Cathedral School provides a vibrant, fun and supportive environment
THE Cathedral School sixth form offers excellent facilities and teaching, combined with outstanding pastoral care and the opportunity for students to reach their full potential, both academically and personally, in a vibrant, fun and supportive environment.
Following its Estyn inspection in September 2018, the Cathedral School was judged as excellent in all five inspection areas.
The school’s highly-successful sixth form, introduced in 2013, was recognised by the inspection team with pupils’ performance at A-level over the last three years highlighted as outstanding.
Continuing to be placed among the best independent schools in the UK at A-level, Cathedral School students achieved 53% of all grades at A*-A and 75% at A*-B in 2018, securing places at the most competitive universities, including Cambridge, Manchester, Bristol, Warwick Cardiff and Nottingham.
With a full range of academic subjects available (England Pathway Qualifications), very small classes, highly-experienced staff with close university links, the sixth form culture is ambitious and supportive in equal measure.
Sixth form tutors work closely with each student and his/her parents to ensure significant academic progress is made during Years 12 and 13.
Few schools are able to offer this one-to-one expert guidance in the university selection and application process. Time management skills are developed to ensure students keep on top of their work and enjoy sixth form life to the full, given the greater freedom and independence.
A comprehensive weekly PHME programme includes sessions on financial management, drug awareness, spirituality, relationships, current affairs and much more to help prepare students for the next step after A-levels.
Beyond their studies, interests and abilities are broadened through initiatives including outward bound expeditions, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s award, debating and public speaking and the Extended Project Qualification.
Outstanding choral and instrumental performances abound at school and venues including Llandaff Cathedral, the Wales Millennium Centre and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Earlier this year, sixth formers organised a STEM night (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) featuring worldleading scientist, professor Robert Winston.
Attended by more than 200 people from local schools and the community, the event demonstrated the pupils’ initiative and leadership, as well as their extremely positive attitudes to learning that Estyn highlighted in their report.
Sixth formers are encouraged to engage in the professional mentoring programme, which pairs them with leading professional figures for advice and guidance. Practitioners from a range of professions are regularly invited to address the students and they also have the opportunity to network at Cardiff Business Club.
Fundraising events are organised throughout the year by the Interact club, linked with the Rotary club, providing an opportunity to support local initiatives, as well as helping the sixth form to develop their organisational and leadership skills.
Financial support is available at Year 12 entry, with academic, music and sport scholarships available as well as means tested bursaries.
Visit the Cathedral School for the whole school open morning on Saturday, October 5, from 9.30am to 12.30pm or the sixth-form options evening on Thursday, October 10, from 5pm to 9pm, to see what makes the school such a dynamic place of learning.
■ To book a place visit www.cathedral-school.co.uk/ opendays. For further information visit www.cathedral-school.co.uk/ sixth-form.html or contact Deborah Whitehouse on
029 2083 8504 or registrar@ cathedral-school.co.uk