JUNIOR SCHOOL | 7+

Contents

2 Introduction

5 Family

8 Individual Mentoring and Support

11 Participation and Enjoyment

12 Stretch and Challenge

17 Our History and Geography

18 Transition

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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.

MRS EMMA TAYLOR Head of Christ College

A very special place...

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Introduction from the Head of JuniorsSt Nicholas House, Christ College is a family orientated Independent Junior section for pupils aged 7-11 set in 40 acres of spectacular grounds with inspirational views stretching over the Brecon Beacons.

At St Nicholas House, we pride ourselves on providing the best educational experience for children in a safe and happy environment, thoroughly preparing each child for their next step in education and life. Traditional values combined with a contemporary curriculum provide children with a stimulating education both in and out of the classroom.

We believe that children thrive when their natural enthusiasm for discovery is encouraged in an exciting, challenging and supportive environment where each child is given every chance to do their best and be their best.

St Nicholas House is a happy, inviting place where the children in our care grow to become confident learners. Our strong links with our senior school bring many benefits, including access to superb facilities, collaborative teaching and a feeling of security, confidence and continuity for the children. It is impossible to describe all the things which make our school special but those who visit the school quickly reach their own conclusion as they see busy, happy children, both at work and at play.

MRS JULIE LEWIS Head of St Nicholas House

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St Nicholas House aims to provide a warm and supportive foundation for your child’s educational journey through Christ College and beyond. The house is in an ideal position, next door to Alway House (a day and boarding house for pupils aged 11-13), and in the heart of Christ College’s historic and beautiful grounds, overlooking the gardens and three of the oldest buildings, the Chapel, the Dining Hall and School House. St Nicholas House offers our junior pupils their own self-contained space which is purpose-built for their requirements, but is also very obviously part of the wider school community. The juniors (Years J3-J6) will be taught primarily in their own classrooms, with some visits to other school facilities such as the Chapel, Dining Hall, Science Centre and Sports Hall at particular times of the week.

Christ College is a caring and open environment and we strongly believe that it is good for our pupils to see the teaching staff working closely together with parents, supporting each other in the shared aim of giving the children the very best chance to thrive. You, your child and your family will be joining a very special community where each individual is valued and nurtured and families are very much welcome to join in and celebrate special events and achievements.

Family

The school ‘family’5

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‘The key to Christ College’s success is the friendliness and warmth that pervades relationships here’

GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

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Families of our current pupils perceive Christ College as a community - a friendly environment with a strong emphasis on pastoral care, support and guidance. Outstanding pastoral care and support of your child is close to the heart of St Nicholas House, as it is in the senior school. We already have an excellent track record of care, as evidenced in our most recent Estyn Inspection Report, which recognises us as having ‘sector-leading’ best practice in this area. This exceptional quality of care is offered to younger pupils, who arguably will benefit from it even more. All of this is possible due to small class sizes, our motivated and dynamic staff and excellent teaching facilities and resources.

Individual Mentoring and Support

‘friendly’ environment

‘HM Inspectorate for Education & Training in Wales rates Christ College as Excellent, particularly in terms of care, support and guidance for pupils.’

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Within St Nicholas House, there is a networked IT suite, along with the latest IT equipment in the form of iPads and interactive whiteboards in every class. Your child will benefit from a well-resourced, state-of-the-art library which will offer a modern space for interactive learning, reflection and research. We have our own ‘on-site’ cookery room offering fantastic opportunities for creating and experimenting, not to mention a place to do lots of ‘messy’ activities. Creative and performing arts are also given a high profile. Drama features in curriculum planning and as an extra-curricular activity. All pupils have the opportunity to take part in inter-house public speaking, eisteddfod and debating competitions. Teamwork and individual excellence is developed on the sports field; with a range of sports such as rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, rounders and tennis on offer to our pupils. Pupils can also develop their skills in gymnastics, swimming, dance and athletics. Your child will have the opportunity to compete in Inter-House competitions as well as taking part in some sporting fixtures against other local schools.

Participation and Enjoyment

Opportunity11

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Stretch and Challenge

Creative & challenging

The learning environment at St Nicholas House, like the senior school, is purposeful, creative and challenging. We follow the Welsh national curriculum but with significant additional provision, including specialist Music, Modern Languages and PE teaching, as aspects of regular class lessons and through extra-curricular opportunities. Most subjects are taught by the class teacher with specialists supporting tuition in Music, Games, Modern Foreign Languages and Science. Most Science lessons will be delivered in Christ College’s Hubert Jones Science Centre. The Science Department aims to develop sophisticated understanding through first-hand experience whilst maintaining a balance between academic rigour and having fun.

‘Everything about St Nicholas House felt right, from the enthusiastic, talented teaching team to the small classes and unbelievable array of extra-curricular experiences on offer. We know our daughter will be stretched and challenged every single day!’

PARENT

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‘Warm relationships exist between pupils of all ages and between pupils and staff. It’s a marvellous sense of community, it really is!’

GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

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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 itgrew and became a flourishing community. The friary was originally dedicated to St Nicholas,the patron saint of children, and it is this link that provides us with the compelling reason fornaming our Junior School in this way.

Our History and Geography

‘My son is beside himself with excitement and counting down the days until he can start. We are thrilled with the individual care and attention he will receive in such a fantastic environment.’

PARENT

Exceptional...17

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Transition

The Christ College Family

By the end of their time at St Nicholas House, we will endeavour to ensure your child will have acquired a real enthusiasm for their academic studies, having also become a confident, self-reliant young person possessing high personal self-esteem and strong moral and social principles. The advantage of the close liaison between the Senior School and the Junior School ensures pupils are offered a degree of progression, continuity and educational opportunity not usually available elsewhere. Transition into Alway House and the senior school from St Nicholas House will not normally require an Entrance Exam.

‘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

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Thank you for taking the time to find out about St Nicholas House at Christ College. I hope that by browsing through this prospectus you will begin to establish a true sense of the unique character of the school and will want to come and visit for yourselves.

To arrange a visit or a shadow day, please contact the Admissions Registrar on 01874 615440 or email: admissions@christcollegebrecon.com.

I look forward to welcoming you to St Nicholas House in the future.

MRS EMMA TAYLOR Head of Christ College

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t: +44(0)1874 615440 e: enquiries@christcollegebrecon.com a: Christ College, Brecon, Powys LD3 8AF UK

www.christcollegebrecon.com

“They achieve because they believe they can.”SCHOOL MOTTO