Sixth formers at The Cathedral School reflect on their ‘rollercoaster’ year
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.
Acknowledged by Estyn as ‘excellent’ in all five inspection areas in September 2018, the school is one of the top performing co-educational schools in Wales at A-level and GCSE. Its students progress to the most selective and sought after universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, Bristol, Cardiff and Nottingham.
Last week, the school was incredibly proud of the outstanding results achieved by its A-level cohort in what has been the most difficult of years. Head girl Maya achieved 3A* and an A and said: “This year has been such a rollercoaster and it’s been really hard for everyone.
“It has been so nice to be able to come into school today to see all of our friends. Our results have shown that working hard in Year 12 has paid off and we have been so lucky to have the support from all of our teachers. I feel completely overwhelmed, excited and glad that it has all worked out in the end.”
It has not been easy, however. The school has been supporting the whole sixth form cohort during lockdown, with live lessons for Year 12 throughout and an innovative university preparation programme for Year 13.
This support network was vital last week as the school worked with universities and examination boards following concerns with the standardisation process, and feels that their students have achieved the grades that they deserve.
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.
The sixth form tutors work closely with each student and his/her parents to ensure significant academic progress is made during Years 12 and 13. Very few schools are able to offer the one-to-one expert guidance in the university selection and application process that The Cathedral School does. 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 Award, debating and public speaking and the Extended Project Qualification. Outstanding choral and instrumental performances abound at school and at venues including Llandaff
Cathedral, the Wales Millennium Centre and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
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 school’s Interact Club, linked with the Rotary Club, providing an opportunity to support local initiatives, as well as helping the sixth formers to develop their organisational and leadership skills. Financial support via means tested bursaries is available at Year 7 and 12 entry, with scholarships in a range of disciplines from academic to sport and music.
■ Visit one of the school’s open days to see what makes the school such a dynamic place of learning. The whole school open morning (nursery to sixth form) takes place on Saturday, October 3, followed by a sixth form options evening on Thursday, October 8. To book a place visit www.cathedral-school. co.uk/opendays