Prize Day 2023

From the News section of the school website

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 this year to be joined by special guests Professor Dame Sarah Springman DBE, Principal at St Hilda’s Oxford, and the Mayor of Brecon, Councillor Michaela Davies.

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.

On their arrival in the Sports Hall, the school band entertained guests with a rendition of ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis, before the formal proceedings commenced with an address to parents, pupils and guests by Professor Michael Davies, Chairman of the Governors. Professor Davies gave a very positive update of the school’s activities and plans. In particular, he thanked the Head for his excellent leadership and the Bursar for his financial stewardship. Professor Davies concluded by reassuring parents that the school would do all it could to mitigate the impact of any chages to VAT on school fees. 

In his address the 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 wonderful and 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 in his address, Mr Pearson acknowledged that this day marks and emotional milestone for them. Sharing an abridged version of Ray Hansell's ‘Daughter Leaving Home', Mr Pearson said that he wanted to capture the milestone moment for our parents and hoped that its sentiment resonates with them.

In a slight break in the proceddings, pupil a cappella group ‘Coopers Troopers’ (Charlie G, James H, Tali E, Ben M, 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 gave an inspiring speech and shared experiences that have framed her career as a distinguished academic, civil engineer as well an elite-level sportswoman. In her address, she 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 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 and live life to the full; and forever be a loyal, kind & proud Breconian’.

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

Donnie's: winners of girls' inter-house cup and overall winners of the 2023 House competition. Head of House, Maddie, with the Alison Hembrow Cup and the Simon A Spencer House Plate.