Catalyst Stream Admissions

Example 1

The words in bold are similar in some way. Decide how they are the same.  Then choose the correct word from the answer choices that goes with the first three words. 

rain        fog           snow 

Answer options:     weather       wet        hail         cold          horrible 

Example 2

For each question there are three words in dark type.  The first two words go together.  The third word goes together with one of the answer choices. Choose the word from the answer choices that goes with the third word. Look at the example. 

cat > kitten : horse > ? 

Answer choices:        baby        small        calf        foal        puppy 

Example 1

In each question the first three figures are similar in some way. Decide how they are the same.  Then choose the figure from the answer choices that goes with them. Look at the example below. 

Answer Options 

 
Example 2  

The first line below shows how a square piece of dark paper is folded and where holes are punched in it.  You must select an image from the answer options which shows how the paper will look when it is unfolded. 

A grey square with a white circle

Answer options: 

Example 1 

The question starts with two numbers that are linked together in some way. Next there are two more numbers that are linked in exactly the same way.  You have to work out how the numbers are linked and then finish off the third pair. Look at the example. 

[ 2 > 4 ]  [ 6 > 12 ]  [ 13 > ? ] 

Answer options:           15            18            20             26              130 

Example 2

Each question shows a series of numbers.  You have to work out the rule or rules used to arrange the numbers.  Then decide what number should come next in the series. Look at the example. 

3 6 12 24 ? 

Answer options:           12  30  32  48  56 

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The STEM curriculum focuses on the skills required to be at the top of these fields.

Catalyst is Nova Hreod Academy's specialist STEM stream for aspitational learning for talented students with a keen interest and an aptitude for learning Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects.

Catalyst students will benefit from an in-depth, fast paced curriculum including Engineering and Computer Science, and they will get to enjoy a range of extra-curricular opportunities designed to support their interests. They will gain additional benefits from links with industry due to Nova's partnerships with academic institutions and local industry to develop a unique provision in Swindon. This will further enhance the opportunities for Catalyst students to join in activities that relate to STEM careers.

In order to be considered for the STEM Catalyst Steam, parents first need to apply for a place at Nova Hreod Academy for their child. Applications are made via the annual Swindon schools admissions process with Swindon Borough Council.

Parents are advised to put Nova Hreod Academy as their first preference school, or as one of their three choices while they find out more (the deadline for applications is 31st October).

Once a Year 7 place at the school has been offered and accepted, the selection process for the STEM Catalyst Stream commences. When parents have accepted their child’s place at Nova Hreod Academy they will receive an invitation for their child to participate in the assessment. 

Candidates who successfully get through the assessment stage will then be invited to deliver a five minute presentation about a STEM topic of their choice to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and passion. Topics could include renewable energy, coding and artificial intelligence, hydrogen and electric vehicles, the homes of the future, or any other field where the applicant has a keen interest. 

Parents will be informed within two weeks if their child has been successful and has gained a place in the Catalyst stream.

Whilst we will have reading, writing and maths SATs data for children who are offered a place at the Academy, this often does not arrive in school until July and this is too late for deciding places in the Catalyst Stream.

We need to ensure that pupils given a place on the Catalyst Stream are able to cope with the highly academic curriculum.  It is important to us that children are taught at the right level for them and we would not wish to place a child under strain by teaching them at a higher learning level than they are capable of. Pupils will therefore take a verbal reasoning and a non-verbal reasoning test.

As you will have already completed your school choices on the Swindon Borough Council Admissions Form and selected Nova Hreod Academy, your son/daughter will be offered a place at Nova Hreod Academy by the local authority.  Nova has a strong record of school improvement, and is one of the top performing schools in Swindon.  We are confident that your child will thrive and achieve well at Nova.

If you did not wish to accept a place at the Academy, you will need to notify Swindon Borough Council’s Admissions Team who will work with you to allocate your son/daughter a place at another secondary school in Swindon. 

All of the Catalyst Stream students are expected to abide by the following principles:

• Remain amongst the highest-attaining students in formal assessments
• Be active in school activities
• Participate in extra-curricular activities
• Offer leadership to others & be positive role-models
• Maintain high attendance levels
• Aspire to attend a top university​

We offer the following to Catalyst Stream students:

• Increased lesson time in the STEM subjects,
• Access to STEM based extracurricular activities,
• Higher Education guidance and Career advice,
• Leadership and role-model opportunities,
• Adapted pastoral and tutor support,
• Teaching by staff who are adept at working with high ability students.