'catalyst changed everything'
The CATALYST programme helped to convey the complexity of issues like climate change, but then also showed us the broad spectrum of action that can be taken. This bridge between content and real-world application is something that isn't done very often in education. And to see them doing that to an increasingly complex level was great to see.
- Shotaro, S22 Cohort
A true eye-opener. The programme brings not only new perspectives but also important life skills. Socialising, sharing ideas, having a debate, and laughing with your cohort.
Do you want to look at the world with a different lens? CATALYST is the way to go. You will work alongside people from all over the world who have a diversity of interests but who are all driven to make the world a better place. CATALYST’s style of teaching is creative, lively and interactive.
You get to meet so many amazing people, including your teachers, lecturers, guest speakers, and peers. It is definitely an experience that helped me grow as a person and also helped me expand my knowledge and manage my teamwork skills and work ethic better.
- Michael, S22 Cohort
CATALYST challenges the cohort to the fullest and embraces everyone's differences and specialities to help the pupil and the rest of the cohort learn even better. They often say it takes pressure to make diamonds, and CATALYST does a great job of applying that pressure in a supportive way.
I gained skills from all different areas; teamwork, how to think at speed and then form a solid argument, how to be pushed out of your comfort zone, and then having enough confidence to present a speech or present a piece of work that you've done.
Interactive, informative, crazy, fun, intensive, immersive, and unforgettable!
It zoomed out to the bigger picture and made me really think about topics I didn’t know much about. I think the topics were really well thought out and the other people on the course definitely added to this sense of worldliness.
They expect students to be knowledgeable in various areas and treat students as more mature people than school teachers usually do. This allows the students to be more independent but also be able to take part in more academically stimulating conversations.
I have completely changed my outlook to studying, the future. I also learnt better study skills and time management.
SUPER INTERESTING!!!!!! Personhood - what a personal (no pun intended…) and engaging topic :))) and discussing how we think of ‘the end’ and what it could entail, also what different people see as their world. Also a very different style of challenge that was very interesting. All in all 10/10 <3
She very much enjoyed the course and feels it has really helped her self-confidence and achievement as she now applies for University.
Look at the content. Look at the style of teaching. Look at the calibre of the people to put that blend of topics, and expertise. It's a unique opportunity really.
She got focused mentorship, she could bounce ideas off of people. She was getting really good, constructive feedback. And even though it was done online, everything was so interactive, she was engaged and excited throughout the programme.
I feel that he has gained new confidence and knowledge in how to develop an idea he is passionate about from the beginning. I also see it has deepened his belief that he can make a change.
The focus on collaboration and compromise has made him more confident in socialising with new people. He has also been actively suggesting and inspiring others with new ideas in conversations which is great to see.
It’s broadened her perspective and directly engaged her in some of the world's biggest topics. She seems like a stakeholder now - someone who is directly engaged with the biggest issues of our time, and has enough knowledge and ideas to feel like she can meaningfully contribute. She suddenly feels like a participant.