CATALYST is a two-week digital course offered by Winchester College, and taught by Winchester College educators. CATALYST also features keynote appearances from accomplished changemakers and provides students with personalised coaching and tutoring throughout the course.
CATALYST is designed to stretch students. Engaging and rigorous, the course will cover a broad range of topic areas that go far beyond the scope of any standard secondary school curriculum. In addition to course content, the format - seminar, small group, team, 1-2-1 tutoring - mirrors that of many universities. Embedded in the program are opportunities for university entrance coaching and exposure to expert admissions advisors who can help demystify the application process.
Finally, through a solo summative project, students will have the chance to establish the foundations of their university application personal statement and of a CATALYST Transcript - a narrative detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
CATALYST explores the topic of ‘change’ in the past, present and future. Lessons are interdisciplinary, covering a variety of topics across STEM, and natural and social sciences, among other areas of study. Our aim is to help students develop the intellectual frameworks and hard skills needed to understand, analyse, and catalyse change.
A CATALYST Transcript is a comprehensive narrative document created by the CATALYST Team detailing students performance on the course. It provides personalised feedback and assessment against CATALYST key competency areas.
CATALYST Transcripts are intended to be informative and guiding, surfacing strengths and areas for growth.
Please see our Courses page for details about upcoming programmes in 2023.
CATALYST works with cohorts to ensure an immersive, interactive experience for all students. Programmes are full time; on average, students will spend 35 hours per week involved in course programming. Some students may choose to dedicate more of their time to the course, specifically with a view to working on their personal projects.
Importantly, though it is a full-time course, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. CATALYST challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Course fees vary by programme and application date. In short, the earlier you apply and accept an offer, the lower the course fee. Please see our Pricing page for a summary of application deadlines and course fees.
Financial aid is available, and is offered on a case by case basis. Students who are invited to interview will have the chance to indicate whether or not they require financial aid.
Most CATALYST students are between 13-18 years old; entering Years 9 - 13.
If you are currently in your final year of secondary school, you may also be eligible to apply depending on the term dates of your academic year.
If you’re not sure of your eligibility please get in touch with us at: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk
CATALYST is offered by Winchester College, one of the world’s most distinguished secondary schools. Winchester College is accredited.
Yes, students who successfully complete the course will receive, among other things, both a completion certificate and a CATALYST Transcript. They will also be invited to the CATALYST alumni network, a growing community of CATALYST and Winchester College alumni.
Students who excel may also graduate with distinction.
We want to respect your time. We aim to respond to all applications within seven working days. If successful, we will arrange a short online interview. Following the interview, we will let you know if you have been accepted or waitlisted within seven working days of the interview date.
The course is interdisciplinary, meaning that students will have exposure to a range of subject areas across STEM, and natural and social sciences.
Why interdisciplinary? The problems facing humanity are more complex and interconnected than ever before. Rooted in Winchester College’s established DIV methodology, we believe that interdisciplinary study helps students develop a diverse and comprehensive set of skills and perspectives relevant for today and, more importantly, for tomorrow.
~20 students are invited to participate in 1-week courses; ~30 students are invited to participate in 2-week courses.
We do not specify exact enrolment as we hold high standards for admissions and will only accept those who are successful.
Students will participate in a range of different class sizes including: full cohort seminars and panels, roundtable live lessons the Catalyst team, small group sessions with mentors and coaches, and 1-2-1 coaching and feedback sessions.
You will need to have access to reliable, high speed internet during the programme. You’ll also need a laptop with good video and audio conferencing capabilities. We recommend having access to a headset and mobile phone with camera/video recording as well.
You must be a native or fluent English language speaker.
CATALYST is a digital course. Students can participate from anywhere in the world. However, we fundamentally oppose ZOOM-school and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. CATALYST challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Off-screen interaction is embedded in CATALYST Challenges and course content. Details will be shared with course participants in the pre-programme period leading up to kick-off.
And, when students are ‘online’, they will have access to a custom-designed online environment that aims to foster interaction, idea sharing, and cohort community building.
We really don’t want you to be on mute 🙂
We accept applications on a rolling basis, or ‘first come, first served’, basis. Admissions for each programme closes once a cohort has been selected.
Accordingly, we encourage those interested to apply sooner than later. Our July 2022 programme was oversubscribed within 3 months of opening admissions!
After submitting Part 1 of the application, we aim to inform students whether they will be invited to Part 2 within 7 days. We guarantee that all applicants will hear back from us, whether they move forward or not.
For students who have been invited to Part 2, the live interview, we also aim to provide an admissions decision within 7 days.
The application itself is free. Anyone can apply. For further information about programme costs, please visit our Pricing page.
There are only 2 parts to the application process: a 20 minute online application form followed by a 30 minute online interview with a member of the CATALYST Admissions Team.
Part 1 of the application process takes ~20 minutes and asks students to provide basic information about their academic background and extra-curricular interests.
Part 2 takes ~30 minutes, during which time we hope to better determine whether a student is a good fit for CATALYST, and, as importantly, whether CATALYST is a good fit for the student!
CATALYST focuses on the study of change. All programme participants will work on ‘Change Projects’ of some kind during their time with - and hopefully after! - CATALYST. As such, while we are committed to working with the most ambitious, curious students, we are also excited to collaborate with students who are already thinking about the kind of change they want to bring about in the world.
You can read more about top tips on what makes a great application here.
You can! We have 4 programmes running from April to August 2023. You can apply to as many as you like.
Many ways… too many to list here! So, we’ve written a more detailed response for those interested, which you can access here.
There is no one size fits all way of partnering with CATALYST. If you share our vision, know of students who might be interested in applying, or simply want to chat… please get in touch: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk.
If you’d like to nominate a student, please get in touch with our team at catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk. We always speak to nominators to ensure that any potential nominee is a good fit for CATALYST.
We welcome all referrals as we feel that they are most likely to result in a great applications. The easiest way to nominate or refer a single student is by directing them to the CATALYST website and application form. If you would like to nominate or refer more than one student, please contact our team at catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk.
We endeavour to offer all successful applicants a place with CATALYST regardless financial background. In the past, we’ve been fortunate to be able to sponsor additional students through generous support from friends and supporters. If you’re interested in sponsoring a student, reach out to our team at catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk.
If you’d like to sponsor a change project, reach out to our team at catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk. By sponsoring a change project we’ll actively recruit qualified students who want to spend their time with CATALYST working on your project.
On occasion, and only when we feel strong values alignment with educators or learning organisations. Please reach out to our team if you are interested in exploring how the CATALYST team might be able to help you take online provision to the next level: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk.
We do not offer formal teacher training at this time. However, we have been approached by educators interested in exploring how technology can be used to improve both online and in-person provision. If this resonates, please do reach out to our team at catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk.
Though we are not actively hiring at this time, we never want to miss an opportunity to collaborate with leading educators. We encourage you to get in touch if you’re interested in reimagining how technology can be used as a power tool to widen access to world-leading education: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk.
A full Gap Year Fellowship costs £48,000. However, consistent with all CATALYST programmes, we do our best to make sure that financial background does not prevent participation. Accordingly, we offer up to 100% financial assistance for selected fellows.
No more than 1!
Please contact our team if you’re interested in applying: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk.
We are happy to consider applicants on a rolling basis. The exact start date can’t be any earlier than May 2023, when our current fellowship concludes.
A CATALYST Transcript is a comprehensive narrative document created by the CATALYST Team detailing students performance on the course. It provides personalised feedback and assessment against CATALYST key competency areas.
CATALYST Transcripts are intended to be informative and guiding, surfacing strengths and areas for growth.
Please see our Courses page for details about upcoming programmes in 2023.
CATALYST works with cohorts to ensure an immersive, interactive experience for all students. Programmes are full time; on average, students will spend 35 hours per week involved in course programming. Some students may choose to dedicate more of their time to the course, specifically with a view to working on their personal projects.
Importantly, though it is a full-time course, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. CATALYST challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Course fees vary by programme and application date. In short, the earlier you apply and accept an offer, the lower the course fee. Please see our Pricing page for a summary of application deadlines and course fees.
Financial aid is available, and is offered on a case by case basis. Students who are invited to interview will have the chance to indicate whether or not they require financial aid.
Most CATALYST students are between 13-18 years old; entering Years 9 - 13.
If you are currently in your final year of secondary school, you may also be eligible to apply depending on the term dates of your academic year.
If you’re not sure of your eligibility please get in touch with us at: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk
CATALYST is offered by Winchester College, one of the world’s most distinguished secondary schools. Winchester College is accredited.
Yes, students who successfully complete the course will receive, among other things, both a completion certificate and a CATALYST Transcript. They will also be invited to the CATALYST alumni network, a growing community of CATALYST and Winchester College alumni.
Students who excel may also graduate with distinction.
Catalyst is a two-week digital course offered by Winchester College, and taught by Winchester College educators. Catalyst also features keynote appearances from accomplished changemakers and provides students with personalised coaching and tutoring throughout the course.
Catalyst is designed to stretch students. Engaging and rigorous, the course will cover a broad range of topic areas that go far beyond the scope of any standard secondary school curriculum. In addition to course content, the format - seminar, small group, team, 1-2-1 tutoring - mirrors that of many universities. Embedded in the program are opportunities for university entrance coaching and exposure to expert admissions advisors who can help demystify the application process.
Finally, through a solo summative project, students will have the chance to establish the foundations of their university application personal statement and of a Catalyst Transcript - a narrative detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst explores the topic of ‘change’ in the past, present and future. Lessons are interdisciplinary, covering a variety of topics across STEM, and natural and social sciences, among other areas of study. Our aim is to help students develop the intellectual frameworks and hard skills needed to understand, analyse, and catalyse change.
Most days begin with a Springboard - an interactive lesson with a Winchester College educator about a specific topic: What catalysed Arab Spring? What can ancient Greek fire tell us about geopolitics today? How do social movements reach tipping points? The Springboard is followed by a keynote seminar and Q&A with a practiced changemaker.
Thereafter, students participate in various Explorations - live, group, and self-study - calling students to dive deeper. This deeper exploration positions students to then work in teams to address complex Challenges: How can we govern AI? How do we restore biodiversity in cities? Challenges require students both to develop professional collaboration skills while working toward a common goal. And, they’re fast-paced and high urgency.
Challenges are designed to stretch students beyond their comfort zones and to escape the screen, each with specific nuances that will require students to explore their local community in what we hope will be new and profound ways.
Days will typically end with an opportunity for reflection and team and/or 1-2-1 coaching. After all, there is no change without feedback!
A Catalyst Transcript (CT) is a comprehensive narrative created collaboratively by students and course coaches detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst is a full-time course where on average, students will spend 35 hours per week involved in course programming. Some students may choose to dedicate more of their time to the course.
Importantly, though it is a full-time course, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Course fees vary between £2,200 and £2,700 depending on the date of application.
Financial aid is available, and is offered on a case by case basis. Students who are invited to interview will have the chance to indicate whether or not they require financial aid.
Any student entering the final or penultimate year of secondary school in the 2022-23 academic year is eligible to apply. Most often that means you will be between 16-18 years old.
If you are currently in your final year of secondary school, you may also be eligible to apply depending on the term dates of your academic year.
If you’re not sure of your eligibility please get in touch with us at: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk
Catalyst is offered by Winchester College, one of the world’s most distinguished secondary schools. Winchester College is accredited.
Yes, students who successfully complete the course will receive, among other things, both a completion certificate and a Catalyst Transcript. They will also be invited to a Catalyst alumni network, a growing community of Catalyst and Winchester College alumni.
Students who excel may also graduate with distinction.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Students are asked to complete a short application form aimed at showcasing their strengths, interests and ambitions. It is designed to be very straightforward and, hopefully, enjoyable!
Successful applicants will be invited to an online interview with our admissions team prior to receiving a final result.
We aim to respond to all applications within seven working days. If successful, we will arrange a short online interview. Following the interview, we will let you know if you have been accepted or waitlisted within seven working days.
Depending on how quickly we can schedule the interview, the entire process can take as little as one week.
The course is interdisciplinary, meaning that students will have exposure to a range of subject areas across STEM, and natural and social sciences. Why interdisciplinary? The problems facing humanity are more complex and interconnected than ever before. Rooted in Winchester College’s established DIV methodology, we believe that interdisciplinary study helps students develop a diverse and comprehensive set of skills and perspectives relevant for today and, more importantly, for tomorrow.
No more than 30 students will be offered places on the course.
Students will participate in a range of different class sizes including: full cohort seminars (up to 30 students) with guest keynote speakers, roundtable live lessons Winchester College educators (~10 students), small group sessions (~5 students), and 1-2-1 coaching and feedback sessions.
You will need to have access to reliable, high speed internet during the course. You’ll also need a laptop with good video and audio conferencing capabilities. We recommend having access to a headset and mobile phone with camera/video recording as well.
You must be a native or fluent English language speaker.
There are 23 short questions on the application, each can be answered in less than 30 seconds. So that you can complete the application form as efficiently as possible, you might choose to prepare for the longer questions before starting, which are copied below for reference:
(1) Please provide a link to a short video (<90 seconds) about a project or topic you are extremely passionate about outside of the classroom.
For example, this might be a project you worked on, a business you started, an achievement in art or sport, a publication you contribute to or direct, service work you participate in, a cause you actively follow or support, etc.
(2) Through CATALYST you will have the chance to focus on a change project of your choosing - a kind of change that you want to catalyse in the days, months, and years ahead, and that you feel is needed.
Please describe a change project you are interested in working on using the fewest words possible, but no more than 300 words. The shorter, the better!
The proposal should address: (1) a short summary of the topic, including an overview of the current state of affairs, (2) your perspective on why change is needed, and (3) a description of how you see the project catalysing change if successful.
Catalyst is a digital course. Students can participate from anywhere in the world. However, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Off-screen interaction is embedded in Catalyst Challenges and course content. Details will be shared with course participants in the pre-programme period leading up to kick-off. And, when students are ‘online’, they will have access to a custom-designed digital environment that aims to foster interaction, idea sharing, and cohort community building.
We really don’t want you to be ‘on mute’.
Catalyst is a two-week digital course offered by Winchester College, and taught by Winchester College educators. Catalyst also features keynote appearances from accomplished changemakers and provides students with personalised coaching and tutoring throughout the course.
Catalyst is designed to stretch students. Engaging and rigorous, the course will cover a broad range of topic areas that go far beyond the scope of any standard secondary school curriculum. In addition to course content, the format - seminar, small group, team, 1-2-1 tutoring - mirrors that of many universities. Embedded in the program are opportunities for university entrance coaching and exposure to expert admissions advisors who can help demystify the application process.
Finally, through a solo summative project, students will have the chance to establish the foundations of their university application personal statement and of a Catalyst Transcript - a narrative detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst explores the topic of ‘change’ in the past, present and future. Lessons are interdisciplinary, covering a variety of topics across STEM, and natural and social sciences, among other areas of study. Our aim is to help students develop the intellectual frameworks and hard skills needed to understand, analyse, and catalyse change.
Most days begin with a Springboard - an interactive lesson with a Winchester College educator about a specific topic: What catalysed Arab Spring? What can ancient Greek fire tell us about geopolitics today? How do social movements reach tipping points? The Springboard is followed by a keynote seminar and Q&A with a practiced changemaker.
Thereafter, students participate in various Explorations - live, group, and self-study - calling students to dive deeper. This deeper exploration positions students to then work in teams to address complex Challenges: How can we govern AI? How do we restore biodiversity in cities? Challenges require students both to develop professional collaboration skills while working toward a common goal. And, they’re fast-paced and high urgency.
Challenges are designed to stretch students beyond their comfort zones and to escape the screen, each with specific nuances that will require students to explore their local community in what we hope will be new and profound ways.
Days will typically end with an opportunity for reflection and team and/or 1-2-1 coaching. After all, there is no change without feedback!
A Catalyst Transcript (CT) is a comprehensive narrative created collaboratively by students and course coaches detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst is a full-time course where on average, students will spend 35 hours per week involved in course programming. Some students may choose to dedicate more of their time to the course.
Importantly, though it is a full-time course, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Course fees vary between £2,200 and £2,700 depending on the date of application.
Financial aid is available, and is offered on a case by case basis. Students who are invited to interview will have the chance to indicate whether or not they require financial aid.
Any student entering the final or penultimate year of secondary school in the 2022-23 academic year is eligible to apply. Most often that means you will be between 16-18 years old.
If you are currently in your final year of secondary school, you may also be eligible to apply depending on the term dates of your academic year.
If you’re not sure of your eligibility please get in touch with us at: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk
Catalyst is offered by Winchester College, one of the world’s most distinguished secondary schools. Winchester College is accredited.
Yes, students who successfully complete the course will receive, among other things, both a completion certificate and a Catalyst Transcript. They will also be invited to a Catalyst alumni network, a growing community of Catalyst and Winchester College alumni.
Students who excel may also graduate with distinction.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Students are asked to complete a short application form aimed at showcasing their strengths, interests and ambitions. It is designed to be very straightforward and, hopefully, enjoyable!
Successful applicants will be invited to an online interview with our admissions team prior to receiving a final result.
We aim to respond to all applications within seven working days. If successful, we will arrange a short online interview. Following the interview, we will let you know if you have been accepted or waitlisted within seven working days.
Depending on how quickly we can schedule the interview, the entire process can take as little as one week.
The course is interdisciplinary, meaning that students will have exposure to a range of subject areas across STEM, and natural and social sciences. Why interdisciplinary? The problems facing humanity are more complex and interconnected than ever before. Rooted in Winchester College’s established DIV methodology, we believe that interdisciplinary study helps students develop a diverse and comprehensive set of skills and perspectives relevant for today and, more importantly, for tomorrow.
No more than 30 students will be offered places on the course.
Students will participate in a range of different class sizes including: full cohort seminars (up to 30 students) with guest keynote speakers, roundtable live lessons Winchester College educators (~10 students), small group sessions (~5 students), and 1-2-1 coaching and feedback sessions.
You will need to have access to reliable, high speed internet during the course. You’ll also need a laptop with good video and audio conferencing capabilities. We recommend having access to a headset and mobile phone with camera/video recording as well.
You must be a native or fluent English language speaker.
There are 23 short questions on the application, each can be answered in less than 30 seconds. So that you can complete the application form as efficiently as possible, you might choose to prepare for the longer questions before starting, which are copied below for reference:
(1) Please provide a link to a short video (<90 seconds) about a project or topic you are extremely passionate about outside of the classroom.
For example, this might be a project you worked on, a business you started, an achievement in art or sport, a publication you contribute to or direct, service work you participate in, a cause you actively follow or support, etc.
(2) Through CATALYST you will have the chance to focus on a change project of your choosing - a kind of change that you want to catalyse in the days, months, and years ahead, and that you feel is needed.
Please describe a change project you are interested in working on using the fewest words possible, but no more than 300 words. The shorter, the better!
The proposal should address: (1) a short summary of the topic, including an overview of the current state of affairs, (2) your perspective on why change is needed, and (3) a description of how you see the project catalysing change if successful.
Catalyst is a digital course. Students can participate from anywhere in the world. However, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Off-screen interaction is embedded in Catalyst Challenges and course content. Details will be shared with course participants in the pre-programme period leading up to kick-off. And, when students are ‘online’, they will have access to a custom-designed digital environment that aims to foster interaction, idea sharing, and cohort community building.
We really don’t want you to be ‘on mute’.
Catalyst is a two-week digital course offered by Winchester College, and taught by Winchester College educators. Catalyst also features keynote appearances from accomplished changemakers and provides students with personalised coaching and tutoring throughout the course.
Catalyst is designed to stretch students. Engaging and rigorous, the course will cover a broad range of topic areas that go far beyond the scope of any standard secondary school curriculum. In addition to course content, the format - seminar, small group, team, 1-2-1 tutoring - mirrors that of many universities. Embedded in the program are opportunities for university entrance coaching and exposure to expert admissions advisors who can help demystify the application process.
Finally, through a solo summative project, students will have the chance to establish the foundations of their university application personal statement and of a Catalyst Transcript - a narrative detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst explores the topic of ‘change’ in the past, present and future. Lessons are interdisciplinary, covering a variety of topics across STEM, and natural and social sciences, among other areas of study. Our aim is to help students develop the intellectual frameworks and hard skills needed to understand, analyse, and catalyse change.
Most days begin with a Springboard - an interactive lesson with a Winchester College educator about a specific topic: What catalysed Arab Spring? What can ancient Greek fire tell us about geopolitics today? How do social movements reach tipping points? The Springboard is followed by a keynote seminar and Q&A with a practiced changemaker.
Thereafter, students participate in various Explorations - live, group, and self-study - calling students to dive deeper. This deeper exploration positions students to then work in teams to address complex Challenges: How can we govern AI? How do we restore biodiversity in cities? Challenges require students both to develop professional collaboration skills while working toward a common goal. And, they’re fast-paced and high urgency.
Challenges are designed to stretch students beyond their comfort zones and to escape the screen, each with specific nuances that will require students to explore their local community in what we hope will be new and profound ways.
Days will typically end with an opportunity for reflection and team and/or 1-2-1 coaching. After all, there is no change without feedback!
A Catalyst Transcript (CT) is a comprehensive narrative created collaboratively by students and course coaches detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst is a full-time course where on average, students will spend 35 hours per week involved in course programming. Some students may choose to dedicate more of their time to the course.
Importantly, though it is a full-time course, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Course fees vary between £2,200 and £2,700 depending on the date of application.
Financial aid is available, and is offered on a case by case basis. Students who are invited to interview will have the chance to indicate whether or not they require financial aid.
Any student entering the final or penultimate year of secondary school in the 2022-23 academic year is eligible to apply. Most often that means you will be between 16-18 years old.
If you are currently in your final year of secondary school, you may also be eligible to apply depending on the term dates of your academic year.
If you’re not sure of your eligibility please get in touch with us at: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk
Catalyst is offered by Winchester College, one of the world’s most distinguished secondary schools. Winchester College is accredited.
Yes, students who successfully complete the course will receive, among other things, both a completion certificate and a Catalyst Transcript. They will also be invited to a Catalyst alumni network, a growing community of Catalyst and Winchester College alumni.
Students who excel may also graduate with distinction.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Students are asked to complete a short application form aimed at showcasing their strengths, interests and ambitions. It is designed to be very straightforward and, hopefully, enjoyable!
Successful applicants will be invited to an online interview with our admissions team prior to receiving a final result.
We aim to respond to all applications within seven working days. If successful, we will arrange a short online interview. Following the interview, we will let you know if you have been accepted or waitlisted within seven working days.
Depending on how quickly we can schedule the interview, the entire process can take as little as one week.
The course is interdisciplinary, meaning that students will have exposure to a range of subject areas across STEM, and natural and social sciences. Why interdisciplinary? The problems facing humanity are more complex and interconnected than ever before. Rooted in Winchester College’s established DIV methodology, we believe that interdisciplinary study helps students develop a diverse and comprehensive set of skills and perspectives relevant for today and, more importantly, for tomorrow.
No more than 30 students will be offered places on the course.
Students will participate in a range of different class sizes including: full cohort seminars (up to 30 students) with guest keynote speakers, roundtable live lessons Winchester College educators (~10 students), small group sessions (~5 students), and 1-2-1 coaching and feedback sessions.
You will need to have access to reliable, high speed internet during the course. You’ll also need a laptop with good video and audio conferencing capabilities. We recommend having access to a headset and mobile phone with camera/video recording as well.
You must be a native or fluent English language speaker.
There are 23 short questions on the application, each can be answered in less than 30 seconds. So that you can complete the application form as efficiently as possible, you might choose to prepare for the longer questions before starting, which are copied below for reference:
(1) Please provide a link to a short video (<90 seconds) about a project or topic you are extremely passionate about outside of the classroom.
For example, this might be a project you worked on, a business you started, an achievement in art or sport, a publication you contribute to or direct, service work you participate in, a cause you actively follow or support, etc.
(2) Through CATALYST you will have the chance to focus on a change project of your choosing - a kind of change that you want to catalyse in the days, months, and years ahead, and that you feel is needed.
Please describe a change project you are interested in working on using the fewest words possible, but no more than 300 words. The shorter, the better!
The proposal should address: (1) a short summary of the topic, including an overview of the current state of affairs, (2) your perspective on why change is needed, and (3) a description of how you see the project catalysing change if successful.
Catalyst is a digital course. Students can participate from anywhere in the world. However, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Off-screen interaction is embedded in Catalyst Challenges and course content. Details will be shared with course participants in the pre-programme period leading up to kick-off. And, when students are ‘online’, they will have access to a custom-designed digital environment that aims to foster interaction, idea sharing, and cohort community building.
We really don’t want you to be ‘on mute’.
Catalyst is a two-week digital course offered by Winchester College, and taught by Winchester College educators. Catalyst also features keynote appearances from accomplished changemakers and provides students with personalised coaching and tutoring throughout the course.
Catalyst is designed to stretch students. Engaging and rigorous, the course will cover a broad range of topic areas that go far beyond the scope of any standard secondary school curriculum. In addition to course content, the format - seminar, small group, team, 1-2-1 tutoring - mirrors that of many universities. Embedded in the program are opportunities for university entrance coaching and exposure to expert admissions advisors who can help demystify the application process.
Finally, through a solo summative project, students will have the chance to establish the foundations of their university application personal statement and of a Catalyst Transcript - a narrative detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst explores the topic of ‘change’ in the past, present and future. Lessons are interdisciplinary, covering a variety of topics across STEM, and natural and social sciences, among other areas of study. Our aim is to help students develop the intellectual frameworks and hard skills needed to understand, analyse, and catalyse change.
Most days begin with a Springboard - an interactive lesson with a Winchester College educator about a specific topic: What catalysed Arab Spring? What can ancient Greek fire tell us about geopolitics today? How do social movements reach tipping points? The Springboard is followed by a keynote seminar and Q&A with a practiced changemaker.
Thereafter, students participate in various Explorations - live, group, and self-study - calling students to dive deeper. This deeper exploration positions students to then work in teams to address complex Challenges: How can we govern AI? How do we restore biodiversity in cities? Challenges require students both to develop professional collaboration skills while working toward a common goal. And, they’re fast-paced and high urgency.
Challenges are designed to stretch students beyond their comfort zones and to escape the screen, each with specific nuances that will require students to explore their local community in what we hope will be new and profound ways.
Days will typically end with an opportunity for reflection and team and/or 1-2-1 coaching. After all, there is no change without feedback!
A Catalyst Transcript (CT) is a comprehensive narrative created collaboratively by students and course coaches detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst is a full-time course where on average, students will spend 35 hours per week involved in course programming. Some students may choose to dedicate more of their time to the course.
Importantly, though it is a full-time course, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Course fees vary between £2,200 and £2,700 depending on the date of application.
Financial aid is available, and is offered on a case by case basis. Students who are invited to interview will have the chance to indicate whether or not they require financial aid.
Any student entering the final or penultimate year of secondary school in the 2022-23 academic year is eligible to apply. Most often that means you will be between 16-18 years old.
If you are currently in your final year of secondary school, you may also be eligible to apply depending on the term dates of your academic year.
If you’re not sure of your eligibility please get in touch with us at: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk
Catalyst is offered by Winchester College, one of the world’s most distinguished secondary schools. Winchester College is accredited.
Yes, students who successfully complete the course will receive, among other things, both a completion certificate and a Catalyst Transcript. They will also be invited to a Catalyst alumni network, a growing community of Catalyst and Winchester College alumni.
Students who excel may also graduate with distinction.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Students are asked to complete a short application form aimed at showcasing their strengths, interests and ambitions. It is designed to be very straightforward and, hopefully, enjoyable!
Successful applicants will be invited to an online interview with our admissions team prior to receiving a final result.
We aim to respond to all applications within seven working days. If successful, we will arrange a short online interview. Following the interview, we will let you know if you have been accepted or waitlisted within seven working days.
Depending on how quickly we can schedule the interview, the entire process can take as little as one week.
The course is interdisciplinary, meaning that students will have exposure to a range of subject areas across STEM, and natural and social sciences. Why interdisciplinary? The problems facing humanity are more complex and interconnected than ever before. Rooted in Winchester College’s established DIV methodology, we believe that interdisciplinary study helps students develop a diverse and comprehensive set of skills and perspectives relevant for today and, more importantly, for tomorrow.
No more than 30 students will be offered places on the course.
Students will participate in a range of different class sizes including: full cohort seminars (up to 30 students) with guest keynote speakers, roundtable live lessons Winchester College educators (~10 students), small group sessions (~5 students), and 1-2-1 coaching and feedback sessions.
You will need to have access to reliable, high speed internet during the course. You’ll also need a laptop with good video and audio conferencing capabilities. We recommend having access to a headset and mobile phone with camera/video recording as well.
You must be a native or fluent English language speaker.
There are 23 short questions on the application, each can be answered in less than 30 seconds. So that you can complete the application form as efficiently as possible, you might choose to prepare for the longer questions before starting, which are copied below for reference:
(1) Please provide a link to a short video (<90 seconds) about a project or topic you are extremely passionate about outside of the classroom.
For example, this might be a project you worked on, a business you started, an achievement in art or sport, a publication you contribute to or direct, service work you participate in, a cause you actively follow or support, etc.
(2) Through CATALYST you will have the chance to focus on a change project of your choosing - a kind of change that you want to catalyse in the days, months, and years ahead, and that you feel is needed.
Please describe a change project you are interested in working on using the fewest words possible, but no more than 300 words. The shorter, the better!
The proposal should address: (1) a short summary of the topic, including an overview of the current state of affairs, (2) your perspective on why change is needed, and (3) a description of how you see the project catalysing change if successful.
Catalyst is a digital course. Students can participate from anywhere in the world. However, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Off-screen interaction is embedded in Catalyst Challenges and course content. Details will be shared with course participants in the pre-programme period leading up to kick-off. And, when students are ‘online’, they will have access to a custom-designed digital environment that aims to foster interaction, idea sharing, and cohort community building.
We really don’t want you to be ‘on mute’.
Catalyst is a two-week digital course offered by Winchester College, and taught by Winchester College educators. Catalyst also features keynote appearances from accomplished changemakers and provides students with personalised coaching and tutoring throughout the course.
Catalyst is designed to stretch students. Engaging and rigorous, the course will cover a broad range of topic areas that go far beyond the scope of any standard secondary school curriculum. In addition to course content, the format - seminar, small group, team, 1-2-1 tutoring - mirrors that of many universities. Embedded in the program are opportunities for university entrance coaching and exposure to expert admissions advisors who can help demystify the application process.
Finally, through a solo summative project, students will have the chance to establish the foundations of their university application personal statement and of a Catalyst Transcript - a narrative detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst explores the topic of ‘change’ in the past, present and future. Lessons are interdisciplinary, covering a variety of topics across STEM, and natural and social sciences, among other areas of study. Our aim is to help students develop the intellectual frameworks and hard skills needed to understand, analyse, and catalyse change.
Most days begin with a Springboard - an interactive lesson with a Winchester College educator about a specific topic: What catalysed Arab Spring? What can ancient Greek fire tell us about geopolitics today? How do social movements reach tipping points? The Springboard is followed by a keynote seminar and Q&A with a practiced changemaker.
Thereafter, students participate in various Explorations - live, group, and self-study - calling students to dive deeper. This deeper exploration positions students to then work in teams to address complex Challenges: How can we govern AI? How do we restore biodiversity in cities? Challenges require students both to develop professional collaboration skills while working toward a common goal. And, they’re fast-paced and high urgency.
Challenges are designed to stretch students beyond their comfort zones and to escape the screen, each with specific nuances that will require students to explore their local community in what we hope will be new and profound ways.
Days will typically end with an opportunity for reflection and team and/or 1-2-1 coaching. After all, there is no change without feedback!
A Catalyst Transcript (CT) is a comprehensive narrative created collaboratively by students and course coaches detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst is a full-time course where on average, students will spend 35 hours per week involved in course programming. Some students may choose to dedicate more of their time to the course.
Importantly, though it is a full-time course, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Course fees vary between £2,200 and £2,700 depending on the date of application.
Financial aid is available, and is offered on a case by case basis. Students who are invited to interview will have the chance to indicate whether or not they require financial aid.
Any student entering the final or penultimate year of secondary school in the 2022-23 academic year is eligible to apply. Most often that means you will be between 16-18 years old.
If you are currently in your final year of secondary school, you may also be eligible to apply depending on the term dates of your academic year.
If you’re not sure of your eligibility please get in touch with us at: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk
Catalyst is offered by Winchester College, one of the world’s most distinguished secondary schools. Winchester College is accredited.
Yes, students who successfully complete the course will receive, among other things, both a completion certificate and a Catalyst Transcript. They will also be invited to a Catalyst alumni network, a growing community of Catalyst and Winchester College alumni.
Students who excel may also graduate with distinction.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Students are asked to complete a short application form aimed at showcasing their strengths, interests and ambitions. It is designed to be very straightforward and, hopefully, enjoyable!
Successful applicants will be invited to an online interview with our admissions team prior to receiving a final result.
We aim to respond to all applications within seven working days. If successful, we will arrange a short online interview. Following the interview, we will let you know if you have been accepted or waitlisted within seven working days.
Depending on how quickly we can schedule the interview, the entire process can take as little as one week.
The course is interdisciplinary, meaning that students will have exposure to a range of subject areas across STEM, and natural and social sciences. Why interdisciplinary? The problems facing humanity are more complex and interconnected than ever before. Rooted in Winchester College’s established DIV methodology, we believe that interdisciplinary study helps students develop a diverse and comprehensive set of skills and perspectives relevant for today and, more importantly, for tomorrow.
No more than 30 students will be offered places on the course.
Students will participate in a range of different class sizes including: full cohort seminars (up to 30 students) with guest keynote speakers, roundtable live lessons Winchester College educators (~10 students), small group sessions (~5 students), and 1-2-1 coaching and feedback sessions.
You will need to have access to reliable, high speed internet during the course. You’ll also need a laptop with good video and audio conferencing capabilities. We recommend having access to a headset and mobile phone with camera/video recording as well.
You must be a native or fluent English language speaker.
There are 23 short questions on the application, each can be answered in less than 30 seconds. So that you can complete the application form as efficiently as possible, you might choose to prepare for the longer questions before starting, which are copied below for reference:
(1) Please provide a link to a short video (<90 seconds) about a project or topic you are extremely passionate about outside of the classroom.
For example, this might be a project you worked on, a business you started, an achievement in art or sport, a publication you contribute to or direct, service work you participate in, a cause you actively follow or support, etc.
(2) Through CATALYST you will have the chance to focus on a change project of your choosing - a kind of change that you want to catalyse in the days, months, and years ahead, and that you feel is needed.
Please describe a change project you are interested in working on using the fewest words possible, but no more than 300 words. The shorter, the better!
The proposal should address: (1) a short summary of the topic, including an overview of the current state of affairs, (2) your perspective on why change is needed, and (3) a description of how you see the project catalysing change if successful.
Catalyst is a digital course. Students can participate from anywhere in the world. However, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Off-screen interaction is embedded in Catalyst Challenges and course content. Details will be shared with course participants in the pre-programme period leading up to kick-off. And, when students are ‘online’, they will have access to a custom-designed digital environment that aims to foster interaction, idea sharing, and cohort community building.
We really don’t want you to be ‘on mute’.
Catalyst is a two-week digital course offered by Winchester College, and taught by Winchester College educators. Catalyst also features keynote appearances from accomplished changemakers and provides students with personalised coaching and tutoring throughout the course.
Catalyst is designed to stretch students. Engaging and rigorous, the course will cover a broad range of topic areas that go far beyond the scope of any standard secondary school curriculum. In addition to course content, the format - seminar, small group, team, 1-2-1 tutoring - mirrors that of many universities. Embedded in the program are opportunities for university entrance coaching and exposure to expert admissions advisors who can help demystify the application process.
Finally, through a solo summative project, students will have the chance to establish the foundations of their university application personal statement and of a Catalyst Transcript - a narrative detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst explores the topic of ‘change’ in the past, present and future. Lessons are interdisciplinary, covering a variety of topics across STEM, and natural and social sciences, among other areas of study. Our aim is to help students develop the intellectual frameworks and hard skills needed to understand, analyse, and catalyse change.
Most days begin with a Springboard - an interactive lesson with a Winchester College educator about a specific topic: What catalysed Arab Spring? What can ancient Greek fire tell us about geopolitics today? How do social movements reach tipping points? The Springboard is followed by a keynote seminar and Q&A with a practiced changemaker.
Thereafter, students participate in various Explorations - live, group, and self-study - calling students to dive deeper. This deeper exploration positions students to then work in teams to address complex Challenges: How can we govern AI? How do we restore biodiversity in cities? Challenges require students both to develop professional collaboration skills while working toward a common goal. And, they’re fast-paced and high urgency.
Challenges are designed to stretch students beyond their comfort zones and to escape the screen, each with specific nuances that will require students to explore their local community in what we hope will be new and profound ways.
Days will typically end with an opportunity for reflection and team and/or 1-2-1 coaching. After all, there is no change without feedback!
A Catalyst Transcript (CT) is a comprehensive narrative created collaboratively by students and course coaches detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst is a full-time course where on average, students will spend 35 hours per week involved in course programming. Some students may choose to dedicate more of their time to the course.
Importantly, though it is a full-time course, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Course fees vary between £2,200 and £2,700 depending on the date of application.
Financial aid is available, and is offered on a case by case basis. Students who are invited to interview will have the chance to indicate whether or not they require financial aid.
Any student entering the final or penultimate year of secondary school in the 2022-23 academic year is eligible to apply. Most often that means you will be between 16-18 years old.
If you are currently in your final year of secondary school, you may also be eligible to apply depending on the term dates of your academic year.
If you’re not sure of your eligibility please get in touch with us at: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk
Catalyst is offered by Winchester College, one of the world’s most distinguished secondary schools. Winchester College is accredited.
Yes, students who successfully complete the course will receive, among other things, both a completion certificate and a Catalyst Transcript. They will also be invited to a Catalyst alumni network, a growing community of Catalyst and Winchester College alumni.
Students who excel may also graduate with distinction.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Students are asked to complete a short application form aimed at showcasing their strengths, interests and ambitions. It is designed to be very straightforward and, hopefully, enjoyable!
Successful applicants will be invited to an online interview with our admissions team prior to receiving a final result.
We aim to respond to all applications within seven working days. If successful, we will arrange a short online interview. Following the interview, we will let you know if you have been accepted or waitlisted within seven working days.
Depending on how quickly we can schedule the interview, the entire process can take as little as one week.
The course is interdisciplinary, meaning that students will have exposure to a range of subject areas across STEM, and natural and social sciences. Why interdisciplinary? The problems facing humanity are more complex and interconnected than ever before. Rooted in Winchester College’s established DIV methodology, we believe that interdisciplinary study helps students develop a diverse and comprehensive set of skills and perspectives relevant for today and, more importantly, for tomorrow.
No more than 30 students will be offered places on the course.
Students will participate in a range of different class sizes including: full cohort seminars (up to 30 students) with guest keynote speakers, roundtable live lessons Winchester College educators (~10 students), small group sessions (~5 students), and 1-2-1 coaching and feedback sessions.
You will need to have access to reliable, high speed internet during the course. You’ll also need a laptop with good video and audio conferencing capabilities. We recommend having access to a headset and mobile phone with camera/video recording as well.
You must be a native or fluent English language speaker.
There are 23 short questions on the application, each can be answered in less than 30 seconds. So that you can complete the application form as efficiently as possible, you might choose to prepare for the longer questions before starting, which are copied below for reference:
(1) Please provide a link to a short video (<90 seconds) about a project or topic you are extremely passionate about outside of the classroom.
For example, this might be a project you worked on, a business you started, an achievement in art or sport, a publication you contribute to or direct, service work you participate in, a cause you actively follow or support, etc.
(2) Through CATALYST you will have the chance to focus on a change project of your choosing - a kind of change that you want to catalyse in the days, months, and years ahead, and that you feel is needed.
Please describe a change project you are interested in working on using the fewest words possible, but no more than 300 words. The shorter, the better!
The proposal should address: (1) a short summary of the topic, including an overview of the current state of affairs, (2) your perspective on why change is needed, and (3) a description of how you see the project catalysing change if successful.
Catalyst is a digital course. Students can participate from anywhere in the world. However, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Off-screen interaction is embedded in Catalyst Challenges and course content. Details will be shared with course participants in the pre-programme period leading up to kick-off. And, when students are ‘online’, they will have access to a custom-designed digital environment that aims to foster interaction, idea sharing, and cohort community building.
We really don’t want you to be ‘on mute’.
Catalyst is a two-week digital course offered by Winchester College, and taught by Winchester College educators. Catalyst also features keynote appearances from accomplished changemakers and provides students with personalised coaching and tutoring throughout the course.
Catalyst is designed to stretch students. Engaging and rigorous, the course will cover a broad range of topic areas that go far beyond the scope of any standard secondary school curriculum. In addition to course content, the format - seminar, small group, team, 1-2-1 tutoring - mirrors that of many universities. Embedded in the program are opportunities for university entrance coaching and exposure to expert admissions advisors who can help demystify the application process.
Finally, through a solo summative project, students will have the chance to establish the foundations of their university application personal statement and of a Catalyst Transcript - a narrative detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst explores the topic of ‘change’ in the past, present and future. Lessons are interdisciplinary, covering a variety of topics across STEM, and natural and social sciences, among other areas of study. Our aim is to help students develop the intellectual frameworks and hard skills needed to understand, analyse, and catalyse change.
Most days begin with a Springboard - an interactive lesson with a Winchester College educator about a specific topic: What catalysed Arab Spring? What can ancient Greek fire tell us about geopolitics today? How do social movements reach tipping points? The Springboard is followed by a keynote seminar and Q&A with a practiced changemaker.
Thereafter, students participate in various Explorations - live, group, and self-study - calling students to dive deeper. This deeper exploration positions students to then work in teams to address complex Challenges: How can we govern AI? How do we restore biodiversity in cities? Challenges require students both to develop professional collaboration skills while working toward a common goal. And, they’re fast-paced and high urgency.
Challenges are designed to stretch students beyond their comfort zones and to escape the screen, each with specific nuances that will require students to explore their local community in what we hope will be new and profound ways.
Days will typically end with an opportunity for reflection and team and/or 1-2-1 coaching. After all, there is no change without feedback!
A Catalyst Transcript (CT) is a comprehensive narrative created collaboratively by students and course coaches detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst is a full-time course where on average, students will spend 35 hours per week involved in course programming. Some students may choose to dedicate more of their time to the course.
Importantly, though it is a full-time course, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Course fees vary between £2,200 and £2,700 depending on the date of application.
Financial aid is available, and is offered on a case by case basis. Students who are invited to interview will have the chance to indicate whether or not they require financial aid.
Any student entering the final or penultimate year of secondary school in the 2022-23 academic year is eligible to apply. Most often that means you will be between 16-18 years old.
If you are currently in your final year of secondary school, you may also be eligible to apply depending on the term dates of your academic year.
If you’re not sure of your eligibility please get in touch with us at: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk
Catalyst is offered by Winchester College, one of the world’s most distinguished secondary schools. Winchester College is accredited.
Yes, students who successfully complete the course will receive, among other things, both a completion certificate and a Catalyst Transcript. They will also be invited to a Catalyst alumni network, a growing community of Catalyst and Winchester College alumni.
Students who excel may also graduate with distinction.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Students are asked to complete a short application form aimed at showcasing their strengths, interests and ambitions. It is designed to be very straightforward and, hopefully, enjoyable!
Successful applicants will be invited to an online interview with our admissions team prior to receiving a final result.
We aim to respond to all applications within seven working days. If successful, we will arrange a short online interview. Following the interview, we will let you know if you have been accepted or waitlisted within seven working days.
Depending on how quickly we can schedule the interview, the entire process can take as little as one week.
The course is interdisciplinary, meaning that students will have exposure to a range of subject areas across STEM, and natural and social sciences. Why interdisciplinary? The problems facing humanity are more complex and interconnected than ever before. Rooted in Winchester College’s established DIV methodology, we believe that interdisciplinary study helps students develop a diverse and comprehensive set of skills and perspectives relevant for today and, more importantly, for tomorrow.
No more than 30 students will be offered places on the course.
Students will participate in a range of different class sizes including: full cohort seminars (up to 30 students) with guest keynote speakers, roundtable live lessons Winchester College educators (~10 students), small group sessions (~5 students), and 1-2-1 coaching and feedback sessions.
You will need to have access to reliable, high speed internet during the course. You’ll also need a laptop with good video and audio conferencing capabilities. We recommend having access to a headset and mobile phone with camera/video recording as well.
You must be a native or fluent English language speaker.
There are 23 short questions on the application, each can be answered in less than 30 seconds. So that you can complete the application form as efficiently as possible, you might choose to prepare for the longer questions before starting, which are copied below for reference:
(1) Please provide a link to a short video (<90 seconds) about a project or topic you are extremely passionate about outside of the classroom.
For example, this might be a project you worked on, a business you started, an achievement in art or sport, a publication you contribute to or direct, service work you participate in, a cause you actively follow or support, etc.
(2) Through CATALYST you will have the chance to focus on a change project of your choosing - a kind of change that you want to catalyse in the days, months, and years ahead, and that you feel is needed.
Please describe a change project you are interested in working on using the fewest words possible, but no more than 300 words. The shorter, the better!
The proposal should address: (1) a short summary of the topic, including an overview of the current state of affairs, (2) your perspective on why change is needed, and (3) a description of how you see the project catalysing change if successful.
Catalyst is a digital course. Students can participate from anywhere in the world. However, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Off-screen interaction is embedded in Catalyst Challenges and course content. Details will be shared with course participants in the pre-programme period leading up to kick-off. And, when students are ‘online’, they will have access to a custom-designed digital environment that aims to foster interaction, idea sharing, and cohort community building.
We really don’t want you to be ‘on mute’.
Catalyst is a two-week digital course offered by Winchester College, and taught by Winchester College educators. Catalyst also features keynote appearances from accomplished changemakers and provides students with personalised coaching and tutoring throughout the course.
Catalyst is designed to stretch students. Engaging and rigorous, the course will cover a broad range of topic areas that go far beyond the scope of any standard secondary school curriculum. In addition to course content, the format - seminar, small group, team, 1-2-1 tutoring - mirrors that of many universities. Embedded in the program are opportunities for university entrance coaching and exposure to expert admissions advisors who can help demystify the application process.
Finally, through a solo summative project, students will have the chance to establish the foundations of their university application personal statement and of a Catalyst Transcript - a narrative detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst explores the topic of ‘change’ in the past, present and future. Lessons are interdisciplinary, covering a variety of topics across STEM, and natural and social sciences, among other areas of study. Our aim is to help students develop the intellectual frameworks and hard skills needed to understand, analyse, and catalyse change.
Most days begin with a Springboard - an interactive lesson with a Winchester College educator about a specific topic: What catalysed Arab Spring? What can ancient Greek fire tell us about geopolitics today? How do social movements reach tipping points? The Springboard is followed by a keynote seminar and Q&A with a practiced changemaker.
Thereafter, students participate in various Explorations - live, group, and self-study - calling students to dive deeper. This deeper exploration positions students to then work in teams to address complex Challenges: How can we govern AI? How do we restore biodiversity in cities? Challenges require students both to develop professional collaboration skills while working toward a common goal. And, they’re fast-paced and high urgency.
Challenges are designed to stretch students beyond their comfort zones and to escape the screen, each with specific nuances that will require students to explore their local community in what we hope will be new and profound ways.
Days will typically end with an opportunity for reflection and team and/or 1-2-1 coaching. After all, there is no change without feedback!
A Catalyst Transcript (CT) is a comprehensive narrative created collaboratively by students and course coaches detailing how students best learn, their accomplishments to date, and their ambitions beyond secondary school.
Catalyst is a full-time course where on average, students will spend 35 hours per week involved in course programming. Some students may choose to dedicate more of their time to the course.
Importantly, though it is a full-time course, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Course fees vary between £2,200 and £2,700 depending on the date of application.
Financial aid is available, and is offered on a case by case basis. Students who are invited to interview will have the chance to indicate whether or not they require financial aid.
Any student entering the final or penultimate year of secondary school in the 2022-23 academic year is eligible to apply. Most often that means you will be between 16-18 years old.
If you are currently in your final year of secondary school, you may also be eligible to apply depending on the term dates of your academic year.
If you’re not sure of your eligibility please get in touch with us at: catalyst@wincoll.ac.uk
Catalyst is offered by Winchester College, one of the world’s most distinguished secondary schools. Winchester College is accredited.
Yes, students who successfully complete the course will receive, among other things, both a completion certificate and a Catalyst Transcript. They will also be invited to a Catalyst alumni network, a growing community of Catalyst and Winchester College alumni.
Students who excel may also graduate with distinction.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Students are asked to complete a short application form aimed at showcasing their strengths, interests and ambitions. It is designed to be very straightforward and, hopefully, enjoyable!
Successful applicants will be invited to an online interview with our admissions team prior to receiving a final result.
We aim to respond to all applications within seven working days. If successful, we will arrange a short online interview. Following the interview, we will let you know if you have been accepted or waitlisted within seven working days.
Depending on how quickly we can schedule the interview, the entire process can take as little as one week.
The course is interdisciplinary, meaning that students will have exposure to a range of subject areas across STEM, and natural and social sciences. Why interdisciplinary? The problems facing humanity are more complex and interconnected than ever before. Rooted in Winchester College’s established DIV methodology, we believe that interdisciplinary study helps students develop a diverse and comprehensive set of skills and perspectives relevant for today and, more importantly, for tomorrow.
No more than 30 students will be offered places on the course.
Students will participate in a range of different class sizes including: full cohort seminars (up to 30 students) with guest keynote speakers, roundtable live lessons Winchester College educators (~10 students), small group sessions (~5 students), and 1-2-1 coaching and feedback sessions.
You will need to have access to reliable, high speed internet during the course. You’ll also need a laptop with good video and audio conferencing capabilities. We recommend having access to a headset and mobile phone with camera/video recording as well.
You must be a native or fluent English language speaker.
There are 23 short questions on the application, each can be answered in less than 30 seconds. So that you can complete the application form as efficiently as possible, you might choose to prepare for the longer questions before starting, which are copied below for reference:
(1) Please provide a link to a short video (<90 seconds) about a project or topic you are extremely passionate about outside of the classroom.
For example, this might be a project you worked on, a business you started, an achievement in art or sport, a publication you contribute to or direct, service work you participate in, a cause you actively follow or support, etc.
(2) Through CATALYST you will have the chance to focus on a change project of your choosing - a kind of change that you want to catalyse in the days, months, and years ahead, and that you feel is needed.
Please describe a change project you are interested in working on using the fewest words possible, but no more than 300 words. The shorter, the better!
The proposal should address: (1) a short summary of the topic, including an overview of the current state of affairs, (2) your perspective on why change is needed, and (3) a description of how you see the project catalysing change if successful.
Catalyst is a digital course. Students can participate from anywhere in the world. However, we fundamentally oppose ‘ZOOM-school’ and are extremely wary of screen fatigue. Students will not be ‘stuck behind the screen’ all day. Catalyst challenges students to participate in both remote and in-person activities in the student’s local community.
Off-screen interaction is embedded in Catalyst Challenges and course content. Details will be shared with course participants in the pre-programme period leading up to kick-off. And, when students are ‘online’, they will have access to a custom-designed digital environment that aims to foster interaction, idea sharing, and cohort community building.
We really don’t want you to be ‘on mute’.