Christ College Brecon Announces Expansion Of Extracurricular Activities

Christ College, Brecon has expanded its extracurricular offerings for members of its St Nicholas House junior school as it seeks to further its objective of delivering an enhanced and varied learning experience for its pupils.

As one of Wales’ leading independent schools, Christ College is deeply committed to offering a rich and balanced co-curriculum programme of sport, music, art and drama.

In September, St Nicholas House launched an all-new languages club, which teaches members Spanish and Italian, as well as an IT club for children to develop new computer skills. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 have been enjoying specialist science teaching, whilst personal and social education (PSE) is available for all pupils, alongside mindfulness sessions.

Mindfulness helps children to become more aware of their levels of focus, pay attention to the present moment and make the most of every opportunity. The sessions cover aspects of willpower, gratitude, appreciation, resilience, kindness and leadership, as well as giving children time to reflect and have mindful moments.

For the most creative minds, Sarah Bawler, a tutor from the London Academy of Music and Dramatical Art, has been delivering fortnightly drama lessons and Deirdre Houghton, Head of Art at the school, will be running a once termly workshop on textiles, ceramics and printing.

In addition, pupils between Years 5 and 8 who are not already members of the school’s chapel choir have been able to join the new junior choir, set up by director of Music, Jonathan Ling, whilst all of Year 3 and 4 have been offered a weekly strings lesson during which they are taught either cello or violin by specialist instrumental tutors.

Regularly investing in its facilities, Christ College boasts a new covered pool and weekly swimming lessons now take place all year round. Opportunities to explore the world of golfing are also on offer and plans for a shooting club and bushcraft sessions to be added to the school’s package of extracurricular activities next spring, with a feasibility inspection for implementing the classes underway.

The expanded extra-curricular programme reflects the school’s proactive approach to delivering exemplary pastoral care and preparing its junior pupils for a taste of senior school life.

Discussing the implementation of the new programme, Head of St Nicholas House, Julie Lewis, said: “The new programme is part of a concerted effort to open up a world of exciting new experiences for our pupils to explore and broaden their horizons and has been a resounding success so far.

“Making the step up to senior school can be a daunting experience for some students, delivering a variety of learning opportunities that encompasses topics that they might otherwise be unfamiliar with can be vital to making that transition easier.”