Abbey College Cambridge is celebrating opening its doors to its very first Year 9 cohort as they welcome the class of 12, marking this landmark development with a notable international initiative.
In recognition of this exciting development for the college, the new Year 9s – the majority of which are local day pupils – will embark on an inter-continental project, partnering with students from ESCA, a South African Independent School on a UN’s Sustainable Development Goals research project.
Each of the 12 pupils will pick one goal each before working online in conjunction with a South African student partner on a thought-provoking research project. The South African pupils will then visit Abbey College Cambridge in March 2025, and students from both nations will jointly present their research to the wider school community.
Will Taylor Head of Transition and Year 9 Coordinator at Abbey College Cambridge comments; “I am thrilled to say that our first Year 9s are settling in extremely well already, and are excited by the opportunities to grow and develop. The new Year 9 programme has been designed to unlock a world of opportunities for younger students in preparation for their GCSE study in Year 10.
“Our students are studious and award winning, and we believe in challenging them to achieve beyond the traditional curriculum. For Year 9 this starts with their timetabled international project, which will also introduce them to skills to become a leader of tomorrow.
“We have had a lot of positive feedback about our extra-curricular programme, with the incoming students choosing from over 50 weekly clubs and activities to enjoy not only in term time but also in the holidays, with activities, trips and courses to upskill all pupils, and arrange study support during these times.”
Year 9 pupil Holly enthuses: “I am excited for working with other students during the Personal Project lessons. I am keen to research topics I am passionate about and learn different solutions to major problems facing the world today. The topic I have chosen is Clean water and sanitation as I think this is one of the biggest problems facing the world today, especially in underprivileged areas.”
And fellow classmate Mani is equally looking forward to the landmark international project: “For the international Project this year, we (Year 9s) are teaming up with a school from South Africa to tackle the 17 sustainable goals by 2030. Myself and all the other Year 9s are getting a partner to work with from the school in South Africa. I have picked Better Health and Wellbeing as the project that I am going to tackle.”
Abbey College Cambridge, based at Homerton Gardens, Cambridge, is renowned for teaching and supporting both UK and international students, in a community that is energised by the love of learning.
The college specialises in helping students from across the world achieve the personal, social and academic growth needed for success at the UK’s best universities. It is renowned for academic excellence that stems from its students’ ambition and their academic discipline. Students are guided by high-quality teaching, an engaging enrichment programme and empowering pastoral support.
The campus boasts impressive contemporary facilities including 410 single and 8 twin en-suite student bedrooms with full board facilities, 230-seater dining room, common rooms and social areas, 42 fully equipped classrooms, 12 state-of-the-art science laboratories, two libraries, two Art studios, student gym and two dedicated music performance studios.
Abbey College Cambridge is hosting an Open Morning on Saturday 5 October 2024 at 9:30am. Those interested in attending can register and find out more here:
https://www.abbeycambridge.co.uk/open-morning/
For more information on Abbey College Cambridge visit https://www.abbeycambridge.co.uk/