Cardinal Newman College

Cardinal Newman college (CNC) is an encouraging and supportive environment whose hardworking staff nurture the gifts of each individual through high quality teaching and outstanding pastoral care. The students here are generally polite and want to succeed in their studies. CNC have an outstanding reputation with a zero tolerance policy for bullying. Issues experienced at CNC (if any) are resolved immediately and dealt with professionally.

Firstly, the facilities at CNC are highly impressive. The grounds include picnic areas and stunning landscaped gardens. The library offers a wide variety of resources to assist you with your studies and a member of the library team is always on hand and happy to help. The catering facilities are fantastic; a favourite of mine was the Starbucks which offers half price drinks for all staff and students (compared to your average Starbucks). As well as the library, there are several study zones scattered around campus (with computers and PCs) which are peaceful and I spent a lot of my time at these zones.

The teachers at CNC (particularly the philosophy department) are so approachable and well organised. They explain puzzling ideas and challenging philosophical arguments clearly to students. They approach the ideas in the syllabus creatively, in multiple different ways, so every individual with different learning styles can wrap their head around and digest the ideas (as opposed to approaching the topics in a singular black and white manner). The staff are willing to help students and are more than happy to arrange 1:1s with students who feel they need a bit of extra help. Moreover, the staff share excellent, detailed booklets with the students so they have everything they need in order to reach the top grades. Also, they share further resources (eg academic documentaries/podcasts) that are usually insightful and relevant to the syllabus. These are typically for the high achieving students that desire the (A*/A grades). Overall, I felt all my subject departments provided me with constructive feedback which was thoughtful, consistent and helped me to reach and even exceed the assessment objectives for the exams.

At CNC, I truly felt that my hard work was appreciated and valued by my teachers. Previously, I had attended a private secondary school who certainly had their ‘favourites’. Instead of inspiring pupils to learn, my school favoured the naturally clever children and pretty much ignored the needs of those who struggled. I had spent most of my time battling with Maths at school (due to the poor quality of teaching) rather than being praised for the subjects I was good at and enjoyed. Consequently, my low self esteem was rooted in my secondary school years because I wasn’t appreciated and the ‘favourites’ were put on a pedestal. The quality of teaching at my secondary school was poor which resulted in my parents having to get an external maths tutor (on top of the school fees!!!) and issues were not resolved.

However, when I started CNC, within the first term my whole mindset of learning had totally transformed - it’s like I woke up. My A-level philosophy teacher at CNC really valued my opinions on the subject and told me I was good at philosophy which was such an amazing feeling and made me want to keep my academic effort up. That interest was never sparked at my previous high school because I wasn’t valued.

The staff at CNC really do go above and beyond for their students and students are placed at the core of everything CNC do. Specifically, the Philosophy and Law department hold an optional ‘Easter school’ during the Easter holidays before A-level exam period begins. This involves revisiting and revising studied topics, practicing exam technique, and supporting students with any exam queries which ultimately gives students extra confidence going in to their exams when the exam period starts. The Easter school is perfect for students who want extra help in the topics the feel the weakest in as the Easter school provides students with confidence and reassurance going forward. Furthermore, CNC extend the library opening times during exam periods so students can spend longer in the well stocked library with access to all the resources. Also, the staff are more than happy to read and make suggestions to students’ personal statements during the application process to university. Last but certainly not least, CNC provided free breakfasts to staff and students every morning during the lead up to exam periods which was so considerate.

The range and diversity of courses at CNC is impressive. I studied Law and Philosophy A-level at CNC which my secondary school is sixth form never offered. Therefore, I believe if it wasn’t for studying law A level at CNC my passion to study Law at university, (with hopes of eventually going on to becoming a family barrister) would never have been ignited because I would never have developed an interest in Law.

Lastly, I would like to mention that I attended this college during the covid-19 pandemic (2020/2022) where face to face learning was sadly disrupted due to the government guidance at the time. CNC was forced to adopt a blended approach to learning (2 days face to face college and 3 days online). Despite the fact that online learning was very challenging and new to many, CNC really rose to the challenge and adopted new learning techniques and methods for students when being taught online so they were properly supported and to a high standard during the pandemic. My discussions in philosophy class could still take place online as we were put in to breakout rooms and assigned discussion activities within our groups. Listening to other peoples opinions and perspectives on philosophical topics was always interesting and insightful. The college also had a buddy system in place, with links to year 13 students that study the same or similar subjects to you that you could contact with any queries you had at any point. This was extremely useful to have access to and although online learning was challenging for all I did not feel far behind in my studies due to the consistent support of the college.

Overall, the 2 years I have spent at CNC (2020-2022) have truly been the best years of my life where I have thrived academically and socially and made so many amazing memories along the way. I would recommend this college to anyone who is hardworking and desires independence (you are given more freedom compared to a sixth form) who would like to be in a calm and relaxed environment where they are appreciated for the work they’re willing put in. CNC really prepared me for life after college and the 2 years at college went quick so enjoy it as much as you can whilst you are there! I achieved 3 A’s at A level at CNC and I could not have done it without the support of my amazing philosophy, law and EPR teachers!

Cardinal Newman college is a relaxed but encouraging environment. Pupils are always receiving a good balance between positive and constructive feedback which is thoughtful, consistent and usually helps the pupils to reach the assessment objectives for the exams.

Along with the building so themselves being calm but professional with allocated sections for each department, The pastoral care is also great because the staff in general including teachers are usually always willing to help wherever they can. The students generally are polite and respectful. The grounds are beautiful with views trees and hills as well which is great for the students as well as the ‘tetris’ social-distancing benches under the gazebo’s/rain covers.

The English department in particular is a very calm but encourages the students to be ambitious with warm and respectful staff. The library is a good place to study because it’s not necessary a social area so it is peaceful but it’s not tense. So, the pupils feel as though they can be mature and continue with their work but are free to socialise around the college.

Even though RE is compulsory, they never force religion onto the pupils or judge them because it’s a very accepting, warm environment where everyone’s opinion is valued and all around the college.This was a pleasant surprise, especially for me as a non-religious person because I was worried about that when I first joined the college but now I’m really glad that I had came here and had definitely made the right choice. The RE lessons are short and tend to focus more on personal wellbeing and usually ask the student for their opinion on topics like the foodbanks for example. It’s a nice way to end a week if you have it on a Friday.

I would highly recommend this college to a hard-working individual who would like to be in a calm, safe space where they are appreciated for the work they’re willing put in though eager to listen to feedback, also. A great college!