An Uncommon Lot

Pupils from a fourth form year at Christ College Brecon have been successful in so many ways that it could be dubbed a Guinness Book record year.

The 43 pupils from Year 10 have stunned teachers and the pupils at the school with their multiple talents and achievements in sports and culture.

Far from being the only year which is undefeated at rugby, soccer and netball, the class is made up of no less than a Great Britain tennis player, a National Eisteddfod winning musician, a Welsh schools athletics record holder, a climbing international, an international cricketer, and elite squad netball player.

The talents of the students extend well beyond the sporting area as most of them take leading parts in school plays with some invited to National Youth Theatre Auditions. The year 10 is also involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and Choral ensembles.

Christ College Headmaster, Phillip Jones said: “Special year groups happen when many different, contrasting personalities and accomplishments come together to forge a group whose ethos, character and achievements is to be cherished and enjoyed.

“It is not so much a question of individual talent, although that helps the confidence of individuals and gives opportunity for friends to bask in reflected glory. It is more a question of how individual characteristics meld, interact with each other to produce a whole greater than the sum of the parts, rather like the exciting Welsh rugby team this year!”

Despite their numerous accomplishments, the pupils remain down-to-earth and adolescents above all. The majority would probably not recognise themselves and the virtues claimed on their behalf making this a major part of their charm.

Phillip Jones said: “As if that is not enough – and this is more important than all these accomplishments – the year group goes out of its way to be inclusive, friendly, reasonable and consequently respected. Individually and collectively they are fun to be with, polite without being obsequious, willing to take on responsibility and meet adults at least half way; sensitive and generous without making a point of it.”