The Corderius College is a Christian school for Lower General Secondary Education (Mavo 4yrs), Higher General Secondary Education (Havo 5yrs), Pre-University Education (Vwo – Atheneum – Gymnasium 6yrs – Latin and Greek) and Masterclass. The “Christian identity” is formed by numerous aspects: personal attention, the positive and pedagogical climate (PBS), room for reflection, religious studies lessons, thematic start of the day, religious celebrations such as Christmas, Easter and Whitsunday, the Time Outs, our core values , the social internships, the attention and effort for good causes and diaconal projects as well as the trips to Taizé, Dachau and Auschwitz.
Our school policy gives “Space for Talent” and wishes to contribute in a way so that all students can develop their given talents.
The Corderius College is one of the few secondary schools in the Netherlands that functions as a PBS school in a European context. PBS stands for Positive Behaviour Support: systematically promoting desirable behaviour of all those involved. Starting from the PBS idea we stopped the anti-bullying projects, because everything that is given attention grows. We turn it around. We focus on positive group forming, because a positive atmosphere in a group, is the best guarantee against bullying. Therefore, in year 2 we start a project in which a trainer, together with the mentor, participate in assignments with the students to learn how to get to know each other better. Students noted that the atmosphere in the group improved, and that they feel free to be themselves.
In addition to the compulsory subjects, we also offer the students many extras to give them the opportunity to develop the talents they possess by giving them time and space to do so:
Masterclass
Students who want to and are able to excel, are given the opportunity to participate in the “Masterclass”. The students take the regular lessons in four days and one day a week the masterclass. Together with experts, the students work on different themes. Not only do we offer this select group of students the opportunity to develop their talents, but there is also room for curiosity, creativity and passion.
Cambridge English
From year 2 till 6, the students are able to take the exam for the First Certificate of Cambridge English (FCE), the Advanced Certificate of Cambridge English (CAE), or the highest obtainable diploma Proficiency Certificate (CPE). ) These diplomas offer the student easier access to a university or internship abroad.
Chinese as a national exam subject
Starting in year 2 students can take Chinese as a subject (taught by a native speaker) as a part of the curriculum, followed by an exam and obtain the acknowledged certificate Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi. In year 5, the students participate in an exchange with a school in Beijing China.
U-Talent Academy
The U-Talent Academy is intended for Vwo students in year 5 and 6 who excel in the subjects: mathematics, science, physics and/or biology. The students can participate in subject magnifying and enriching educational activities which are organized by the University of Utrecht who show the possibilities for these subjects to be used in practice. It concerns a special program which is offered 5 times a year in 2 consecutive days at the University of Utrecht. After following the program, the students will continue to work more or less independently with the beta subjects at school where they work together on the challenging and magnifying projects.
After successfully rounding off the program, the students will receive a testimony, which will increase their chances of acceptance in enrolling for a beta-related study at university.
JAS-san
The main goal of this group is to stimulate, facilitate and spread the Japanese (Golden Ages) literature and culture in primary and secondary education. This means that besides developing its own curriculum, it is also engaged in teaching special classes, organising educational trips, movie classes, and it has a very active book club. Besides that we try to make connections with companies in the Netherlands which have links with Japan. Students can meet weekly for any of the activities mentioned above. The meetings are orientated based on motivation.
Time for Talent
For students who are interested, school offers a special program for beta education. During the so-called talent hours, students can take modules on astronomy, quantum mechanics, learn to program, “make concrete”, Nano technology, etc.
SCALA Pass
When students do really well in school, they can apply for a “SCALA Pass”. This pass entitles them, in accordance with a coach, to be scheduled out of regular classes 3 hours a week (during 8 weeks). In these hours the students work on a chosen project of their interest to (further) develop their talent.
Science lab
Every Friday afternoon, students can work on their science project of choice (such as robotics, laser cutting, 3D printing) in the science lab at the school.
Top Sport
There are usually at least 10 to 15 students at the Corderius College who participate in sports at a high national level during their spare time. The school offers these students extra time to combine school activities with the obligations that go with participating in sports at that level (such as training, national and international tournaments).
