Inspired by 600+ years of expertise at Winchester College, CATALYST seeks to foster discerning learners and to help students think critically, question and assimilate complex ideas, and articulate perspectives with clarity and confidence. We also embrace the idea of learning unconstrained by exams or tightly defined curricula, allowing students to lean into their passions and practice independent learning and thought ahead of university.
Each of our students is challenged to create a unique Change Project where they identify a salient problem, establish a feasible solution, and attempt to rally support. These can be personal passions or focused on supporting university admissions, with select projects awarded funding to progress further after the programme.
Take a front-row seat to explore some of the most exciting projects from our Summer 2022 cohort; hear directly from students about their experience at CATALYST, below!
Emma: Inspiring change through youth activism
“Just because we can’t vote doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a seat at the table.” Youth activism is one of the most powerful ways of effecting change as a young person. See how Emma used her CATALYST Change Project to grow her vision.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L24_2PAZxI
Michael: Rebuilding performance arts education in Northern Ireland
Performance arts education holds unique power in helping develop rounded young people but often goes overlooked in schools. Michael’s Change Project demonstrated how performance arts hold the power to bring people together and can play a critical role in improving the education, health, communication, well-being and confidence of communities and young people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pky-UHhBJyk
Maya: Biomedical sensors for early disease detection in Cystic-fibrosis patients
The biomedical tech revolution isn’t coming, it’s already here. Maya’s Change Project argues that there is more we can do to improve the early detection of and response to pervasive illness in cystic-fibrosis patients.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRDR253pASs
Ilayda: Connecting communities with a culture-focused language learning app
Cross-cultural understanding and global connection go beyond language. Current language learning apps are overlooking the power of connecting people through their cultures, food, practices and beliefs, and Illayda hopes to change that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcfVQ97Y1GI
Shakir: The case for introducing emotional intelligence into the school curriculum
Are schools sufficiently preparing children and young people for the reality of the workplace? Shakir makes the case that confidence, communication and social acumen should be focused on as much as academic and technical skills are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEgs0SPgNH8
Martha: Addressing polarisation by visually communicating change to a local community
In a world of increasing division, Martha asks how we can better communicate change to encourage community acceptance and growth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk-MN48BDxY
Check out CATALYST's 2023 Easter & Summer Programs or get in touch directly at [email protected].
