Colours - same but different

The running theme of Colours in the last century is one of variation and evolution. Indeed, each generation will have its own story to tell of the ways in which Colours were awarded (or not) during their time at school. Sometimes the emphasis was on playing in the XV or the XI against Llandovery, sometimes not; sometimes Hockey Colours were awarded, sometimes not; sometimes Half Colours were awarded for other sports, sometimes not.

In 2008 Emma Taylor (Head 2007-2017) radically overhauled the Colours system and the Colours ties: Full School Colours would be awarded to those who achieve excellence and also show leadership and service in school life; Half Colours would be awarded to a wider range of pupils who achieve excellence in a particular field.

With continued emphasis on excellence and service since 2008, Full School Colours have been awarded only to a handful of pupils each year. In recognition of this high accolade, their names are recorded on the board on the Library stairs. 

The system successfully introduced by the previous Head has evolved further this term. While the criteria for achieving Full School Colours is unchanged, the awarding of the renamed Half Colours is now more specific.

Simon Hill (Deputy Head Pastoral) recently explained the evolution to pupils in Assembly and to parents in a letter.  

School Colours are awarded to senior pupils who exhibit a very positive attitude, sustained commitment and service to school life and work, plus at least one area of true excellence, including outstanding leadership in a key area of school life.   

Half Colours have been replaced by Academic and Second Curriculum Colours for individual disciplines. These are awarded to pupils who excel in a particular area of school life. These Colours are awarded in the following areas: Academics, Music, Hockey, Rugby, Netball, Cricket, Drama, Adventure/CCF.

It is possible for pupils to be awarded Colours in more than one area.  Most recipients will be in the Sixth Form as excellence must be sustained over a period of time.

Ties are presented by the Head at Assembly to the recipients of these Colours awards.

Recipients of School Colours will receive the familiar 2008 version of the Full School Colours tie. Recipients of Academic and Second Curriculum Colours will receive what was the 2008 Half Colours tie, now a Colours tie that recognises excellence in a specific area of school life. We have updated the Tie Gallery accordingly. 

The first of these ties to be awarded in Assembly were to recipients of Academic Colours. Deputy Head Academic, Harry Mackridge, explains further: 'Academic Colours' now sit alongside other areas of school life and are awarded to members of the Upper Sixth for outstanding effort and attainment across the academic year.

Dylan, Sophie, Hirari, David, Poppy and Ana, now join the ranks of Breconians who, for more than a century, have gained their Colours.