Strategic Alliance promises new prospects for post-16 education in RCT
New learning opportunities for post-16 students in Rhondda Cynon Taff will be created thanks to a strategic alliance formed by Coleg Morgannwg, Cardinal Newman Catholic High School and St David’s Catholic College.
The exciting new partnership is in-line with the Welsh Government’s transformation agenda for post-16 education and training in Wales. The new collaborative post-16 learning centre will be based at Coleg Morgannwg’s new £40m state-of-the-art campus in Nantgarw.
The partnership will deliver the best possible education for learners from all backgrounds with a choice of over 24 A-Level subjects from September 2012, the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification, improved facilities and excellent pastoral care.
Judith Evans, Principal of Coleg Morgannwg, said: “This is an innovative, exciting partnership which will provide exceptional opportunities for learners in RCT. The learners will have the added benefit of being taught in a first-class, brand new facility with a clear focus from the partnership on providing the best for the area served by the three institutions, each with individual expertise.”
The new partnership will serve learners from across the wider community, whilst the involvement of Cardinal Newman Catholic High School and St David’s Catholic College will ensure that the Catholic ethos is maintained for those students who wish to continue their studies within a faith based ethos.
Justin O'Sullivan, Headteacher of Cardinal Newman Catholic Comprehensive School in Pontypridd, said: "I am very excited by this new partnership. We serve a wide catchment area north of Cardiff, including Llantrisant in the west, Caerphilly in the east and beyond Treorchy in the north. Cardinal Newman is very glad to be playing such a full part in securing post-16 education for the people of this area.”
The collaboration, hosted by Coleg Morgannwg, will involve the three partner organisations working closely together with experienced staff delivering a significant proportion of the curriculum in the new ‘A’ level centre.
Students will also have the opportunity to take the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification, as well as experience a range of sporting, cultural, creative and entrepreneurial extra-curricular activities.
Mark Leighfield, Principal of St David’s College in Penylan, Cardiff, added: "The strategic alliance with Cardinal Newman and Coleg Morgannwg is an exciting opportunity for St David's College. We are a proactive partner in an alliance which guarantees high quality sixth-form education in RCT whilst continuing delivery of sector leading provision and pastoral care in our Cardiff campus." |
