christ college brecon 11+ prospectus
DESCRIPTION
Alway House at Christ College is a boarding and day house for boys and girls in Year 7 and 8TRANSCRIPT
LOWER SCHOOL | 11+
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Low
er S
choo
l
Contents
2 Introduction
5 Family
8 Individual Mentoring and Support
11 Participation and Enjoyment
15 Stretch and Challenge
17 Our History and Geography
18 Bright Futures
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.
In the Lower School (Years L7 and L8) pupils establish many of the habits of learning and exploration that will enable them to make best use of their opportunities at senior school. They have the advantage of being based in Alway House, with its strong family atmosphere and sense of togetherness, and at the same time of having access to the many state-of-the-art facilities and expert teaching resources that the school offers. In these two years pupils often find new enthusiasms and strengthen existing ones, setting their sights high and having their confidence and self-belief reinforced as they build their skills and abilities. Without the pressures of external examinations, Alway pupils have a chance to explore, discover, build and strengthen friendships, and acquire the resilience and routines they will need to thrive and excel as they proceed through the school.
MRS EMMA TAYLOR Head of Christ College
3
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Low
er S
choo
l
A very special place...
‘I couldn’t have wanted a better environment for my children to board away from the family. The pastoral care is second to none – Alway House really is a home from home.’
PARENT
3
Alway House has its own identity within the school. Years L7 and L8 pupils join us from St Nicholas House and local State primary schools. We also welcome boarding pupils into the senior school community starting at this point. Here they settle into boarding away from home with the excellent pastoral care making them feel part of the Christ College Family. There are Sunday excursions each week for junior pupils, including raft-building, cinema trips, and shopping. In Alway, pupils develop and form firm friendships they carry on through the rest of the school and into adulthood. The House is run by a married couple who live on site and are aided by dedicated Residential Assistants and Gap Students. Senior Prefects are also assigned to the House to provide guidance and friendship to our boys and girls in their formative years.
Family
The school ‘family’5
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Low
er S
choo
l
‘After two years in Alway House I can’t believe my son is the same child! His confidence levels have rocketed and he’s not afraid to be adventurous and try new things.’
PARENT
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Pro
spec
tus
17
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Low
er S
choo
l
From the very start of their time at Christ College, each pupil is assigned an individual tutor who is a member of the teaching staff. Pupils meet weekly with their tutor to review progress and discuss any issues that may arise. Monthly grade reviews also help parents and staff keep track of academic progress.
The Christ College curriculum is carefully structured to provide a balance of subjects to allow each pupil to play to their academic strengths. The emphasis on first class teaching in small class sizes allows for plenty of individual care and attention.
Individual Mentoring and Support
‘friendly’ environment
‘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
9
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Low
er S
choo
l
3
At Christ College there is an activity or sport to suit all. The major sports are rugby, hockey, cricket and athletics for the boys, and netball, hockey, rounders and athletics for the girls. Extra-curricular clubs and activities throughout the week offer many opportunities to try new things from railway modelling and glider club to jewellery making and speech and drama. With every pupil encouraged to play an instrument, and with choirs and musical ensembles galore, pupils will have the opportunity to explore their creative side under the encouraging supervision of expert teachers. Drama is part of the curriculum and the annual Alway House production in the summer ensures pupils have the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of visiting primary schools, parents and friends.
Participation and Enjoyment
Opportunity11
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Low
er S
choo
l
‘You’ve got to be impressed, you really have!’
GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Pro
spec
tus
113
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Low
er S
choo
l
The Christ College curriculum is carefully structured to provide a balance of subjects and to allow individuals to play to their academic strengths. The emphasis is on first class teaching, provided in well-resourced departments and with small class sizes, allowing plenty of individual attention for pupils.
Supervised homework (‘prep’) in houses ensures that academic disciplines are learned right from the start, and help is available for those who need it.
There is an academic club or society to suit every enthusiasm and gift, with scholars’ groups for the most able pupils and a small but highly effective Learning Support Centre for those in need of academic support.
Stretch and Challenge
Individual interests
7
‘HM Inspectorate for Education & Training in Wales rates Christ College as Excellent, particularly in terms of care, support and guidance for pupils’
15
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Low
er S
choo
l
‘I have felt a huge sense of achievement at the school, but more than anything else I know that I have made friends who will stay with me for life’
PUPIL
7
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 it grew and became a flourishing community, perhaps explaining the strong sense of community that pervades to this day.
Our History and Geography
Exceptional...
17
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Low
er S
choo
l
‘Offers as much as many more prestigious and expensive alternatives. Check it out!’
GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Low
er S
choo
l
19
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: [email protected]
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
ww
w.c
hris
tcol
lege
brec
on.c
om |
Low
er S
choo
l
t: +44(0)1874 615440 e: [email protected] a: Christ College, Brecon, Powys LD3 8AF UK
www.christcollegebrecon.com
“They achieve because they believe they can.”SCHOOL MOTTO