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.
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.
U-Talent masterclasses
The masterclasses are meant for students of Senior General Secondary Education (havo) and Pre-University Education from the fourth year and up, who are interested in Béta subjects. It provides students with tools to help plan their future education and offers inspiration for the exam research project (profielwerkstuk). The U-Talent masterclasses consist of one or two days, in which there is a mix between theory and practice. The days take place at the Science Park “de Uithof” in Utrecht.
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).
