CATALYST by Winchester College provides novel programmes aimed at developing and propelling students in their critical thinking and metacognitive skills through current issues.

 

Our immediate climate, whether socio-political, cultural, or environmental has polarised young people’s everyday life – and subsequently their lifestyle.

Social media activism, increasing coverage of protests and nationwide strikes, cuts in social care and health – in addition to global warming and the consequences of globalisation and technology.

These fundamental and immediate issues are inescapable and demand full attention from every corner of society – including education.  

Education and educators are catching up. Whilst the traditional education syllabus might fail to actively address current issues, schools across the UK are increasingly borrowing pedagogy from higher education institutions to better deliver a theoretical framework directly addressing real-worlds problems and solutions.  

By means of incorporating current events, real-world issues and new theoretical ideas, students are much more likely to connect their learning to the world around them.

To ultimately prepare the next generation of young people to become active and engaged citizens, capable of creating positive change to society.  

 

CATALYST by Winchester College 

Novel courses such as Winchester College’s summer programmes by CATALYST, aims to help with just that.

Through a pedagogy of inquiry-led practice which teaches students how to think, challenging established opinions and engendering a passion for discussion and exploration – the courses’ interdisciplinary approach is concurrent with epistemological ways of navigating real issues.   

Through a combination of online seminars, lectures, teamwork, and off-screen activities – students from around the world are connected to top UK educators and wider global leaders.

With this new type of pedagogy in secondary education – it is therefore appropriate to introduce new mediums of study.  

Their course is predominantly taught online through their virtual campus.

Designed specifically for the course (and completely exclusionary to the zoom archetype), the virtual instillation of the Winchester College campus conjoins elements of gamification to foster a space for interaction, idea sharing and cohort community building.    

What is most interesting about their courses, is that they draw on Winchester College’s unique pedagogy, Div. Div ‘defines the liberal character of Winchester academic life’, by teaching students to think, discuss and debate far beyond the syllabus.

Div contextualises students’ metacognitive abilities and ways of processing information and critical thinking – which ultimately bleed into a student’s syllabus, exam preparation, future education and further into their adult lives. Learn more about metacognition here.

CATALYST in the same respect, develops the DIV framework by simultaneously also including themes of dynamic change and theoretical volatility – to catalyse change. Read more on their mission here.  

 

How are the programmes marked?  

A key feature of the course is the opportunity for students to engage in one-on-one sessions with educators from Winchester College, along with the benefit of small class sizes.

This personalized approach to instruction affords students the opportunity to receive invaluable feedback and enables them to acclimate to a learning style closely aligned with that of their future university experience.  

The candidates are subject to thorough monitoring and analysis by their educators, resulting in heightened levels of feedback and attention to individual areas of improvement.

Upon completion of the course, candidates are presented with a transcript that includes personalized feedback on their strengths and weaknesses across six distinct competency areas:

• Negotiation & Resolution  
• Narrative Defence  
• Empathetic Collaboration  
• Critical Analysis & Problem Solving  
• Quantitative Fluency  
• Effective communication  

Typically, conventional marking practices lack the specificity found in CATALYST’s evaluation system. Although traditional methods may provide grades, annotations, and marking criteria, they generally do not offer the depth of categorization and analysis that CATALYST provides. 

Through the rigorous feedback included in CATALYST’s transcript, students gain invaluable insights into their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to target specific areas for improvement in critical thinking, understanding, and argumentation.

These competencies are essential components for success in higher education and beyond, as students embark upon their future careers. 

 

University Help  

Their courses are particularly suited for ambitious, highly motivated and independent thinkers. International or domestic home-schooled candidates that are thinking about attending top universities or secondary schools would gain an invaluable experience of British Independent education.  

Alongside a critical thinking framework and the study of current issues, CATALYST focuses on developing students for their university and school applications . 

Upon course completion, CATALYST provides outstanding students with a personalised letter of recommendation for Winchester college to the university or school of the student’s choice.   

The course also embeds further assistance to students through their coaching and advisor initiative. Students will get a chance to be coached by expert advisors for university entrance and school exams and admission processes, in addition to establishing their personal statements for university applications.  

The programme also offers funding for students to further develop their individual change projects after completion of the course. 

 

Programmes Available  

CATALYST currently has spaces on just three of their courses. Below is a summary of what they include:

 

• Foundations Programme 

Dates: 10-14 July 2023  

Duration: 1 Week  

Ages: 10 – 13 

Location: Remote/Online  

About: This programme focuses on building skills in communication, critical thinking, negotiation, and narrative defence. The course focus on societal change through a range of different topics such as technology, science, philosophy, and ethics.  

Enquire here

 

• Rethinking Change System

Dates: 17-28 July 2023  

Duration: 2 Weeks  

Age: 13-18 (average age 15) 

Location: Remote/Online  

About: This is the most selective programme offered by CATALYST which explores the foundations of change – particularly exploring how students can facilitate change in their own communities.  

Enquire here

 

• Rethinking Change Systems

Dates: 31 July-11 August 2023  

Duration: 2 Week  

Age: 13-18 (average age 15) 

Location: Remote/Online  

About: This is the most selective programme offered by CATALYST which explores the foundations of change – particularly exploring how students can facilitate change in their own communities.  

Enquire here

 

Get in touch 

Get in touch with our expert team of consultants to find out if CATALYST is right for you or if you need more information on these programmes. Gabbitas offers an expansive list of summer schools to choose from. If you are interested in viewing our full summer schools list for 2023, email info@gabbitas.com or call +44 (0) 203 026 7443. 

Summer school is a great way to build interpersonal social practices and advance academically in various topics. In addition, getting a student out of their comfort zone in the world of education can be a great way to encourage confidence and the exploration of new subjects and areas of life that they might not have previously been exposed to. Learn more about the vast benefits of Summer Schools here.

 

What are the best tips for choosing a summer school?

When choosing a Summer School, picking a subject, course age group and location are three key things to consider. Our Director of UK Operations at Gabbitas, Natallia Patsaluyonak, notes 5 key things that should be taken into account when choosing a Summer school:

 

1. Picking a subject

Decide why the student is considering Summer School; do they want to make more friends? Are they interested in exploring different countries and cultures? To learn about a specific topic or to practice their language learning skills? These questions are vital in choosing the right subject, school, and type of programme most suited to their needs. 

Other than choosing a subject or topic to study, it is also essential to consider the programme type. For example, is the student interested in broadening their academic ability overall, or are they interested in choosing a course that gives them comprehensive knowledge on a specific topic? If studying a language course, identify whether they are a beginner, conversational or fluent.  

When it comes to subjects, the list is endless: Digital Animation, Coding, Humanities, Future Medicine, Cultural Studies, International Business Law, Entrepreneurship, International Relations, Mind and Body Yoga, Intensive English, Engineering, Fine Art, and so many more. 

To the same degree, the interest of the student’s chosen subject also needs pairing with the institution and tutors’ approach/ teaching style. Compatibility between the course syllabus and the teaching style will ensure that the student is fully engaged, interested and, most importantly, has an excellent learning experience.

 

2. Course Age Groups

Summer schools can start as early as six years old and up until eighteen. There are also courses for over eighteen-year-olds, generally found at universities.  

Summer schools divide their courses based on age, similar to traditional schools, for the same reasons. Ensuring the syllabus, teaching methods and level of academic knowledge are compatible with the student’s attained academic ability will help gain the best educational experience. Age-specific group courses also help students fully immerse in the classroom, as students usually prefer to be included in a similar group in life stage and academic ability.    

 

3. Research the location

Going to summer school in a desired location, such as Oxford, Milan, or Shanghai, can be the deciding factor in choosing the right program based on the student’s desires. Yet the place might also be the most difficult decision you or the student will have to make, due to distance, and for what many students maybe their first time travelling alone. With that in mind, it is vital to research the grounds of the school where they will be staying, as this is an integral part of the course’s overall experience.  

In addition, consider the students’ use of English – does the USA or the United Kingdom suit them more? If the student wishes to study in the country in the future, Summer School will often be their first impression. Oxford is a historic city, steeped in academic excellence. London is a vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis, with a vast variety of academic institutions. A company to consider that runs summer schools in well renowned institutions in these locations is Oxford Summer Courses.

 

4. Accommodation

On-site residential accommodation will help with a student’s immersion into the course, not just in terms of staying within the school grounds, but often as a way to build closer relationships and social interactions with peers. Students will typically be offered catered accommodation, included in rate, whilst older students can be given the option of self-catered. Depending on the level of independence they desire, these options are essential to consider in ensuring students have a good experience. 

 

5. Research the teaching staff

Looking up the tutor, teacher, lecturers or specialists delivering the courses should also be a factor to consider. To get the most out of Summer Schools, check for esteemed guests, academic qualifications, and the Summer School’s approach to teaching. Knowing all these might be the difference between a good and a great course. 

If you are studying a language, you must check for tutor qualifications to ensure accredited educators teach the course with recognised qualifications for language teaching. Make sure you read through all the course material on the relevant website and email ahead to ask the administration team for any further clarifications or questions. They would be happy to help.

 

A bonus tip below is:

 

6. Contact a Consultant

The decision-making process can be confusing and arduous, given the sheer number of courses and everything else that must be considered. Consultants are a great way to narrow down information and options by working specifically with the needs and desires of students – making sure they apply to the best possible schools.

If you are still unsure about Summer Schools or do not know where to start, contact one of our expert consultants with years of experience in independent education by emailing info@gabbitas.com or alternatively call +44 203 026 7443.