with the long, deep history of the place; founded in 1541 by Henry VIII on the site of the Dominican Friary of St Nicholas, the school has evolved and developed over the centuries, but without losing touch with that sense of history and belonging. Our size also contributes to the unique atmosphere; pupils and teachers know each other well and relationships are characterised by mutual respect and warmth, with each individual pupil’s interests, skills and needs being appreciated and catered for.

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A very special place...

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‘Warm relationships exist between pupils of all ages and between pupils and staff. It’s a marvellous sense of community, it really is!’

THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

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Sixth formers are integrated into the five senior houses at Christ College, each of which is run as an extended family by dedicated resident Houseparents, and each with a committed team of tutors and domestic staff to ensure that pupils are safe, comfortable and well looked after. Boarders and day pupils alike have access to comfortable common rooms, kitchen and bathroom facilities in the houses, which provide much more than a physical base. Pupils join together in a positive spirit of mutual support, tolerance, and a good deal of fun and friendly rivalry with the other Houses. Senior pupils are used to caring for those new to the school and the House, and take their responsibilities seriously providing leadership and setting examples to those younger than them.

The Chapel is at the heart of the school, both physically and in terms of its importance to the community. While the school is a Christian foundation, we welcome pupils of all faiths and none, encouraging them to reflect, consider and develop spiritually as well as academically. Pupils are encouraged to speak and lead in chapel, and Christ College’s hymn singing is second to none.

Community

Positive spirit5

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‘I’m the person I am today because of the seven years I spent growing and learning at Christ College. I recently attended our 10-year reunion and it was very apparent that the friends I made all those years ago really are friends for life.’

OLD BRECONIAN

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Right from the start there will be an emphasis on preparation for university and for the wider life beyond school. This is not just academic preparation, although the Sixth Form will allow academic specialisation and the opportunity to explore areas of academic interest much more fully than before, but preparation in terms of confidence, skills, experience of the workplace and advice about the future. Specialist Sixth Form tutors are assigned carefully to ensure each pupil has a mentor with academic and other interests in common with them, and close monitoring of the appropriateness of A level choices and of progress towards their own targets is a priority.

The distance between teachers and students reduces and many students will talk about real friendships with those who teach them, tutor them, and work alongside them in a range of activities. Staff rely on Sixth Formers for leadership, for example in the boarding houses, the CCF, on the games field, on tours and trips, in hosting visitors and in numerous other ways, and these leadership and social skills are vital assets in the competition for university places and for jobs.

Individual Mentoring and Support

‘friendly’ environment

‘Christ College provided me with the right environment to develop. With the support of good friends and passionate teachers, there was little more that I could want or need for in my education. It gave me the confidence and belief in myself to become the man that I am today.” ’

OLD BRECONIAN, ENTREPRENEUR

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Stretch and Challenge

Creative & challenging

Opportunities abound to stretch and challenge the brightest of pupils whether it be participating in the Extended Project or contributing to debates and discussions at the Head’s Essay Society. We remain convinced that the best qualifications for Christ College pupils continue to be A levels, but are conscious that universities are anxious to see good independent research skills as well and increasingly value the EPQ as evidence of these skills. Oxbridge preparation classes as well as individual support for aspiring medics, veterinary scientists and lawyers are also provided.

‘Offers as much as many more prestigious and expensive alternatives. Check it out!’

GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

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‘Opt in, not out, get involved and enjoy!’

PUPIL

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At Christ College, there is something for everyone. With a wide range of sports on offer to cater for both team and individual interests, there is always an outlet to keep fit and enjoy the fantastic facilities available in the wonderful natural environment of the school campus set in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Music, drama and the creative arts offer pupils the chance to explore and express their creative talents. Links with the National Youth Theatre and National Children’s Choir of Great Britain see a number of our pupils performing on the biggest stages. Closer to home, few schools can boast a better purpose-built Centre for the Creative Arts here at Christ College. Senior pupils can tailor their sports programme to suit their particular interests and passions with extra support provided for those talented athletes in their chosen field.

Our dedicated professional sports coaches provide top class support and guidance to our pupils, a number of which go on to perform at regional and national level in many individual and team sports.

Opportunities to extend their cultural horizons are offered to Sixth Formers in the form of exchange visits to China and Japan as well as numerous sporting, musical and cultural trips and tours.

Participation, Enjoyment and the Pursuit of Excellence

Interests & passions

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Many visitors to Brecon walk to the bridge over the river Usk, recognising its vantage point for photographing the exceptional views of the Brecon Beacons. In the foreground lies a groupof historic buildings, also worthy of the visitor’s attention – our school, Christ College Brecon.Founded by Royal Charter in 1541, the school is already embedded in the history of the town.But the site itself, lying alongside the river Usk and below the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, has actually been occupied for over 750 years! The Dominicans arrived in Britain in 1221 and the Brecon Friary, on the site of Christ College, was first mentioned in 1269. History suggests itgrew and became a flourishing community.

Our History and Geography

HM Inspectorate for Education & Training in Wales rates Christ College as Excellent, particularly in terms of care, support and guidance for pupils

Exceptional...

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‘Christ College is preparing and equipping its pupils for the workplace with a range of skills that we don’t tend to see these days’

HR DIRECTOR

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‘I don’t say it lightly when I say there is so much I would need to thank Christ College for. I attribute my chosen career path in creative management to the strong leadership and people skills I honed at CCB.’

OLD BRECONIAN,

DESIGN PROJECT MANAGER

Bright FuturesWith the growing financial pressure on higher education and the difficult and competitive graduate jobs market, they need to be in a position to make informed choices, based on effective careers advice, education and guidance gained at school. It is the aim of the Futures Department to provide this.

Christ College is affiliated with ISCO [Independent Schools Careers Organisation] and can provide a range of support services throughout the two years of the Sixth Form. The ways in which the school can assist pupils is wide and varied and includes an opportunity to undertake some work experience in the Lower Sixth including work shadowing, mentoring and placement with some of the UK’s top graduate employers. We can support pupils and parents in finding placements and monitoring the quality and outcomes of the placement. On-line careers and Futures planning programmes through ISCO’s Inspiring Futures Programme are available along with presentations to pupils by visiting experts about undergraduate opportunities and the application process, higher education issues; student finance, UCAS, Oxbridge applications to international universities etc. The Futures Department works closely with academic and pastoral staff to ensure a complete and individual service to each and every pupil.

Advice & guidance

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I hope this document has whetted your appetite and captured something of the unique nature of Christ College. The virtual experience of the school gained by reading this prospectus or visiting our website, while I hope it is informative and enlightening, is no replacement for meeting the pupils and staff who make this wonderful community such an excellent environment for learning.

So why don’t you come and see for yourself how Christ College offers academic excellence, a happy and purposeful environment with cultural and sporting opportunities which make for the best and broadest education.

To arrange a visit, or a stay-over, please contact the Admissions Registrar on 01874 615440 or email: admissions@christcollegebrecon.com

There is something magical about this place that can only be experienced at first hand and I look forward to meeting you and introducing you to it.

MRS EMMA TAYLOR Head of Christ College

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t: +44(0)1874 615440 e: enquiries@christcollegebrecon.com a: Christ College, Brecon, Powys LD3 8AF UK

www.christcollegebrecon.com

“They achieve because they believe they can.”SCHOOL MOTTO