St Nicholas House

It is our belief that children are at their happiest when everyone works together. Regular communication with parents is at the heart of St Nicholas; sharing children’s achievements, providing opportunities to share their success and ensuring that parents can see their children flourish. We also encourage children to share any success they have achieved outside of school in any aspect of their lives: sport, art, dance, scouts, litter picking, hedgehog house building……. you name it; we want to celebrate it!

In St Nicholas House, pupils are given the opportunity to achieve through a varied academic curriculum, a robust sporting programme and plenty of outdoor education. Children are encouraged to be independent, brave and determined learners giving 100% to everything they do. They take pride in their work and their achievements are celebrated. Building children’s confidence is at the heart of everything we do. If children are having fun and enjoying their learning, their confidence and willingness to have a go is sure to develop.

St Nicholas is a caring and supportive family. With small class sizes and a tight knit, friendly and nurturing staff, we are able to get to know children so well, enabling us to support each and every one in a personal, understanding way. Every class has their own ‘worry monster’ where the pupils can share any anxieties or concerns they may have. The children are able to indicate the seriousness of their concern and staff are able to action appropriately. Weekly assemblies follow a programme of values education, incorporating themes of leadership, kindness and resilience. Circle Time and Mindfulness sessions are used to help develop positive relationships between children through engaging and fun activities. This also provides safe opportunities to raise any anxieties and receive support and guidance from their peer group.

Our enhanced second curriculum provides opportunities for all junior pupils – there is something for everyone. From drama and music to team sports and gymnastics the children’s characters are nurtured and strengthened. Nearly 90% of our pupils play an instrument and a growing number also enrol in LAMDA. Ballet lessons are also offered as an extra.

Opportunities to sing and perform are offered throughout the year and we like nothing better that to get out in the community and share our passions. We have strong links with the community and regularly visit local residential homes. Our older pupils become ‘Dementia Friends’ which they find very rewarding.

The St Nicholas production is always a highlight of the year, with every child involved in the performance. Acting, singing, set design and back stage roles are all offered, ensuring every pupil feels comfortable with their contributions.

We love to share the exciting events that happen in St Nicholas and have launched the ‘SNH Star’ – a termly newspaper full of fantastic journalism, school news and interviews.

Our 2^nd Curriculum is also enhanced by focused Character Education sessions delivered in the classroom, with the children given the opportunity to develop and reflect on positive personal character strengths such as honesty, resilience, courage, perseverance and compassion. The aim of character education at St Nicholas is to equip our pupils to lead flourishing lives, by supporting them to develop these traits. Ultimately, we want pupils to take ownership of their own character development. To do this, we aim to give them the tools to know how to develop their own individual character.

There are plenty of opportunities for children to take a leadership role in St Nicholas. Each year a new House Council and Eco Committee is elected and they work collaboratively to achieve their shared goals. They are joined by house team captains who lead their team in numerous competitive events throughout the year, including Eisteddfod, seasonal quizzes and challenge activities. Our sports captains are role models for their sporting teams and play a pivotal role in developing sportsmanship on the pitch.

Through our work with the John Muir Award, we learn to be leaders in our protection of wild lands, enhancing habitats and encouraging people of all ages to connect with, enjoy, and care for wild places.

St Nicholas pupils attend weekly Forest School Sessions in our purpose built woodland area. The fire pit forms the social heart of the area from which they can explore the woods, build dens, perform in the miniature amphitheatre and observe the wildlife in the pond and meadow. Wellies and waterproofs are kept in school all year round and any opportunity to get outdoors is grabbed with enthusiasm, whatever the weather!

All the school’s sporting facilities are available to our pupils, including the swimming pool, sports hall and outdoor pitches. The new miniature golf course is a very popular destination and the children like nothing more than improving their pitching and putting on the beautiful course. Even cross country events are entered into with enthusiasm – how could you not enjoy running around the grounds here at Christ College Brecon?

Every child has their own talent and we believe it is our role to motivate and develop each and every one. Children are encouraged to follow their passions and are given as much opportunity to do this as possible. We are able to tailor our extra activity programme to offer a wide variety of experiences and allow children to shine.

A sense of team spirit is fostered through our weekly house team competitions. Children are encouraged to show kindness, pride in their work and a determination to succeed. They are rewarded for their efforts, earning points for their team. These weekly points are totalled throughout the year and contribute to the overall House Team Champions. Inter House Games also provides the perfect opportunity to work together with children across the year groups, strengthening relationships and encouraging peer support.

Children in St Nicholas are encouraged to see their mistakes as learning opportunities. A positive mind set underpins all our teaching and learning. Learning from our mistakes, accepting failure and moving forward develops a strong character and the willingness to have a go. We believe that we prepare our pupils well for the trials and tribulations of the future.