A Day of Celebration – Prize Day 2023

On Saturday 8 July, pride swept through the school as we celebrated our maturing talent with our annual Prize Day. Parents, faculty and governors came together with our bright, talented pupils to praise everyone’s efforts and hard work and recognise those who have excelled in their fields.

We were privileged to be joined by special guests Professor Dame Sarah Springman DBE and the Mayor of Brecon, Councillor Michaela Davies.

As one of the oldest schools in Wales, we are full of tradition and our Prize Day is one of these longstanding events we continue to savour each year. The Bishop opened the proceedings with the Service of Thanksgiving to God for the Founders and Benefactors of Christ College in Brecon Cathedral before pupils, staff, parents and guests  returned to the school for the prize-giving ceremony.

The school band entertained guests on their arrival in the sports Hall with a rendition of ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis, before the formal proceedings commenced.  Pupil cappella group ‘Coopers Troopers’ ( Charlie G, James H, Tali E., Ben Mc, Sam C)  delighted the audience with their interpretation of  ‘Fever’, made famous by Peggy Lee, to rapturous applause.

After awarding the prizes to pupils, Professor Dame Sarah Springman, Principal at St Hilda’s Oxford, gave an inspiring speech and shared experiences that have framed her career as a distinguished academic, civil engineer as well an elite -level sportswoman.

Dame Sarah encouraged everyone to set themselves goals and not be afraid of failure, of which she had had plenty of experience and from which she had learned! She gave examples of opportunities she had grasped that have led to exciting engineering and sporting experiences in UK, Australia, Fiji , Hawaii and Paris as well as fun and rewarding volunteering opportunities at events like the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games. Her address offered plenty of audience participation, conversation and even induced a Christ College Mexican wave!

In his address, Head, Gareth  Pearson extended his thanks to everyone who supports the school and enables it to continue nurturing, inspiring and encouraging our brilliant pupils.

He also shared how delighted he was to welcome our youngest pupils to the   Year 1 and 2 class this year, who have been a cute addition to the school .  He explained how their unfiltered honesty and unbridled enthusiasm for life sums up why he particularly loves spending time with the younger children and see them flourish as they move through the school.

Addressing the parents of our Leavers, Mr Pearson acknowledged that this day marks and emotional milestone for them . Sharing an abridged version of the beautiful poem, ‘Daughter Leaving Home Poem by Ray Hansell, Mr Pearson wanted to capture the milestone moment for our parents and hoped that its sentiment resonates with them.

In his message to  Leavers, Mr Pearson cited German philosopher Nietzsche. Using his quote ‘My formula for human greatness is Amor Fati: To love or accept your fate’, Mr Pearson encouraged the Upper Sixth Leavers  to employ self-acceptance, take responsibility for the choices they make and grab life with both hands and live it to its absolute fullest.

The Head’s closing message to the Class of 2023: Amor Fati: Love your fate;

‘Always sing loud;

Work hard, play hard & live life to the full

and forever be a loyal, kind & proud Breconian’.

See this year’s prize winners Prize Day Programme 2023

With the formal proceedings over for another year, this  lovely day of celebration concluded with the Annual Summer Ball.