12 August 2021

Sixth form students secure top university places

Our Sixth form students have secured places at some of the country’s most competitive university programmes following their A-level results.

This year, A-level and equivalent qualifications were awarded following Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs) due to the cancellation of external examinations. At CAST, students sat in-class exams and completed coursework as part of this assessment process.

With CAST’s STEM specialism providing greater in-depth opportunities for students to develop their academic abilities, we have seen an impressive array of post-18 pathway offers. This includes the University of Cambridge and the University of Manchester.

Tim has secured a place at Trinity Hall College at the University of Cambridge to read computer science. He completed A-levels in maths, further maths, physics and computer science as well as an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), after obtaining grade 9s across most of his subjects at GCSE.

While at CAST, Tim has had the chance to work with scientists and engineers from ARM, Mott MacDonald and the Gurdon Institute as part of the academy’s Challenge Project programme, which provides practical experience alongside students’ academic studies.

Tim also co-led CAST’s highly successful robotics team which made it through to the national finals of the First Tech Challenge which was due to be held in 2020.

He said: “I am very happy and I want to thank all of my teachers. I am very excited to study computer science at Cambridge.”

Kanad is preparing to join the University of Manchester, one of the UK’s top STEM institutions, to study for a degree in materials science and engineering with nanomaterials.

Since joining CAST in Year 10, Kanad has been an active member of the college community, taking part in Challenge Projects with the Babraham Institute, AstraZeneca and Cancer Research UK to enhance his scientific skills.

Kanad said: “CAST is a great school for those who want to pursue a career in STEM. The Challenge Projects really helped me to see the application of science in the real world and determine the path I wanted to take.”

Rose is off to the University of Sheffield to study Molecular Biology after joining CAST for sixth form.

Rose explored and developed her interest in quantum biology through a range of extracurricular opportunities at CAST alongside completing A-levels in biology, physics and maths and an EPQ.

She said: “I am very happy with my results and I am looking forward to the opportunities that molecular biology will afford me.”

Deep will be taking up a place at the University of Bristol to study mathematics and computer science after completing his studies a year early! He achieved A-levels in maths, further maths, computer science and physics.

Deep said: “I am very happy with the support I have received here, especially with the opportunity to have taken my A Levels a year early. I’ve had a great experience with excellent and supportive teachers.”

Principal Danielle Pacey added: “All of our sixth formers celebrating today can take great pride in their achievements over the past two years, but just as importantly in the character and commitment they have shown to their studies through the challenges of the pandemic. The university and vocational offers our students are taking up, including from Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions, showcase the incredible hard work and talent in this Year 13 cohort”.

“As well as congratulating our students, I want to thank staff whose support and dedication has been second to none and who have ensured our students were each able to pursue their specialist STEM interests – in the classroom and beyond. We look forward to following the careers of these Year 13s and to welcoming a new group of Sixth Formers in a few short weeks.”

12 July 2021

Congratulations to Sixth Form student Tim McGilly who took home the Technology Award at @UnitedLearning’s #BiEAwards!

Tim is an exceptional student and highly deserving of this award. #EducationwithCharacter

Please see the article link.

You can also view the interview by clicking here.

17 February 2021

Keeping active at home

We would like to say a well done to all students who have been keeping active at home and completing their PE activity grids. There have been some excellent efforts across all year groups. Here’s David on a snowy 10k run and Amelia’s favorite 10K route.

25 January 2021

Reading Programme

This half term we have started the new reading programme for all students in Y9.
Reading has become a core part of everyday life with students having the opportunity
to read classic literature in tutor time. The students have also participated in a survey
created by Margarita, Head of Year. Our aim is for all students to experience the
benefits and pleasure of reading both during their time at CAST and in their future
lives.

“The more you read, the more you know. The more that you learn, the places you’ll
go.” Dr Seuss

“not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Harry S. Truman