Guillem Cata is a publically – owned and funded secondary school in Manresa, Barcelona.
It was set up during the academic year 1996-97 as a middle school for ( 12-16 ) years old and high school for ( 16-18) as well as a vocational training centre . The school is relatively big , with almost (900) students , a fact which reflects the cultural diversity in our city. There are also some ( 75) teachers as well as (8) workers who help out with , both adminstrative and technical tasks.
Despite the fact that the school is relatively new, its origins can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century, when the local school for Arts and Craftsmanship was created so that local workers could also have a access to better training. During the 1920s, that school ‘s name was changed into “Fius i Palà “ secondary school and later in 1996 it was united with “Bages secondary school. The outcome of both is the present-day “Guillem Catà” secondary school.
The name itself refers to the renowned local architect who was in charge of constructing the main water canal in Manresa back in the 15th century. Up till now, this extraordinary work by Guillem Catà is still alive and provides Manresa with water. The name Guillem Catà has become a symbol for the people’s will for work, co-operation as well as recognition of the service to the community.
During the academic year 2003-04, the school was set up in its present day premises in the neighbourhood of “ Font dels Capellans “ at number 6-8 Rosa Sensat street. There are some primary schools, both public and private , nearby .
Apart from the obligatory and post obligatory studies on offer at the school, there is a wide range of vocational training courses addressed to serving the local community such as :
Medical centres aides.
Trade and commerce
Marketing
Hair-dressing and personal image
Child education
Socio-cultural activities and tourism.
Last, but not least, the school spares no effort to be a part of the local community, tat’s why extracurricular activities are part and parcel of the syllabus carried out inside as well as outside the classrooms in order to give our students a better chance in the job market once they have graduated.
Original text ; F. Comas and R. Fontdevila
Translated by: A . Sayed