CATALYST by Winchester College
An experience designed to challenge and inspire students from across the world to stretch beyond the boundaries of traditional education.
What is CATALYST ?
CATALYST by Winchester College is a global, digital enrichment programme for curious, ambitious 10-18 year-olds. The one or two-week programmes are designed to expand the reach of Winchester College to a global audience of ambitious students seeking new and exciting ways to enhance their education and personal development.
CATALYST tackles a significant question: how should we teach our students to think? CATALYST students engage in discussion and debate while embracing learning, unconstrained by exams or a tightly defined curriculum. Alongside expert educators and leaders, students explore university-level topics that span technology, climate science, culture, industry, philosophy and ethics while building the critical skills for success in school, university and beyond.
Key Competencies
CATALYST's key competencies reflect a range of the skills required both in our programmes, at university, and beyond. Whatever the student’s ambitions, we believe the following skills are essential to success:
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Negotiation and resolution - understand, articulate, and assess different perspectives to build consensus
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Narrative defence - establish bulletproof arguments
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Effective communication - tell your story in a simple, easy-to-understand way that anyone can access
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Quantitative fluency - use numbers as main characters in your stories
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Empathetic collaboration - work with others to make them part of the solution; create champions
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Critical analysis and problem solving - grasp the problem from first principles, design a solution that works
Key Feature of the Programme
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The programme is designed and delivered by the Deans and Dons of Winchester College with a panel of experts from different fields
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Each programme offers a range of live, interactive lessons, online seminars, roundtable sessions, as well as 1-to-1 coaching to help its students before or after the programme
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Personalised university coaching with specialist advisors both during programmes and after, as alumni - for example, a personal statement
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Each programme has no more than 30 students worldwide
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Winchester College will provide funding and personal references from teachers of the School for any successful projects
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Students will be rewarded with transcripts from Winchester College
Preview of the course:
Our 2023/2024 Programmes
CATALYST x Azira - Admission Accelerator *EXCLUSIVE*
Winchester College and Azira Education offer an exclusive online program for students aged 10-14, preparing for selective secondary school admissions (13+/14+). Led by Winchester College educators, this week-long program includes mock entrance exam questions in math and English, personalized feedback on interviews and group discussions, and valuable insights into the admissions process. Participants receive certificates and personalized transcripts to highlight their progress.
Duration: 1 week
Date: 13 - 17 February 2024
Age: 10 - 14
Location: remote/online
CATALYST Horizons
Designed for ambitious students aged 14-17, our Horizons programme not only readies students for university, but also challenges them to make a positive impact on the world.
Duration: 1 week
Date: 12 - 16 February 2024
Age: 14 - 17
Location: remote/online
Lens 1: Technology, Innovation & AI - FULL
Lens 1 explores the critical thinking required to understand the impact of innovation, technology, and society. It delves into how inventions, such as the battery, have shaped history and prompts students to consider the responsible shaping of our future amidst the rise of AI.
Duration: 2 days
Date: 18 - 19 November 2023
Age: 14 - 17
Location: remote/online
Lens 3: Understanding Value - FULL
Lens 3 takes students on intellectual and ethical exploration, examining moral decision-making through scenarios like the "trolley problem" and hypothetical challenges such as a threatening meteor. It prompts students to ponder the reasons behind varying perspectives on right and wrong and how to evaluate the value and significance of a nation's worth and traditions.
Duration: 2 days
Date: 18 - 19 November 2023
Age: 10 - 13
Location: remote/online
Basic Requirements
Each course has limited spaces, subject to availability, all applicants are required to fulfill the following:
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Must be a native or fluent English speaker
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Must meet the age requirement
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Applications are evaluated based on the student's overall profile, including information provided in the application form and performance in the interview.
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Must be qualified for Winchester College's assessment process
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Look for evidence of the student's intellectual curiosity and their potential to contribute and thrive in the program.
Student & Parents' Testimonials
Programmes offer a unique blend of tried and tested educational pedagogy and innovative technology and teaching modalities. A standout experience aimed at helping students thrive in a rapidly changing world. ~ Justin Pinnells, Academic Director at Winchester College