I am delighted to welcome you to the UWC Atlantic prospectus I hope you will find all you need to know about college life and the kind of experience you can expect if you choose to apply for a place here.
At the height of the Cold War our founder, radical educationalist Kurt Hahn, sounded a clarion call to young people around the world - ‘You are needed!’
UWC Atlantic was the founding school in what is now a flourishing global movement, with 18 schools across four continents UWC Atlantic was the realisation of Kurt Hahn’s dream - that if young people from very different backgrounds were educated together they could build a common understanding to prevent future conflicts
Sixty years on from our founding, our call to young people sounds as loudly as ever.
That core mission has strengthened and evolved with our focus now on systems change - to understand how our societies are structured and analyse how they unite and divide us and, importantly, impact our planet. We then ask: “What action can we take to create more equality, compassion and sustainability?”
We have courageous aims for the future of the college and the wider UWC global movement. We want our students to take deep and sustained action in the areas of social and climate justice through innovation and service in Wales, the United Kingdom, or their communities back home.
To support this, we will embed a wellbeing framework into the structures and culture of the college to enable each student to flourish. A community where each member is valued for their differences, as well as their similarities, and where everyone feels like they belong
Join us on our journey.
Best wishes,
The UWC global movement makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
“I
would like to encourage you to explore, engage and consider what you can bring to UWC Atlantic, to help make the difference that is needed in the world today.”
HOW TO APPLY
The UWC movement seeks outstanding students who want to become changemakers for a better world, regardless of their socio-economic, religious, national, ethnic or cultural background. Joining UWC Atlantic, or any other UWC school or college, will be life-affirming and life-changing. It is important for you to make sure it’s the right choice for you.
The application process for UWC schools is done a bit differently to other schools and colleges. Applications do not come to the college directly — instead there are two different routes for prospective students.
ROUTE ONE:
National Committees
You can apply through the UWC National Committee in your country of residence or citizenship Applications usually open in the summer or early autumn, depending on the country.
This route may offer the chance for you to receive a scholarship for your UWC experience, ensuring socio-economic diversity on all UWC campuses.
More than 65% of national committee students receive a full or a partial scholarship towards their UWC education If your application is successful, your national committee will carry out a financial means assessment to determine a scholarship based on your needs to ensure you can benefit from a UWC education
ROUTE TWO:
The Global Selection Programme (GSP)
If you wish to attend a specific UWC school, this is the correct route to apply through. Candidates applying through this route will not receive any financial assistance please also note that places for GSP are allocated on a first come first served basis (following a successful selection process), and so early applications are encouraged.
The applications for GSP usually open in August for entry the following academic year.
UWC Atlantic is a student sponsor and can sponsor students under both the UK Child Student and Student visa routes.
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLYING
Students must be born between 2 Sep 2007 and 31 Oct 2010 (for entry in 2026)
Students can only apply via one route per year (National Committee or Global Selection Programme)
Students need to demonstrate age-appropriate qualities and skills that will enable them to thrive in our learning programme. These include:
A positive approach to learning
An academic profile that indicates the student can study with confidence
Active engagement in activities and extra-curricular interests
Positive and collaborative behaviour and social interactions with peers
FEES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Everyone has the right to a quality education That’s why we offer one of the most comprehensive scholarship programmes in the world
If you are interested in attending a UWC school, you should apply regardless of your financial circumstances. Many of the students selected by our national committees are awarded full or partial scholarships. National committees will carry out a means-test to determine the level of financial help needed.
You can reach our admissions team at:
GET IN TOUCH! admissions@uwcatlantic.org
Alternatively, visit our website to find out more:
https://www.uwcatlantic.org/ admissions
WHY STUDY WITH US?
UWC Atlantic is the founding college of the UWC global education movement. Its home is the beautiful 12th-century St Donat’s Castle in South Wales, where students from over 90 countries come together for two years to live and work in a dynamic learning landscape
UWC Atlantic is a deliberately diverse, mission-driven international college with a strong commitment to the educational principles of Kurt Hahn, its founder, and a passionate belief in the importance of education as a force for good in the world; to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
Since 1962, UWC Atlantic has entrusted students with authentic responsibility and guided them to make appropriate choices and to learn from their mistakes It is through this trust, responsibility and accountability that students learn that they can make a difference and that through effort and engagement they can achieve far more than they ever imagined (‘There is more in you than you think’)
UWC Atlantic empowers bridge-builders, systems changers and compassionate global citizens through the delivery of a pioneering and distinctive IBDP educational model
There is more in you than you think.
WHAT IS THE IBDP?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a 21st century globally recognised educational programme, that develops a natural inquiring mindset amongst students aged 16-19. The IBDP fosters critical thinking, a desire to learn, and prepares students to excel in the future and lead meaningful lives as global citizens.
In 2023, UWC Atlantic became the first school to offer a new pathway within the IBDP, developed together with the International Baccalaureate. This new pathway (known as the STP) focuses on systems transformation, and you can read more about it below.
Students completing the full IB Diploma Programme will take three core subjects: theory of knowledge, CAS (creativity, activity and service), and an extended essay
Students are also required to study six subjects across different academic areas:
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts
Students must choose three subjects at Higher Level and three subjects at Standard Level They must select one subject from Groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. They can then select either one subject from Group 6 or another subject from Groups 1 to 5.
STANDARD IB DIPLOMA SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION PATHWAY (STP)
Taking the place of 2 Standard Level subjects in the IBDP, this new Systems Transformation Pathway is specially designed at UWC Atlantic to equip graduates to take on some of the greatest global challenges on a climate-changed planet: transforming the food system; advancing a just energy transition; reversing biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems; and responding to migration and displacement at an unprecedented scale.
To ensure adequate breadth in this IBDP pathway, students are also required to take 1 language subject (Group 1 or 2); and 1 of either mathematics (Group 5) or a science (Group 4) Students can take up to 2 courses from any single subject group, and no more than 2 across Groups 1 and 2.
Beyond this, there are no restrictions on their subject choices, and students are encouraged to choose subjects that will contribute to their ability to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the world
ACADEMIC SUBJECT CHOICES:
THE ARTS
The Art Department has two large painting, drawing and design studios, two computer labs, a print studio, a ceramics building and a Chromakey special effects VR. It also boasts a photography and film studio.
The department has strong links with international galleries, museums and street art exhibitions and centres
We enjoy the expertise of 4 practicing artists, many also lecturing at universities and colleges in South Wales and England
All students have the opportunity to develop additional art practices. We offer activities such as Ceramics, Eco Fashion Design, Digital Photography, Painting and Printmaking as part of the CAS Programme.
MUSIC
The Music Department has recently been refurbished and includes a range of studios, instruments and soundproof practice rooms.
The department offers piano, voice (classical and popular/musical theatre), guitar (electric, acoustic, and bass), violin, viola, cello, double bass, piccolo, flute, saxophone, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, drums and percussion, trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, and organ; however, we also offer other less common instruments and are able to source teachers for most instruments as students require.
Music as an IBDP subject includes three primary components: research, performance, and composition
The performance aspect is the focus of our one-to-one instrumental lessons, which take place weekly and are included as part of the course There are regular opportunities for performance and trips throughout the year
Composition is also undertaken in lesson time, primarily using Logic and Sibelius in the iMac suite and the recording studio The course exposes students to many types and genres of music, but at the same time they have a great deal of choice in which areas they would like to focus on in their own work and with a wide range of instruments to chose from.
CO-CURRICULAR EXPERIENCE
What makes up our co-curricular programme?
UWC Atlantic gives the co-curricular as much importance as the academic element of the IB Diploma Programme.
Our CAS programme is much broader and more far-reaching than a typical IB school We believe this is important so that students can develop their specific passions and interests, work with new groups of people, build on their potential to challenge themselves and move beyond their comfort zone by taking their experiential learning to a new level We want this to help shape each student’s ambitions and priorities so that when they graduate and go onto university or the world of work, their choices can be informed by their social conscience and underpinned by the UWC values
Our co-curricular programme is made up of three main elements: Creativity, Activity and Service Activities (CAS in IB terminology); Project Week, Lighthouse, Prentis / Changemaker Programme and Conferences.
WHAT IS CAS?
SACCREATIVITY
exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance
ACTIVITY
physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle
SERVICE
collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need
CAS is a mandatory component of the IB Diploma Programme, providing a ‘counterbalance’ to the academic rigour of the programme. As part of the curriculum, students are expected to undertake a minimum of two hours of community service, two hours of physical activity and a further two hours of creative activity each week. These sessions take place in the afternoon, evenings and weekends.
PROJECT WEEK
Every year students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a project for a week one of the major events in our co-curricular calendar. Projects are either service related, expedition-based or centred around creativity.
Projects are proposed by students and staff and embrace collaborative planning and teamwork First and second years work together and learn to embrace and value each others' knowledge, skills and experience. Project Week is filled with lots of fun and opportunities to make new friends
LIGHTHOUSE
Lighthouse is an on-campus centre for meaningful changemaking at UWC Atlantic. Lighthouse builds on the UWC values by nurturing students’ creativity, idealism, and sense of stewardship while equipping them with the expertise, knowledge and entrepreneurial skills needed to create businesses to drive profits and social change. We believe that creative confidence, resilience, and taking productive risks are all necessary for innovation and envisioning a more peaceful and sustainable world We also believe that a sufficient awareness and understanding of the challenges facing humanity are part of any meaningful changemaking.
PRENTIS
Prentis — the Welsh word for apprentice — invites you to apprentice yourself to a cause you believe in, involving the whole student head, heart and hand In order to do this, we are developing courses that are inter-disciplinary, break down the boundary between the academic and co-curricular realm and focus on some of the most pertinent issues we face in the 21st century: our relationship with the environment, with the digital realm and with ever-changing human communities across our globalised world
CONFERENCES
Conferences are held 3 times a year at UWC Atlantic They are completely student led and give students the opportunity to manage the event From submitting proposals for themes to be covered to sourcing and booking the venue and speakers, developing workshops, producing the marketing materials, inviting participants and running the conference/event from start to finish
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2024, our students were able to choose from over 30 different project weeks! This included projects such as a choir tour to Oxford, discovering Snowdonia, climbing, building a communal fire pit on campus, sailing with Challenge Wales and many more.
WHY IB?
The IB provides students with a global approach to education that is rigorous, dynamic, worldrenowned and student-centered. The ability to study across six subjects provides students with breadth and depth in their educational experience and learning journey The IB also enhances students’ critical thinking compared with non-IB students, especially in sixth form The IB is worldrenowned and endorsed by universities and employers on a global scale, and has been established for over 50 years.
STUDENT VOICES
At UWC Atlantic, it is important for us to ensure that student voices are heard
There are many ways for students to get involved in how the school is run, exercising their sense of idealism and authentic responsibility by taking on important roles within the structure of the school
In addition to the groups listed below, students also get involved in national groups, different sports teams and hobby-based clubs as well as a variety of movements
Read on to find out more about the ways in which students can shape UWC Atlantic to be the place they want it to be
COUNCILS
StuCo The Student Council
Mandate: To protect, enhance and mp ement the student voice
SLACC — Student Life At Atlantic College Council
Mandate: To facilitate and ensure an enriching student life through community building experientia earning and entertainment
BOARDS
STUDENT DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
The Student Disciplinary Committee is a group of 7 students responsible for evaluating cases of discipline and recommending courses of action The Board also meets regarding college policy to review and propose changes.
CO-CURRICULAR COMMITTEE
The Co-Curricular Committee is a group of 9 students (3 per core cocurricular session: Creativity; Activity; Service). They are responsible for ensuring that the options available for CAS and project week are those believed to maximise the fulfilment of the student body
CONFERENCE BOARD
The Conference Board is a group of 5 students responsible for selecting conferences for the academic year ahead, and providing the organisers with logistical support
PEER LISTENERS
Peer listeners are the first point of contact for students facing personal and interpersonal issues There are 3 peer listeners in each student house chosen by house mentors who feedback to the school counsellors and ultimately to the Safeguarding Team
PeaCo The Peace Council
Mandate: To prov de a platform for students to share g obal and ocal issues, teach methods of conflict resolution and enhance the “act local think global” ph losophy
SusCo The Sustainability Council
Mandate: To encourage awareness about and passion for our planet among both students and staff, ensuring that it is respected in all aspects of college life
WellCo — The Wellbeing Council
Mandate: To promote and raise awareness of al aspects of we lbeing and help students achieve a ba ance in the intense UWCA lifestyle
#SCHOOLFORACTIVISTS
“I’ve worked at UWC Atlantic for 8 years, first in College Operations and HR and then moved to the Estates team. I consider myself very lucky to work with our fantastic maintenance team; all of us are part of a vibrant international community surrounded by nature and the sea in a small corner of beautiful South Wales.”
SARAH SAVAGE
“Teaching anthropology at UWC Atlantic - to an incredibly diverse student body - is a very rewarding challenge Our classroom is a unique space to embrace and respect cultural differences ”
JAMES WILLIAMS TEACHER OF ANTHROPOLOGY
“As the Student Life Coordinator I enjoy working closely with different groups of students in helping them organise activities, events and trips that enrich their experience and learning ”
CLAUDIA VALARINO STUDENT LIFE COORDINATOR
HELPDESK TEAM LEADER
“My experience as a student here was truly transformative I remain passionate about the UWC mission and know that in our hands we hold the potential to change lives and to shape the world beyond our own communities ”
LUCRETIA FIELDS
VICE PRINCIPAL: STUDENT LIFE, SAFEGUARDING, WELLBEING AND BELONGING
THE CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION
Living together happily is all about accepting differences It’s about having the ability to listen to, recognise, respect, trust and appreciate others to be able to live in a peaceful and united way.
We usually have 380 students living on-site in a range of student houses integrated into the wider campus. Each student house sleeps around 48 students, in dormitories of four students to one room
Each dormitory will have four beds, space for you to keep your clothes and personal items and a shared bathroom.
Within each student house, there is a large shared kitchen with a living area, and a quiet study space. Houses are named, which will give you a sense of belonging to your housemates
Each of the eight student houses at UWC Atlantic has two dedicated House Mentors and three to four tutors assigned to it
They work as a team to support students in every aspect of their life away from home and promote a sense of well-being within the student house.
LEISURE FACILITIES
SPORTS
We understand the importance of leisure and physical activity as a way of keeping fit, making friends and finding new hobbies That’s why we have an array of indoor and outdoor activities for you to get involved in.
From our open access sports hall, gym, tennis courts and dance studio to our lifeguard attended indoor and outdoor swimming pools and our climbing wall, there really is something for everyone.
We have a stunning 3km walking / running route through our woodland, which can be accessed in daylight hours, as well as adjacent playing fields
Some of our students are trained as lifeguards, supervising the pools and providing opening hours to suit the needs of the students.
Most of our facilities are open from 6am until check-in, ensuring that students can access these spaces whenever it is most convenient for them
THE LIBRARY
Students have full access to the Agatha Christie library within the castle. This provides them with ample study space filled with thousands of books, providing a homely and enjoyable space to read and learn
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Coming to a new school can be daunting, exciting and a little bit nerve-wracking all at the same time. For that reason, we have put together a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions, some of which you can read on this page.
Q
FOOD
Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in nutrients and vitamins is key to your success as a student here at UWC Atlantic and an offering we take immense pride in
We work with our on-site caterers to ensure all dishes are made from natural ingredients and are locally sourced The menus reflect seasonal changes and are varied to ensure you will have the opportunity to enjoy good food in a home from home environment
Our wonderful catering team often put on meal services themed around different cultural events and holidays.
Q
WHO IS AT THE COLLEGE TO SUPPORT ME?
Your tutor and house mentors are your first points of contact if you have any problems or questions Our staff in The Learning Centre (TLC) are also available to help with social and emotional support through counselling and specific learning needs. We also have an onsite health centre. Our Welcome Team staff are also there 24/7 to provide emergency support
Q
WHAT DUTIES DO I HAVE TO DO IN RESIDENCE?
You will be responsible for keeping your room and the common areas clean and tidy The College supplies you with the equipment and materials to do this. Professional cleaners come to clean the bathrooms and common areas regularly.
Q
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM UNWELL?
In case of illness, students can visit the Wellbeing (Health) Centre Routine medical treatment and treatment for accidents and emergencies will be given free of charge under the British National Health Service (NHS). The College has a full time nurse, health care assistants, on-site counsellors and a clinical psychologist
7:15 - 7:55 10:05 12:00 - 13:30 17:30 - 19:00
Timings differ on the weekends.
Curious to find out more?
Head to our website to read through more of our FAQs
HOW CAN I REPRESENT MY COUNTRY / CULTURE?
We have culture weeks, national and regional evenings and other days where we celebrate our different cultures which means sharing with others the food, clothing, songs, poems, dances, ceremonies etc from your country. Our most important event to celebrate diversity is the annual UWC Day on 21 September
GET TO KNOW THE AREA
Life as a student at UWC Atlantic is also about discovering Wales, known as “the land of song".
Llantwit Major the town closest to the college is steeped in education history. In fact, it is the earliest formal centre of learning in the UK. St Illtyd, the saint after whose church the town is named, drew scholars from all over Europe with Saint Patrick and Saint David reported to be among them
There are several shops in the town of Llantwit Major A bit further afield, Cardiff boasts some of the best shopping in South Wales, as well as a variety of cultural and historical venues, such as Cardiff Castle, Bute Park and Sophia Gardens
WHY NOT TRY:
ICE SKATING OR HOCKEY
MOVIES OR BOWLING A SHOW OR PLAY MUSIC AND COMEDY SPORTING EVENTS
at Cardiff Castle or St Fagans National Museum
at the Wales Millennium Centre or New Theatre at the Principality Stadium and Cardiff International Arena at the Ice Arena Wales at our two stadiums or Sophia Gardens GET INTO HISTORY at the Red Dragon Centre
Students are expected to be back on campus by 7.30pm Sunday to Thursday, and 8.30pm on Friday and Saturday.
UWC Atlantic is based at St Donat’s Castle a 12th-century castle set in 122 acres of woodland and farmland, with its own valley and seafront We are the only United World College in the UK. Established in 1962, we are the founding college of the UWC Movement, which we launched in 1967 The college also co-created the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme now widely respected across the world The UWC Movement encompasses 18 global schools and colleges dedicated to uniting cultures and nations through education.
HEALTH & WELLBEING AT UWC ATLANTIC
Everyone has different needs when it comes to support and guidance. At UWC Atlantic, you can expect fully qualified and experienced health and wellbeing staff to provide the support you need, when you need it.
A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
We take the wellbeing and safety of each individual student very seriously and we strive to create a safe and welcoming environment at the college. We have robust safeguarding and anti-bullying policies in place to ensure that young people studying here can do so in a secure environment, with trained staff on hand to help.
DEDICATED
HEALTH CENTRE
UWC Atlantic has an on-site health centre that is run by qualified nurses, where no appointments are needed, and students can drop in when they like. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 7am until 7pm
Doctors appointments can be made via the health centre staff. Our campus doctor runs clinics twice a week and emergency appointments are also available
Our on-site counsellors are available to help if personal difficulties are getting in the way of your studies We provide quiet spaces to talk through your challenges with a counsellor and work towards making them easier to handle All our students are eligible to seek counselling through either one-to-one sessions or informal weekly drop-in sessions, which they can register for confidentially.
The health centre staff can arrange optician appointments and emergency dental appointments We also advise students to ensure routine dental and orthodontic appointments are made when students are back at home out of term times.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
At UWC Atlantic, we appreciate and celebrate all forms of individuality and that applies to learning styles too We understand that students learn in different ways to one another and we are determined to accommodate individual learning needs and requirements
If you have an identified learning difficulty and/or disability, you can access further support from one of our dedicated Learning Centre team members, who will provide one-to-one study sessions, or group sessions
“There is more to us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less”
Kurt Hahn
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
With more than 90 nationalities on campus, living and studying in a foreign language is a fascinating journey but it can also be a big challenge. Some students at UWC Atlantic speak little or no English when they first join the school, but they gradually develop their linguistic skills and build up their confidence throughout the two-year programme
We provide a wide range of strategies and support for all students for whom English is not their first language, such as:
At UWC Atlantic, learning support is about more than just exams and grades. It is about developing the confidence to communicate and access a lifetime of enriching experiences and opportunities both at the College and beyond.
One-to-one tutorials
Help with homework
Adapting texts and materials
Supporting students in their IB subject classes
Classes for those where English is an additional language
EMBEDDING SUSTAINABILITY INTO COLLEGE LIFE
At UWC Atlantic we are blessed with a wealth of habitats, from beaches to woodland to our beautiful castle gardens and our valley We are passionate about sustainable development to benefit the college, our community and the wider world.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in practical conservation From helping to cultivate the soil our valley-grown vegetables are grown in, working with the college gardeners or getting involved in beach cleans and wildlife monitoring, there truly is something for everyone
The Sustainability Council (or SusCo for short) also leads on a variety of sustainability-related projects throughout the year, allowing students to implement sustainable practices into their daily life
THE VALLEY
The Valley is a 2 acre stretch of land on campus, where our Agricultural Manager teaches students how to grow a variety of vegetables and salads which are used within meals, teaching a clear understanding of indigenous/companion planting practices and permaculture methods Students will explore soil building & regeneration, using natural fertilisers, consistent composting and mulching and non-invasive harvest methods
ATLANTIC EMPORIUM
Atlantic Emporium allows anyone within the UWC community to acquire a wide range of merchandise from UWC Atlantic, allowing us to secure a revenue stream to financially support our development plans and future scholarships
We live the same values of the UWC mission, offering sustainable, ethical products.
Our vision is to create an online shopping experience that is multifaceted in its purpose, inclusive for all and pioneering within the UWC movement.
Atlantic Emporium is made up of 3 collections:
Celebrate all things UWC with our branded merchandise, from cosy hoodies loved by students to cute teddy bears for your little ones We have the perfect gifts for past, present and future UWC students THE ATLANTIC COLLECTION
We want to showcase the best of the Vale of Glamorgan by offering the incredible works of local craftspeople. We also hope this will ensure a more sustainable future for the community which the college is grateful to be a part of CARU’R FRO COLLECTION
The Heritage Collection passes down and showcases the incredible works of those who make up the UWC Atlantic community, who all experienced the journey of the UWC movement right here at the college THE HERITAGE COLLECTION
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
It is important for us to make sure that students receive the appropriate support during their time at the College to ensure they are prepared for the world that awaits them after they complete their 2-year IB diploma journey We have a variety of ways to help our students towards a successful future
SPRING FORWARD PROGRAMME
The Spring Forward Programme is a period of time at the end of the school year when our IB1 students stay on at the school after their second years have left in order to prepare for their final year at the College. This allows them to reflect on their first year, preparing themselves and the campus for the arrival of the new cohort
FURTHER EDUCATION SUPPORT
What you go on to do after your time at UWC Atlantic is really important to us We have a team of advisors who can offer support on the options open to you in university and help you to look into things further
We believe the most important factor in finding your next step is to explore where you will feel most happy and grounded. We can help you think about location, financial need, course availability and campus
Our alumni have successfully applied to a universities in a variety of countries, including the US, UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Hong Kong, Australia, China, Canada and others
REUNIONS
Our alumni are a vital part of our community, and UWC Atlantic has over 9000 alumni all over the world. Each year the College hosts a reunion event, welcoming back our community to allow our alumni to reconnect with friends they made during their time at the College, and reminisce about their experiences in the place they once called home
