GCSE STUDENTS GET READY TO LAUNCH

Pupils armed with excellent GCSE results at Christ College Brecon are setting off to prove they are an exception to the rule when it comes to being prepared for life in the real world.

With 46 per cent of all their GCSE grades being A or A*, they face an exciting academic future, but this is of course not the only thing they will need for success in life.

In less than two weeks, the pupils will join the sixth form, but instead of going straight into the classroom, they will be taking part in a unique outdoor adventure program that will develop their communication and problem solving skills.

The school has joined forces with the TYF Group Ltd, based in St David’s, Pembrokeshire, to create the education program which will assist pupils in their transition to the sixth form, university and employment.

Students have been preparing for the innovative course in pre-training sessions in the Brecon Beacons and will look forward to coasteering and rock climbing and as part of the activity programme.

The Welsh independent school builds extra curricular activities and school trips into students’ experiences as an integral part of the curriculum.

Activities outside the classroom offer pupils’ valuable and enriching skills; experiences which the school hopes will help them develop into independent and confident adults that will impress future employers.

Christ College has performed exceptionally well in the areas of Maths, English and Science, bucking the national trend, with 90 per cent of all pupils achieving Grades A to C in these subjects. Over 60 per cent of Maths candidates achieved either an A or A*.

Newly appointed head at Christ College, Emma Taylor, said: “It’s marvellous to see our younger pupils excelling with their GCSE results. Not only have many of them performed very well in their examinations, but so many of them are exceptionally all-round talented young people. We are very proud of them. We are also delighted with the overall results and, as usual, impressed by the performances of boys and girls at all levels of ability.

“At this time of year, it is the examination results that get the headlines, but the real stories are in the confident, well-prepared young people who have an ideal launch pad for the next phase of their education.”

Dave Evans, Head of Adventure at TYF Group, said: “There is no doubt that society is facing some serious challenges and a future in which strong and effective leadership skills will command a premium. It’s admirable that Christ College has recognised this and is prepared to invest in the development of these qualities in its students.”