For news on this page use hyperlinks below or scroll down:
Pupils Crawshays selection
Pupil in FA Youth Club run
Triumph at Public Speaking
International Climber
Dr John Sharp
New Head for Christ College
Donaldson's Charity help to Orphans
Chemistry Olympiad
Reversing the Science trend
New York Trip
Powys Debating
Engineering Challenge
History Trip to Battlefields
Cambrian Patrol Winners
Pupil tipped for promising future in Cricket
Quad Development
de Winton Extension
Overseas Reception
GCSE 06
A LEVEL 06
Exam Diaries
Quad Development
Alway Musical
OB's Cricket Reunion
OB wins Welsh Singer Competition
CCB at Hay Festival
de Winton Refurbishment update
Pupils Diaries in Western Mail
1st at CCF Shooting Competition
New Cricket Coach appointed
Charities benefit from Marathon
Royal Backing for School
Dining Hall Floor
Chemistry Olympiad
Maths Challenge
Overseas Pupils excel at IELTS Tests
Adventure in the Americas
CCF Easter Camp
CCB Music Society
Young Musician of the Year
Hong Kong Reception
CCB Music Society supports local charity
Boarding House Extension
Chinese New Year
Barbados Tour
Honours for Kate Davies

Last Updated: 17/10/2007

2006 NEWS ARCHIVE

MICHAELMAS TERM 2006

Pupils selected to play Rugby for Crawshays

Following some individual outstanding performances against Crawshays in November, four of the Christ College 1^st XV were invited to join the Crawshays Squad over the Christmas Holidays for their match against North Wales school, Rydal/Penrhos. A heavy pitch did not stop the Crawshays team outplaying their hosts, as they ran in 8 tries in a one-sided contest, winning 48 – 0. Three Christ College pupils were in the starting line-up – skipper Alex James, prop Tom Perryman and flanker Gethin Whittall.

Alex James, playing at outside half linked was complimented on his distribution skills, ensuring that his outside backs had plenty of chances to exploit the fragile Rydal/Penrhos defence. Tom Perryman and Gethin Whittall also caught the eye, playing in a dominant pack, with Gethin's outstanding support play being rewarded with a well-deserved try. Christ College scrum-half Gerwyn Williams came on as a replacement in the second half.

Pupil in recent Football Association Youth Cup run

Ben Burke has established himself as an integral part of the Merthyr Tydfil FC’s youth team, and has starred in their recent FA Youth Cup run. Ben played a prominent part in his team’s achievement of winning 5 rounds of this prolific competition. Their winning run came to an end though when they lost to Cardiff City Youth at Ninian Park on 13th December. Merthyr Tydfil FC were the only non-league team left in the competition, and Ben was showcasing his talents in front of a plethora of football league scouts from clubs including Liverpool, Aston Villa and Spurs.

Triumph at Schools Public Speaking Competition

Following participation in the English Speaking Union Public Speaking competition on 30 November, Catrin Lewis was voted best overall speaker, Cerys Williams the best questioner and Cara Davies the best Chairperson. In this competition there were great achievements not least because the team was three years younger than the opposition.

Champion of Welsh Youth International Climbing Competition

Holly Rees has won 1st place in the Welsh Youth International Climbing Championships (Senior Girls category -16-17 year olds). More than 70 young people took part in the first ever all Wales Youth Indoor Climbing Championship on Saturday 11th November with prizes generously donated by Up and Under of Cardiff. The event was held at the Welsh International Climbing Centre at the Taff Bargoed Centre in Trelewis in Mid Glamorgan, South Wales.

Headmaster, Phillip Jones, paid tribute to Holly saying “Holly has been climbing at Llangors Rope Centre since she was 6 years old, and competing since she was 12. It came as no surprise therefore that she won her competition. It was achieved however as a result of her total commitment, physical effort, humour and no short measure of ability. We at Christ College are all very proud of her!”

The Headmaster went on to praise the organisers of the Championships, saying “Like all such events, they couldn't happen without the support of all those who selflessly volunteer their time, skills and effort.”

Holly is now waiting to hear whether she has been selected for the International team, and should know by February.

Dr John Sharp MA, DPhil, OBE

John Sharp died suddenly on Friday 24th November at the age of 78. John's connection with Christ College began in 1962, when he succeeded Duncan McCallum as Headmaster, and he remained in Brecon for ten years and a term before accepting the headship of Rossall School in Lancashire. He retired from Rossall in 1987, and in 1993 succeeded Michael Jepson as Chairman of the Christ College governors, a post which he held for six years. An honorary Old Breconian, he maintained a close interest in the school, and within the past year generously gave us a good deal of material for the CCB archives.

A full appreciation of John's life will appear in OBA News 2007.

New Head for Christ College

The Governors are very pleased to announce that they have appointed Mrs Emma Taylor MA to succeed Phillip Jones as Head of Christ College Brecon.

Mrs Taylor, who is 40, is currently the Senior Mistress and Admissions Tutor at Dean Close School in Cheltenham, where she has also taught Economics, Philosophy and Religious Studies since 2001. She was previously a teacher of Economics and Politics at Stowe School from 1990 to 1996 where she was also a Housemistress. She then taught Economics and Religious Studies at Canford School, Dorset from 1996 to 2001, where she was also a Housemistress, prior to moving to Dean Close. She was educated at St Anthony’s-Leweston, Sherborne and Canford School, Dorset. She won an open exhibition to read Politics, Philosophy and Economics at New College, Oxford, graduating with an upper second in 1988. She has a PGCE from Westminster College, Oxford.

Click here or on the above photograph to listen to Emma Taylor explain why Christ College so appealed to her.

Click here or on photo to listen to Phillip Jones reflect on what makes Christ College Brecon so special

Said Headmaster, Phillip Jones “The School governors were delighted with the outstanding quality of applications, with over 50 applications received. It made their job extremely difficult, and we are thrilled that Mrs Taylor has accepted the position and will take up her new post next year”

Explaining how she viewed the change and why the school so appealed to her, Mrs Taylor said: “I’m not surprised that a lot of people wanted to apply for the post. I wanted to work in a school where I actually got to know everyone and was part of the community, and so the size of the school, with just over 300 pupils, is ideal. I came into teaching to teach and have contact with pupils and so Christ College appeals to me from this point of view.”

“The pupils really impressed me when I visited Christ College because of their confidence and commitment to the school and the school itself has an outstanding reputation. I’m looking forward to the challenges and joys of leading such a special community.”

Mrs Taylor will move to Brecon with her husband, Simon, a modern languages teacher and her two children, Holly and Daisy.

Donaldson's Romanian Christmas Gift Box Appeal

The last time pupils from Donaldson's house sent Christmas gift boxes to Romania they were handed out on Christmas Day by a former Christ College employee, Deb Bishop, who is now a Missionary for the International Team in Timisoara, Romania. This year Deb (pictured far left) decided to collect the Gift Boxes herself and they will be distributed to the orphans and street children by the International Team in Romania. Mrs Webber, Donaldson's Housemistress, said "It is great to have that connection with someone from our locality who will make sure that the gifts are given to children who really need a little sunshine in their lives".

Deb is working at placement centres, Slavici and Damcescu and does everything from teaching English and crafts to supporting the workers and children. She met her husband, Steve, when serving in Romania and they have helped to build and set up a new home for the street boys of Timisoara. The "Bridge Boys' Home" will be staffed by a Christian organisation based in Romania called "New Beginnings" and is part of "The Bridge Foundation". The house and land was bought in March 2003, and is currently nearing completion. For more information visit their website.

Pupils finish in Semi-finals of Chemistry Olympiad

Christ College's Chemistry Olympiad Team (Josh Burton, Bea Parry, James Spencer and Catrin Lewis) were defeated by Milford Haven Comprehensive (36-44) in the semi-finals of the Chemistry Olympiad. It was a very close match up until the last round when it could have gone either way - as the team were 2 points down with 3 questions remaining. Milford Haven lost to winners Dyffryn Taf in the final held at Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea University on Monday 13 November.

Christ College team secured wins against Llandovery (36-23), Gwernyfed High School (42-40) and St Clare's College, Porthcawl (43-36) to get to the semi-finals and are to be congratulated on their performance.

To qualify for the International Chemistry Olympiad the RSC (Royal Society of Chemistry) selects pupils from the top 1500 AS Level results. Pupils sit a 3 hour exam and are awarded certificates for their efforts: gold - top 60 in the country; silver - top 200; and bronze top 500 in the UK.

The International Chemistry Olympiad has been running since 1968 and is designed to promote friendship and co-operation among pupils and the exchange of experience among teachers. The RSC is the largest non-government supporter of chemistry education in the UK and their activities encompass formal and informal education from the cradle to the grave. For more information Click here for RSC website.

Christ College helps to reverse Scientist decline

The national conference for Welsh physics teachers took place at Christ College Brecon on 9 October and attracted more than 60 teachers. Organised by The Institute of Physics in Wales, it was the fifth annual conference, mixing presentations and practical work.

With the declining number of UK scientists and warnings from leading scientific societies that urgent action is needed to transform science lessons in schools – Christ College Brecon is a great example of a school with a thriving science department

“There has been a significant amount of media coverage recently about the falling number of scientists in the UK and how the country must respond quickly,” said Phillip Jones, Headmaster at Christ College, who believes this isn’t the end of a scientific era.

“For many Science is really exciting, and most pupils at Christ College enjoy studying it. It is important to focus on the practical side of science and its day-to-day relevance. Given a combination of the right curriculum and enthusiastic teaching more people would become interested in science and its career potential,” he said. “That has certainly been the consequence at Christ College where the subject is taught by two former Physics Teacher of the Year in Wales.”

“The Physics conference was a great chance for Physics teachers from around the country to get together and share ideas and experiences – one way we can assist in developing the scientists of the future. There is always a good attendance at the meeting and this year was no different. I think everyone left feeling enthused about getting back into the classroom and encouraging school children to continue studying Physics.”

Christ College Brecon has recently benefited from a multi-million pound legacy from a former pupil, which has enabled it to offer additional science scholarships, and it is developing plans for a new state-of-the-art science centre. The School has an excellent results record in sciences. In 2006, for example, over 85% pupils achieved grades A-B in Chemistry, and nearly 70% attained grades A or B in Maths. More than 30% of pupils go on to study ‘Hard Sciences’ at University annually.

Clive Thomas, Head of Science at Christ College, said: “We are very lucky at this school – we have some good facilities and great students to who love studying the subject. We are committed to continuing to buck the national trend by developing the next generation of scientists.”

New York: October Half Term

Staff and 6th Form studying Technology, Music and Drama undertook a trip to New York at Half Term. Below is a summary of their trip:

New York is wonderful, it’s official! A delay on our flight out of Heathrow resulted in a slightly reduced agenda on arrival at JFK but our first impressions were not disappointing. Once settled in our amazingly central hotel we departed for pizza followed by a trip up the Empire State Building which was ‘totally awesome’, to coin a phrase! The view is breathtaking across the New York skyline but bitterly cold winds reduced most of us to a view behind glass after an initial brave front. On our return to The Ameritania most of us had been up for about 24 hours so bed and sleep were high on the agenda.
	The second day started with a short stroll along to Times Square where we met Kim who was to help our regular guide John to whizz us around the sights. This included a reception at the Chrysler Building in all its Art Deco glory, the impressive Grand Central Station, the grandeur of the ‘Met’, very briefly, and the beauty and elegance of Central Park in all its autumn glory to mention but a few. We lunched in Fifth Avenue and took particular note of the shopping possibilities then moved on to the Guggenheim Museum where the work of Iranian born Zaha Hadid was displayed along with regular exhibits of some of the great masters including the work of Renoir, Matisse, Monet and Picasso. A quick shower and into our ‘glad-rags’ back at the hotel then off to Broadway, a short hop away and the delights of a stunning performance of ‘Chicago’. The leading lights were fabulous, all singing all dancing sometimes quite raunchy, good all round entertainment of the best kind with a falsetto like you have never heard before.
The day was rounded off a treat with a meal on Times Square at the ‘Bubba Gump’ restaurant à la Forrest Gump fame where we enjoyed shrimp and true American hospitality of the very best kind. On Wednesday we took the subway Downtown to take the ferry across to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, took a quick stroll around Wall Street and then on to Ground Zero, a very moving and sobering experience for us all. Dinner was in China Town along with a spot of retail therapy where bargaining power was the order of the day before a visit to Madison Square Garden for a fantastic game of ice hockey, Rangers v Panthers, with a final score of 2:4 much to the disappointment of most of the assembled company. The final day was devoted almost entirely to shopping and it really was a case of shop ‘till you drop. There were certainly more cases leaving than arriving and one or two panics about weight but all’s well that ends well and we made our way to the departure lounge at Newark airport exhausted but truly happy and fulfilled at the end of our magnificent visit.

Winners of Powys Debating Competition

On 16 October, Josh Games and David Harris won the round for the Powys region. They will be taking part in the quarter and semi-finals at the University of Wales, Gregynog on 7 November.

The Wales Schools Debating Championships were set up by CEWC-Cymru in the belief that debating plays an important part in a student's education.

Rugby Results for matches against Llandovery
Please click here

Careers Engineering Challenge

The 19^th Engineering Team Challenge, organised by Careers Wales, Mid Glamorgan and Powys took place at Christ College on Friday 13 October.

Pupils from local high schools, including sixth formers from Christ College, took part.

This year's challenge, which tested the engineering and construction skills of the pupils, included a practical exercise of building a sports stadium – supported by team work.

Judges assessed the team models on aesthetics, innovative design, weight of the roof that the stadium can support, the number of spectators and the viewing spectators can have, plus the cost of the materials used to build the stadium. This year there is no wining school team as groups were formed from a member from each school.

The purpose of the event is to encourage pupils to develop and sustain a passion for engineering, construction, manufacturing and technology while at the same time boost their awareness of engineering careers.

Phillip Jones, Headmaster at Christ College, said: “This was a great day which both participants and on-lookers enjoyed. We were very pleased and excited that the school grounds were chosen again to welcome the event. Christ College always aims to encourage pupils to discover as many career fields as possible for them to have an opportunity to make their minds up on what career path they want to follow. We hope many pupils were swayed with the fun and thrills of engineering work.”

David Morris, Education Consultant at Career Wales said: “Winning teams went home with prizes and certificates and great memories of an unusual and exciting day. These challenges are an ideal way to help pupils develop key practical skills in a fun atmosphere and raise awareness of the numerous career options in the engineering field.”

Battlefields Trip

On Friday 29^th September2006, forty-one members of F4 and F5 set off to visit the battlefields of World War One around Ypres, The Somme and Vimy Ridge.

For a full report click here.

Champion Cadets for Second Year

Christ College became the overall CCF Champions of Wales in the annual Cadet Cambrian Patrol for the second year on 24 September 06. For more information click here.

Pupil tipped for promising future in the world of Cricket

Greg Webber who captained last year's Wales Under 16s cricket team now hopes to attend trials in October. For more information click here.

Quad Enhancement

At the beginning of the summer holidays, work started to improve the area known at 'The Quad'. It has been a long-term objective to improve the general ambience of certain areas of Christ College, and over the years much has already been done to achieve this. Due to the generosity of friends, parents of previous leavers, and the Christ College Foundation, we have now completed the work on The Quad (see below). It is a much improved aspect with better visitor management and car parking. Please click here for the plans.

Boarding House Extension

As the numbers of girls have increased the school embarked on an extension to de Winton House. Pictured to the right at the start of the build, the project has added 14 extra boarding places as well as improving changing rooms, house common rooms and a tutor’s flat. Work is now complete and fully operational see pictures below.

Overseas Pupils/Christ College Host Family Reception

In September the school hosted a reception for its overseas students who have Christ College appointed host families. It was a chance for pupils to meet their new or current host families in a relaxed atmosphere with their house parents. See photos below..

SUMMER TERM 2006

GCSE Results over 90%

Once again Christ College pupils have earned outstanding GCSE results. Over 90% of grades were C or better, over 70% were A* to B, and 40% of all the school GCSE grades were A* or A.

Well over half the year passed 10 subjects at C grade or higher – indeed more than 85% of entrants gained C grade or better in at least 8 subjects. Two thirds of entrants gained A or A* grades in Art, RS, Drama, PE; candidates taking individual Science subjects scored very highly with 70% getting A* or A grades in Physics. Language results were strong, too, with over half the entrants gaining A or A* grades in French.

Simon Spencer, Second Master, was pleased at the school’s results. “These students can be pleased with and proud of their achievements. We are delighted at the overall results, and as usual impressed by the performances of boys and girls of all levels of ability. Many of our local students have done particularly well, amongst them Holly Rees, Rachel Williams, Hannah Richards, Emily Tait, and Jack Wallace. All teachers and parents will share our satisfaction at the attainment of pupils who might not have got A* grades, but who have garnered a significant number of GCSE’s and can now pursue AS level courses of their choice, and who can set these results alongside their many other distinctions over the year”.

100% Pass Rate at A Level Examinations

Pupils achieved 100% pass rate in this year's A Level examinations.

Christ College’s pass rate was 100% at A Level with 59% of grades being A or B grades. Pride of place goes to the Chemistry Department where 86% of the grades were A or B grades and to the large Maths Department with 69% A or B grades.

The School also saw 5 boys (or 14%) and 5 girls (or 26%) achieving three or more straight A’s, with Alex Gilbey from Ystradgynlais obtaining four A grades in Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Geography and maximum UCAS points to set him off on the next stage in his career to study medicine at Southampton.

Headmaster, Phillip Jones is delighted with the examination results. He said: “Waiting for exam results is always an anxious time for pupils and staff but this year’s results, once again a 100% pass rate, have been worth waiting for. I am pleased that the efforts of pupils and staff have been rewarded.

“What is important to stress is that the excellent results have been achieved by boys and girls who didn’t let up in their extra-curricular contributions, in their positions of trust or responsibility, sport, music, drama, and so on. What the pupils here manage to cram into their busy school lives never ceases to amaze me.”

Parents and potential students are invited to an Open Morning on Saturday 7 October 2006 between 10am – 12 noon. For more information contact the Admissions Registrar on 01874 615440.

Pupils Diaries in Western Mail

Angharad Lewis and James Couceiro have had their experiences during their A Level examinations printed in the Western Mail in the form of an Exam Diary. To see their diaries click on the links below and read the Western Mail on A Level Results day (17 August).

Diary Week 1 - Angharad Lewis                     Diary Week 1 - James Couceiro
Diary Week 2 - Angharad Lewis                     Diary Week 2 - James Couceiro
Diary Week 3 - Angharad Lewis                     Diary Week 3 - James Couceiro
Diary Week 4 - Angharad Lewis                     Diary Week 4 - James Couceiro
Diary A Level Results Day - Angharad Lewis    Diary A Level Results Day - James Couceiro

The Headmaster said "I hope readers have enjoyed as much as I have hearing about Angharad’s and James’ pre-A Level preparations in their weekly diaries. Clearly, both are paragons of virtue ……… I think I recognize them!

In truth, both have been wonderful pupils to have in the Christ College community, each different other than in their affection for and loyalty to the school. I know for sure we will miss them both next year. What has struck me during their last term at Christ College has been the way they have kept going in all ways right to the end. Both could have gone home once the timetable was suspended or their examinations were over, but like other examinees they have not, preferring to remain in school to generate and share in all the work, fun and activities at the end of term. Both are School Prefects and have maintained their duties punctiliously. Both have maintained their interests and commitments: Angharad, her distinguished ballet and tap dancing regime, as well as her pastoral role as Head of her boarding house; James, his beloved canoeing and his choral singing. Both have retained a terrific sense of fun and self-deprecating humour and have never been anything other than good company, whatever exam pressures they may have felt.

Whatever their A Level results may prove to be – and I am sanguine on their behalf – both leave on a good note and will be remembered fondly. Both have a genuine streak of Christ College running from head to toe and I know they have taken on board the many lessons learned from attending the school, lessons and exams no more than the ideals and tolerances absorbed subconsciously. I am sure both will come back to see us over the years to come and I look forward very much to welcoming them back and hearing of their achievements which I am sure will be many."

Orchard House does its bit for Charity

Saturday 10^th June found eleven members of Orchard House, together with housemaster Michael Bond and tutors Kyle Jess and Grant Wolstenholme, taking part in the 2006 Brecon Triathlon; the aim to raise money for the house charity, Plan International. The group had undertaken a six-week training programme, with regular trips to the pool at Brecon Leisure Centre and runs around the outskirts of Brecon. On a day of considerable heat the boys nevertheless showed great enthusiasm for the task. First home was Steffan Raw-Rees – though times and places for most of those competing were immaterial; their one and only goal was to finish the course. Will Martin was suspected of receiving some technically illegal massage treatment from his back-up crew (aka his parents), whilst James Davies declared himself happy to have beaten by three places the only septuagenarian in the race.

The combined efforts of the team raised £660.50 for one of Plan’s latest projects, the street children of Dhaka appeal. This is to help the 350,000 homeless children of the capital of Bangladesh, who survive by combing rubbish tips to find recyclable material which they can then sell. They earn between 15 and 80 pence a day, and have to cope with many hazards – including physical and sexual assaults. Some even pay adults to sleep next to them at the side of the road, for protection.

Alway Musical: June 2006

For more information click on image.

Netball/Hockey Tour to Barbados - July 2006

For information on the tour click here.

Cricket Reunion – 50 Years on

All eleven members of a 1956 school’s cricket team attended a 50 years reunion on 24 and 25 June. The Christ College Brecon 1^st XI set a record in 1956 that has never been bettered. Out of 16 games played they won 12, drew three and lost just one.

The team (all now in their mid to late sixties) attended Old Breconian Day where they recreated the original 1^st XI team photograph. Former Brecon town resident Frank Bissex, who travelled from Victoria in Australia for the reunion said: "It is very emotional being here today and seeing all the old fellows. I was talking to my GP back in Australia about this reunion and he was amazed that it was taking place at all, joking that the law of averages should have dictated that a couple should have fallen off their perch by now."

Mr Jones, headmaster said “It is quite remarkable that all eleven former pupils got together for the first time in 50 years to celebrate their remarkable year. Most of them have travelled the world with their jobs before settling back home, or in some cases moving much further afield and it is good that the pull of their old school brought them back. It was a special day for all of us.”

Old Breconian Sarah Jane Davies wins final of Welsh Singer Competition

Very many congratulations to Sarah Jane Davies (de Winton 92-94) who on Monday 5 June won the final of the Welsh Singers Competition in St David's Hall, Cardiff. As a result of her success Sarah will now represent Wales in the 2007 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition.

Christ College at the Hay Festival

Christ College were the proud sponsors of one of the keynote speakers, Lord Chris Patten, at this year’s Hay Festival. Free from office, the former Hong Kong Governor and EU Commissioner gave a fascinating talk on the players and interests driving world politics, from the perspective of one at the heart of international events.

Prior to his talk, Lord Patten joined invited guests at a private reception where he engaged in conversation with members of the Christ College Foundation’s 1541 Club and invited guests.


Lord Patten with Foundation Director Steve Maggs, Second Master Simon Spencer and Headmaster Phillip Jones	Bursar Kieran Dempsey and Headmaster Phillip Jones talking with a prospective parent at The Hay Festival	Annabelle Zhu of the Chinese Language Service Centre, Foundation Director Steve Maggs and Lord Patten

Visit of HRH The Earl of Wessex

HRH The Earl of Wessex visited Christ College Brecon on Friday 26 May. During his visit, HRH The Earl of Wessex met pupils involved with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. After viewing a selection of activities including: photography, leather work, music, camping, mountain rescue, hockey, football and bicycle maintenance in his role as Trustee of the scheme, he unveiled a plaque commemorating the building of the new de Winton Boarding House extension, built to meet the increasing demand for girls boarding places at the school.

Update on de Winton Boarding House Extension

The works is nearing completion and will add 14 extra boarding places to the house as well as improving changing rooms, house common rooms and a tutor’s flat. See photos below..

Christ College claim First Place in CCF Shooting Competition

Christ College teams claimed first place in the overall CCF Competition in the Annual Cadet Skill At Arms Meeting at Sennybridge Ranges on 21/22 May. For more information click here.

School Cricket Sponsorship and Professional Coach appointment

Peter Brett, the current Wales U16 cricket coach, has joined Christ College Brecon to coach the school’s senior cricket squad, which Swansea based solicitors, Lloyd Williams, has agreed to sponsor. For more information click here.

Charities benefit from Christ College London Marathon runners Clive Thomas and David Morrell

Clive Thomas, Head of Science and Sixth Form pupil David Morrell competed in the London Marathon on 23 April.

	Clive Thomas who finished the course in two hours and fifty nine minutes raised money for "Lolly's Fund" to enable parents to take their severely brain damaged daughter, Louise, to swim with wild dolphins in Florida. Louise is eight years old and is blind, wheelchair-bound and suffers with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and this experience will enable her to taste "freedom" as she will be free of all her equipment. The appeal aims to raise £10,000 and anyone wishing to donate can do so at Lloyds Bank, High Street, Brecon.
David Morrell, who finished the course in just over four hours, raised over £1,200 in sponsorship for Brecon Mountain Rescue. Brecon Mountain Rescue Team are currently raising money to pay for a new Land Rover Defender which will be the first response vehicle for search and rescue call outs. The vehicle will have cost about £25,000 after all the fitting out with specialist equipment and David's contribution is most welcome. Brecon Mountain Rescue Team are called out about 50 times a year and almost all the funding comes from voluntary donations.
	David, seen here handing over the cheque to Brecon Mountain Rescue Team member, David Grant, said he thoroughly enjoyed his first ever marathon, ‘the atmosphere was amazing with the crowds cheering you on all the way. It really was a day to remember.’ David is the only current student to have completed the London Marathon and is hoping to compete again next year with his father, Nicholas Morrell, who was unable to compete this year due to a leg injury.

LENT TERM 2006

Christ College Receives Royal Backing

Christ College has received renewed Royal backing from the Prince of Wales, who has extended his patronage of the Christ College Foundation for a further five years.

Established as a continuous fundraising programme, the Foundation at Christ College, Brecon, provides school governors with the resources to fund scholarships and bursaries.

The Prince of Wales has been patron of the Foundation since its creation in 2001, which has now accumulated funds totalling £4.1 million through a combination of legacies, donations and a variety of fundraising enterprises.

Following a major bequest by an Old Breconian, half of the £4.1 million is being used to generate scholarships to enable pupils wanting to study science to attend Christ College, and to enhance the school’s already excellent science facilities.

Phillip Jones, headmaster, said: “We are proud to have His Royal Highness’s support for another five years. With his backing, we will endeavour to offer more scholarships and better facilities to as many young people as possible regardless of their financial circumstances."

“The Prince of Wales is particularly interested in the school’s plans to develop and improve science facilities as part of our scheme to support scientists of the future and to counteract the sharp decline in the number of boys and girls studying science across the UK."

“Approximately £500,000 has been earmarked for the science facilities project, and the Christ College Foundation has started to raise the additional funding needed to turn these aspirations into reality.”

Dining Hall Floor Renovation

Following the renovation of the dining room roof in 2005, a rise in humidity resulted in the wooden floor becoming damaged beyond repair. The floor was removed whilst a full assessment was undertaken. In association with the Conservation Officer and CADW, it was decided that a slate floor would provide the most suitable surface. This would not only enhance the appearance of the entire room (and small dining room) and would be easy to maintain. A generous grant from the Christ College Foundation enabled the work to go ahead over the Easter 2006 holiday. After levelling both areas 125 square meters of slate were laid over a 3 week period. The finished article provides a surface which befits such an impressive building and it has has already received many positive comments.

Pupils obtain Silver and Bronze Commendations in International Chemistry Olympiad

Congratulations to Christine Ye and Dae-Bin Im who won Silver certificates and Matthew Sun who won a bronze certificate in this year's International Chemistry Olympiad. This places them in the top 200 and 500 Chemistry pupils in the UK respectively.

Success in the UK Intermediate Maths Challenge

Josh Spencer, Josh Burton, Peter Lo, Lauren Sharp and Ben Evans , all in the Fourth Form, won Gold awards in this year's UK International Maths Challenge despite being a year younger than the majority of candidates taking part.

This hugely popular competition attracts an entry of well over 100,000 nationally every year and Josh Spencer, Josh Burton and Peter Lo performed so well that they qualified to take part in the Europe-wide follow-up competition, named "The Pink Kangaroo". We are still awaiting the news of their performances in this challenging test.

Overseas Students excel again in English tests

Christ College's Sixth Form students from overseas again produced excellent results when they took their IELTS tests at Cardiff University at the end of the Lent Term. This year's results continued last year's pattern: over a third of the students reached Band 7, the level required for most demanding courses at top universities. Both Julia Wolf from German and Dae-Bin Im from Korea achieved the maximum marks in two of their four papers and were awarded an overall Band of 8.5, just short of the absolute perfection required for Band 9. Janko Reddi and Matthias Adams from Germany and Jansen and Wilson Tang, twins from Hong Kong, also performed excellently to reach a Band 8. For more information on the tests click here.

A father of two Old Breconians undertakes an adventure in the Americas

Mick Daly, father of Andrew and Chris, flew to the Falkland Islands on 20 April 2006, where his biking adventure will begin. For more information click here.

CCF Camp to Mallaig, Scotland: April 2006
Click here

Christ College Music Society Supports Usk House

On Friday 10^th and Saturday 11^th March, young performers from Christ College Brecon were joined by leading musicians from across South Wales to take part in a weekend of classical music to raise funds for Usk House Day Hospice in Brecon.

Young Musician of the Year Competition 2006

For details on the winner of this competition click here

Christ College Drinks Reception in Hong Kong

Christ College hosted a drinks reception on Thursday 2^nd March in the Kellet Room of the Excelsior Hotel, Causeway Bay. Old Breconians and past and current parents living in Hong Kong had the opportunity to meet staff from Christ College (Simon Spencer, Second Master and Steve Maggs, Foundation & Marketing Director) and to enjoy a sociable evening.

Update on de Winton Boarding House Extension

The extension is now well underway. The internal works are ahead of schedule but external works are running behind due to the weather.

Chinese New Year: Year of the Dog

Chinese New Year was celebrated in style at Christ College. The Catering Department headed by Daniel Zimmer provided pupils and staff with a Chinese themed celebratory Lunch where pupils sampled many Chinese dishes using chop sticks. Chinese pupils decorated the Dining Hall beautifully with their hand-made decorations.
	The Sixth Form Chinese Students also enjoyed an evening in a Chinese Restaurant in Canton, Cardiff where many traditional dishes were served. For more information about Chinese New Year and photos of the events click here.

Representative Honours in Girls Hockey

Having represented South Powys at Under 19 Level during the Michaelmas Term, Kate Davies, Sarah Greaney and Alex Lines-Scrase were invited to attend trials for South Wales in December.

As a result of Kate Davies' performances at these trials and at two subsequent training sessions during the Christmas break, Kate was selected to play for South Wales in an Under 19 triangular tournament, competing against teams from North and South East Wales. For more information click here.

Kate Davies

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