WELCOME
from Naheed Bardai
DearStudent,
A very warm welcome to UWC Atlantic as you join our engaged and extraordinary communityunitingbrilliant,deliberately-diverse,fertileyoungmindsacross90nationsand culturestoliveandlearntogetherinaquestforworldpeaceandsustainability Comewith anopen-mindandopenheart,andbepreparedtobechallengedandstretchedinwaysyou mightneverhaveimagined.
For the first time in decades, a group of students amongst our cohort who entered the College in 2023-2024, had an opportunity to pioneer a new version of the IB Diploma through a partnership between the College and the International Baccalaureate to transformeducationglobally CalledtheSystemsTransformationPathway:Leadershipfor Just Futures, this pathway teaches outside of classrooms and exams equipping students withtheskillstheyneedtochallengetraditionalsystemsacrossfourimpactareas:Food, Biodiversity,SustainabilityandMigration.Findoutmoreinsidethishandbook.
Attheheartofyournewhomeisourmagical12thcenturycastle,steepedinCeltichistory andwhere,justover60yearsago,theUWCglobalmovementfirstbegan BeyondtheCastle thereare122-acresofpasture,valley,woodlandandseafrontthatyoucannowcallhome Adventuresawait!Adventuresduringwhichfriendshipswillbeforgedandtransformations experiencedthatwilllasttherestofyourlives.
Butpleaserememberthatthiswonderfulopportunitycomeswitharesponsibility:toliveby UWC values and to make a positive difference in the world. Keep the following at the forefront of your mind in all you do here: UWC makes education a force to unite people, nationsandculturesforpeaceandasustainablefuture
Thishandbookprovidesanswerstomanyquestionsbutyou’reboundtohavemore.The staffandsecond-yearstudentsaretheretohelpyouwiththeanswers.
In the meantime, please take time to read this handbook paying close attention to the LearningthroughResidentialLifeandUWCAtlanticCodeofConductsections.Emphasisis placedonthepersonalresponsibilityandculturalsensitivitynecessaryforlivinginamultinationalcommunity
Mywishforyouisthatyouhavethetimeofyourlivesoverthenexttwoyearsandwhatever contributionyougoontomaketotheworld,you’llneverforgethowthisplaceinspiredyou.
We are Ambitious...
Ourambitionstatementtobuildbridgebuildersand compassionateleadersissimpleandstrong.
Over 60 years ago, UWC Atlantic started the UWC movement, and today thanks to an ambitious ten yearstrategy,wearepioneeringagain.
This Transformative Education for Global Impact strategypositionsthecollegeasapioneerwithinthe education world, including an innovative new educationalpathwaydevelopedinpartnershipwith the International Baccalaureate - The Systems Transformation Pathway : Leadership for Just Futures.
Ourvisionistoreclaimourpositionastheflagship college of the UWC movement, recognised for the radical and experimental spirit that defines our historyanddrivesourimpactontheworld
Developbridgebuildersand compassionateleaders,empowering themtogobeyondtreatingsymptoms tounderstandrootcausesandinitiate transformativesolutionstohuman andenvironmentalcrises.Weare passionatethatlearningbecomes mostpowerfulwhenusedforthe greatergood.
CollegeInformation
UWC’s
Mission, Values and Education Models
UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
UWC believes that to achieve peace and a sustainable future, the values it promotes are crucial.
•Internationalandinterculturalunderstanding
•Celebrationofdifference
•Personalresponsibilityandintegrity
•Mutualresponsibilityandrespect
•Compassionandservice
•Respectfortheenvironment
•Asenseofidealism
•Personalchallenge
•Actionandpersonalexample
Findoutmoreatwww.uwc.org
LearningthroughAcademics
UWCAtlantic,likealltheUnitedWorldColleges,offerstheInternationalBaccalaureateDiplomaProgramme(IBDP) The IBDiplomaisadeliberatesynthesisofthespecialisationrequiredinsomenationalsystemsandthebreadthprovidedin others.
In2023-2024,UWCAtlanticbecamethefirstschoolintheworldtoofferanewpathwaywithintheIBDP:theSystems TransformationPathway.TheSystemsTransformationPathwaysupportsourambitionthataUWCAtlanticeducation develops“bridgebuildersandcompassionateleaders,empoweringthemtogobeyondtreatingsymptomstounderstand rootcausesandinitiatetransformativesolutionstohumanandenvironmentalcrises”Thispioneeringanddistinctive newIBDPpathwayhasbeendevelopedoutofapartnershipbetweenUWCAtlanticandtheInternationalBaccalaureate
BothpathwaysbelowleadtostudentsreceivingthefullIBDiploma,subjecttomeetingthegraduationrequirements.
TwoAcademicPathwaysintheIBDiploma
CURRENTIBDIPLOMAPROGRAMME
StudentscompletingthefullIBDParerequiredto studysixsubjectsacrossdifferentacademicareas
Thesixacademicareasare:
Group1:StudiesinLanguageandLiterature
Group2:LanguageAcquisition
Group3:IndividualsandSocieties
Group4:ExperimentalSciences
Group5:Mathematics
Group6:TheArts
StudentsmustchooseonesubjectfromGroups1-5. TheymustthenselecteitheronesubjectfromGroup6 orchooseasecondsubjectfromGroups1to4
StudentsmustchoosethreesubjectsatHigherLevel andthreesubjectsatStandardLevel.
Note:EnvironmentalSystemsandSocietiesisan interdisciplinarycoursethatcanbechosenasaGroup 3oraGroup4subject.
FindoutmoreabouttheIBDiplomaatwwwiboorg
SYSTEMSTRANSFORMATIONPATHWAY
TakingtheplaceoftwoStandardLevelsubjectsinthe IBDPisabespokecoursespeciallydesignedatUWC Atlantictoequipgraduatestotakeonsomeofthe greatestglobalchallengesonaclimate-changedplanet: transformingthefoodsystem;advancingajustenergy transition;reversingbiodiversitylossandrestoring ecosystems;andrespondingtomigrationand displacementatanunprecedentedscale
StudentspursuingtheSystemsTransformationPathway mustchoosethreeIBDPsubjectsatHigherLevelandone subjectatStandardLevel TheSystemsTransformation PathwaycourseisworthtwoStandardLevelsubjects.
Toensurebreadthintheirstudies,studentsarerequired totakeatleastonesubjectfromGroups1and2andat leastonesubjectfromGroups4and5.
Studentscantakeuptotwocoursesfromeachacademic area(Groups1-6),butnomorethantwosubjects combinedfromGroups1and2.Beyondthisthereareno restrictionsontheirsubjectchoices.
FindoutmoreaboutthenewSystemsTransformation Pathwayat https://www.uwcatlantic.org/learning/academic/system s-transformation-pathwayorthecoursemicrosite https://sitesgooglecom/uwcatlanticorg/transformingsy stems
Findingtherightpathway
Programmeof townhalls including subjectchoice information
Subjectchoiceform completed,including asecondsetof subjectsforthose applyingtothe Systems Transformation Pathway
Applicationsduefor thefirststageof selectionsforthe Systems Transformation Pathway
27Mayand3 June 1July 15July
Diagnostictesting Finalstage selectionsforthe Systems Transformation Pathway
TosupportyouwithchoosingtherightpathwayandsetofsubjectsintheIBDP:
Timetable finalisedwith tutor
Step1:Weofferaseriesoftownhallmeetingsforstudentsandfamiliesintheincomingclass,includingoneonthe academicprogramme,withspecificinformationaboutSystemsTransformationPathway.
Step2:Alongwithvariousenrolmentforms,youwillreceiveoneespeciallytomakeyoursubjectchoices.Tohelpyou completethisformyoucanrefertotheinformationinthisbookletandreviewthevideorecordingsofthetownhall meetings.TheapplicationprocessandformfortheSystemsTransformationPathwaywillopenatthesametime. StudentsapplyingtothePathwaywillbeaskedtosubmittwosetsofsubjectchoices:asetof4subjectstheywould takealongsidethePathway,andincasetheyarenotselected,asetof6subjectsinthecurrentIBDiploma.
Step3:ThevideoapplicationforthefirstroundofSystemsTransformationPathwayisdueon9July.Followinga shortlistingprocess,applicantsarenotifiedoftheoutcomepriortoarrivingattheCollegeandfinalistsinvitedtothe in-personselectionactivity.
Step4:Intheorientationprocessallfirstyearstudentswilltakeanadaptivecognitiveassessment,adiagnostictestin MathsandcompleteanEnglishwritingexercise Thisistogiveusanindicationofyouradvisedlevelinyoursubject selections StudentsshortlistedforthefinalstageoftheselectionprocessfortheSystemsTransformationPathway willparticipateinacollaborativeselectionactivityduringtheorientationperiod
Step5:Yourtimetablewillbefinalisedwithyourtutorafterthediagnosticresultshavebeencompleted
EnrolmentintheSystemsTransformationPathwayissubjecttoaselectionprocessandthecohortwillbefinalised priortothefirstdayofclasses
AllotherIBsubjectsareofferedsubjecttoavailability,timetablingconstraintsandstudentnumbers Incaseasubject isoversubscribed,randomselectionmightbeappliedtodecidewhocantakethesubject Thestudentswillbenotified inadvanceifthisislikelytohappenallowingthemtohaveanalternativeplan Pleasenotethatwerequireaminimum uptakeof6studentstoofferanyofthesubjects Wereservetherighttomakethedecisionnottoofferasubjectat shortnoticeatthebeginningofterm
LearningthroughCo-Curricular
ThespiritofEndeavourorco-curricular learningisdeeplyingrainedintheculture andhistoryofUWCAtlanticCollege,anditis avitalpartoftheIBDiplomaProgramme. Theco-curricularprogrammeisdesignedto supportyouinyourpersonaland interpersonaldevelopment,providing opportunitiesforself-discoveryandgrowth. Everystudenthasuniquestartingpoints, needs,andgoals,andawell-roundedcocurricularexperiencecanbeaprofoundand life-changingexperienceforeachindividual
Creativity,ActivityandService(CAS)
AvitalcomponentoftheIBDiplomaProgramme, theprimaryobjectiveofCASistodevelopyouintoa reflectivethinkerwhounderstandstheirownstrengths andlimitations,identifiespersonalgoals,anddevises strategiesforpersonalgrowthAdditionally,CAS encouragesyoutobewillingtoacceptnewchallenges androles,awareofyourselfasamemberofa communitywithresponsibilitiestowardseachother andtheenvironment,activeparticipantsinsustained collaborativeprojects,andbalancedindividualswho enjoyandfindsignificanceinarangeofactivities involvingintellectual,physical,creative,andemotional experiences.CASisstructuredaroundthreestrands: creativity,activity,andservice
Creativity-involvesexploringandextendingideas leadingtoanoriginalorinterpretiveproductor performance
Activity-referstophysicalexertioncontributingto ahealthylifestyle.
Service-involvescollaborativeandreciprocal engagementwiththecommunityinresponsetoan authenticneed.
CASformallybeginsatthestartoftheDiploma ProgrammeYouareexpectedtogiveequal importancetoCASastoanyotherelementofthe DiplomaProgramme,ensuringsufficienttimeis allocatedforengagementintheprogramme SuccessfulcompletionofCASisarequirementforthe awardoftheIBDiplomaWhileCASisnotformally assessed,youwillreflectonyourexperiencesand provideevidenceinyourCASportfoliotodemonstrate thatyouhaveachievedthelearningoutcomesThe portfolioisacollectionofevidencethatshowcasesCAS experiencesandstudentreflections.
Prentis-theWelshwordforapprentice-isacocurricularinitiativethatinvitesyouto“apprentice yourselftoacauseyoubelievein”.Studentswillwork tounderstandalocalsystemlinkedtobiodiversity, energy,food,waterormigrationandconsiderwhere theycanintervenetomakeadifference.Youcan applytoaPrentismoduleasoneofyourCASactivities andwilldevelopthekeyskillsneededfortaking impactfulaction:selflessnessandbridgebuilding; designingforimpactcenteredonneed;managing impactfulaction;andjoyfulactivism.Youwillalso participateinaPrentisActionDaythatbrings togetherallthatyouhavelearnedandexperienced
ExamplesofPrentismodulesfrompreviousyears include:AtlanticPacific@AC,wherestudentspractice humanitarianresponsestodrowning,designand buildrigidinflatablehullboats,andremoveplastics fromourseasthroughinnovativemethods;Diaspora Documentaries,wherestudentsconnectwithpeople livingawayfromtheirhomelandandmake documentaryfilms,andNarrativesforSocialChange, wherestudentscurateandproject-manageapop-up museumwiththeaimofdisruptingnarratives
PrentisallowsstudentsonourSystems TransformationsPathwaytoworkonasmall interventionintheirfirstyearbeforetheyworkon interventionsaspartoftheircourseinthesecond year.Prentisallowsallotherstudentstheopportunity toengagewithaspectsoftheSystems TransformationPathway ThefullofferingofPrentis modulesfor2025/26willbesharedduringthe inductionprocess,whereyouwillhavethe opportunitytoapplytojoinPrentisaspartofyour CASprogramme
Prentis
LighthouseChangemaking&InnovationHub
Lighthouseisanoncampushubfocusedon empoweringstudentstodevelop,test,launchand implementbusinessesandprojectswithapositive social&environmentalimpact
Lighthouseprovidesstudentswithinspiration, mentorship,funding,skillbuildingsessionsand connectsthemwithrelevantresourcesandexperts We believethatallstudentscanbecomesocial entrepreneursorintrapreneursandthattheseskills canbenefitthemforlifeinalldomains.
Thereareseveralwaysforastudenttobeinvolved withLighthouse:
WeeklyCAS:Everyweek,studentsmeettogether tostartorcontinuetoworkonprojects This allowsfornewprojectstoemerge.Wealso discovernewdesignandinnovationskills,career pathwaysandattendworkshopsbybusinessand designexperts Thisisalsoagoodspacefor studentswhowanttodosomethingbutdon’thave anidea,tolearntogofromideation,prototyping andimplementationofanewprojectorworkwith others
IndividualCoaching&Mentorship:Studentscan bookatimetomeetwithLighthousestaffto discusstheirprojectorbusinessideastohelpthem moveforward.Wealsoconnectstudentstoexperts suchasuniversityprofessors,venturecapitalfirms andotherprogramstohelptheirideasflourishand becomesuccessful
AttendeventssuchastheAnnualHackathonora PitchCompetitionwhereexternalexpertsand communitymemberscometogethertocreatenew ideasforon-goingchallengesandlearnto communicatetheirideastofundersand collaborators
ApplyforFunding:EverymonthLighthousegives smallgrantsforstudentswhoneedsupportfor project Attheendoftheyear,studentscanattend theLighthousePrizeeventtopitchforaprizeupto £10,000.Wealsoshareon-goingopportunitiesfor externalfundingwithstudentsandhelpwiththeir applicationstoschemessuchasRise,EarthPrize, GoMakeADifferenceandmanymore!
AttendSkillWorkshopstodevelopskillsfrom PublicSpeaking,tocreatingaprojectbudget,to buildinganonlinebrand,tolearningaboutImpact Investing.Weworkwithalumniandparentsto hostworkshopsthathelpdevelopreal-lifeand practicalskillstohelpyousucceedinbusiness, projectmanagementandleadership!
Someofthe30projectssupportedbyLighthousein previousyearsinclude:
AISA(ArtificialIntelligenceSignLanguage Assistance):Asign-languagetranslationappthat aimstobridgethecommunicationgapbetween hearinganddeafindividuals.
Light-Up:Aprojectseekingtoacceleratetheshift tosustainableenergyinZimbabwewhilst endorsingfemaleempowermentbypromoting poultryrearingtobuysolarpanelsfor communities.
NewBeginnings:Arehabilitationschemefor juveniledetentionleaversinTogothatprovides themwithvocationaltrainingandprovidestheir familieswitheducationandfinancialsupport. InternationalFootballCoaching:Providingfree footballsessionsforyoungpeopleinthelocal communitytoaddressthelackofaccessto affordablespotsinthearea.
Set-UpSensei:Auniqueapptosupportmental healthofyoungmen Set-UpSenseihascreated theworld’sfirstAIpoweredmartialartstraining appandcommunity.
FertigolFarms:Buildinghydroponicsystemfor foodinsecurefamilies
TakeadvantageofLighthouseandlearntotakeideas andmakethemareality
LearningthroughCo-Curricular
ProjectWeek
Ifyouhad5daystoworktogetheronaprojectwitha diversegroupofyourpeersandanadultally,what wouldyoudo?
ThisisthepremiseofProjectWeek,anopportunityto immerseinaprojectfocusingonteamwork,UWC valuesandpersonalgrowththroughmeaningful experiences.Importantly,ProjectWeekisan opportunityforstudentstodemonstrateinitiative andexerciseleadership-andeachyearwesupportan excitingmixofstaff-ledandstudent-initiated(but staff-supported)ProjectWeeks.
Thepreparationandrunupisalwaysanexcitingtime asstaffandstudentleadersalikeplanfortheweek’s activitiesEachyear,differentthemesaresetoutand studentshavetheopportunitytoorganizeand proposeprojectstheywouldliketoundertakewith theguidanceofstaffmentors
Projectsarechosenonanumberofcriteriabutgivea verybroadrangeofamazingexperiencesforstudents tochoosefromandoutcomestoachieve.Wevalue ambitionandencouragestudentstotrysomething new
Inthepastyear,projectsincludedhikingandcultural expeditionsaroundWalesandEngland,workingon Peace&Conflictworkshopsforlocalschools, composingamusicalandtrainingyoungstudents fromprimaryschoolstoperformit,engagingwiththe FutureGenerationsCouncilinCardiff,learningabout thehistoryofastronomyandbuildingasundial, illustratingagraphicnovelandmakingfurnitureout oftrash!Wehadover36optionslastyearandwe knowthisweekisahighlightofyourUWCAtlantic experience.
ParticipationinProjectWeekisarequiredcomponent ofourco-curricularprogrammeandisanimportant partofaUWCeducation;student'sattendance, commitmentandenthusiasmenablethistobea memorableweekwithpersonalgrowth,skill developmentandrelationshipbuilding,leadingto lifelongmemories
Conferences
Conferencesareachangeofpaceinoureducational programme,wherefortwodayswebreakfromthe typicalscheduleoftheacademicweektocreatea differentkindoflearningcommunity
Wehavethreeconferenceseachschoolyear,andthey areentirelystudent-designedandledfrominception throughtodelivery.Consistentlymentionedasa highlightofmanystudents’experienceattheCollege, conferencesfocusonhonouringthediversitywithin theUWCAtlanticcommunitytoextendandbroaden studentknowledgeandexperience,withafocuson peerlearning
Ourconferencescoverarangeoftopicsthatstudents proposefromtopicsimportanttothemandthese topicsarethenselectedbythestudentbodyeach year
In2024-25,ourfirstconference,OceanCon,lookedat UWCAtlantic’sheritagewiththesea,sustainability andhowtheoceanconnectsourplanet
OursecondconferencewasJuntos,anIbero-Latin conferencethatshowcasedthedifferentcountries fromLatinAmericaandSpain,theirculturesand traditions
OurfinalconferencethisyearwastheFestivalofJust Futureswhichlookedatglobalissuesthroughthekey impactareasoffood,biodiversity,migration,and educationusingthelensofsystemsthinkingand leadership
Allourconferencesaresupportedbyexternal speakersandfacilitatorswhohelptoenrichand expandthecontent.
Conferencedatesfor2025-26are:
16-17November2025
25-26January2026
15-16March2026
AllstudentsparticipatefullyintheConferences programmeonbothdays-SundayandMonday.
CollegeCalendar
Pleasenotethescheduleofcollegeholidays. Studentsmusthavefullattendanceduringthe publishedcollegedates,pleaseseethecurrentKey Datesonthefollowingpage
Absencesduringterm-timewillonlybeauthorised underexceptionalcircumstances;aLeaveofAbsence Form(LOA)mustbecompletedatleast7daysprior totherequestedabsence.Pleasedonotbookany travelpriortosubmittingtheLOAform.Studentsare expectednottotakeanLOApriortoOctoberbreakto allowtimeforsettlinginStudentattendanceduring orientationismandatoryandthereforeleaveof absenceduringthestudentorientationprogramme willnotbeauthorisedItisimportantthatstudents havetimetosettleintothenewtermandtoestablish routinesandrelationshipsbeforetheyleavethe campus.
ThecollegecalendarallowsustodeliverthefullUWC educationalprogramme,whichputsequalemphasis oncurricularandco-curricularactivities
Parentsandstudentsmustunderstandthatthe publishedtimesanddatesofholidaysarenot negotiableTravelplansshouldbearrangedwithin theadvertisedholidaydatesItisimportantfor parentstoplaninadvancetoavoidunauthorised absences.
NewstudentsjointhecollegeattheendofAugust.
ThefirsttermendsinthemiddleofDecemberanda breakofthreeandahalfweeksenablesstudentsto returnhome
Pleasenotethatordinarilystudentsarenotableto beaccommodatedontheCollegecampusduringthe DecemberbreakIncaseswherestudentscannot returntotheirhomecountryduringtheDecember break,they/theirfamiliesshouldarrange alternativeaccommodation
Thesecondterm,whichbeginsinearlyJanuary, continuesuntilmid-June.
Holidays
Pleasenotethemainholidaysbelowandspecifically whenthecollegeisclosedforstudentsandalternative arrangementsmustbearranged.
October Break
Winter Break
Studentscanstay,return homeorvisitelsewhere Nobusestoairport provided Campusis open
Studentsareexpectedto leavethecampus. Buses toairportprovidedat 10pmand7am. Campusis closed
Spring Break
Summer Break
Studentscanstay,return homeorvisitelsewhere. Nobusestoairport provided Campusis open
Studentsareexpectedto leavethecampus.Buses toairportprovidedat 10pmand7am. Campusis closed
KeyDates-2026-2027
Thesearethekeydatesforthe2026-2027term,thesedateschangeannuallyandthelatestdatescan alwaysbefoundonourwebsiteandalsowithintheiSAMsparentportal
Key Term Dates 2026 - 2027
TERM ONE - 2026
Friday 21 August 2026
Monday 24 August 2026
Friday 23 October 2026
Sunday 1 November 2026
Friday 11 December 2026
Second Year (IB2) students arrive
First Year (IB1) Students arrive
Start of October Break begins (at 14:00)
End of October Break (at check-in)
Start of December Break (at 14:00)
TERM TWO - 2027
Monday 4 January 2027
Thursday 18 March 2027
Tuesday 30 March 2027
Saturday 22 May 2027
Thursday 10 June 2027
End of December Break/Students return (at check-in)
Start of Spring Break (from 14:00)
End of Spring Break (at check in)
Last Day for Second Years (IB2) Leavers’ Celebrations
Last Day for First Years (IB1) (from 14:00)
*PleaserefertotheStudentHandbookformandatorystudentattendancedatesie ProjectWeek,UWC Day,Conferencesx3,Camp,EEDayetc.
**IB2Examdates-26/04/27-18/05/27
***UWCAtlanticrecommendsthatstudentsdonottake‘leaveofabsences’priortotheOctoberbreak
NewStudent&ParentsWelcome
Dateforyourdiaries:24August2026
24thAugustisthedateallofournewfirst-yearstudentsbegintheirtwo-yearUWCAtlanticjourney.Thereisalsoa parent-onlyprogrammeavailableintheafternoon.Thisisnotmandatory,butifyouarecomingtothecollegetodrop offyoursonordaughter,thenyouarewelcometojoinusfortheafternoon.
AfternoonAgenda
OurAdmissionsteamwillemailyouadetailedprogrammeandthekeytimingsfortheafternoonwillbe:
13.00to14.30pm-Allocatedtimeforstudentstobedroppedoffandsettledintotheirnewhouses.
1430to1830pm-Ourparent-onlyprogrammewithanopportunitytomeetourPrincipal,ourLeadership TeamandkeyUWCAtlanticstaff
HowtoBook
YouwillreceiveatravelformbyemailfromAdmissionsandthisiswhenyoucantellusyourtravelplansandbookin forourparent-onlyprogrammetoo.
UWCCodeofConduct
TheUWCCommonCodeofConductisaseriesofexpectationswhichallstudentsacceptinordertojointheUWC movementand,byassociation,theUWCAtlanticcommunity TheUWCCodeofConductisbasedontheUWCvalues, whichareattheheartofthemovement’smissiontomakeeducationaforcetounitepeople,nations,andculturesfor peaceandasustainablefuture.ItisUWCAtlantic’sdesirethateverycommunitymemberworkstowardsembodying thesevalues WeexpecttheCodetobeobservedbyallstudentswheninattendanceattheCollegeandonCollege activities PleasesignandsendtheBehaviourPolicyFormwhichcanbedownloadedfromourwebsite Thepolicy canbefoundhere.
TheUWCCommonCodeofConduct
PursuingtheUWCmission–tomakeeducationaforce tounitepeople,nations,andculturesforpeaceanda sustainablefuture–requiresacommitmenttothe followingvalues:internationalandintercultural understanding,celebrationofdifference,personal responsibilityandintegrity,mutualresponsibilityand respect,compassionandservice,respectforthe environment,asenseofidealism,personalchallenge, actionandpersonalexample
AttheheartoftheUWCethosisrespectforselfand othersinallouractionsandwordsinall circumstances,includingonline Thismeansthatwe mustthinkaboutthecommongoodandbeabletorise aboveourindividualdesiresandneedsinorderto createfullyintegratedcommunities Inshort,our idealsrequiregoodheartednessfromallmembersof theUWCcommunityandarecognitionthatcultural normsarediverse.
ThecommonCodeofConductisrequiredtomake expectationsclear.Studentswhoacceptapositionata UWCschoolorcollegecommittothepursuitofa healthylifestyle,onethatavoidspotentialharmtoself andtoothers
Therefore,thefollowingarenotacceptable: Consumption,possessionand/ordistributionof: drugsforrecreationalorothernon-medically prescribedpurposes tobacco,vapingandotherrelatedproducts alcoholonschool/collegepropertyand school/collegesponsoredactivities
Sexualactivityinstudentroomsandanyother sharedorpublicspaces
Violenceofanykind,includinghazing,bullying, harassmentoranyotherformofabuse
Assault,includingbutnotlimitedtoverbal, physicalandsexual
Stealingor“borrowingwithoutpermission”
Eachschoolorcollegewillhaveclearexpectations regarding:
Attendance(atallclassesandactivities)
Academicintegrity
Respectforcurfewand/orquiettimes
Alcohol‘offcampus’
IndividualUWCschoolsandcollegesmayhave additionalstandardsontheseissuesthatreflectthe laws,culturalnormsandcircumstancesofthecountry inwhichtheyarelocated Theexpectationisthatthe UWCCommonCodeofConductwillbefollowedboth inactionandspirit ThosewhobreachtheCodemay losetherighttoremainintheirUWCschoolorcollege
Allourcollegepoliciescanbefoundonlineat https://www.uwcatlantic.org/about/policiessafeguarding
LearningthroughResidentialLife
Boarding
Housesanddorms
Ouraimistocreateahomelyandwelcoming environmentwhereyouwillquicklyfeelcomfortable andestablishlonglastingfriendshipswithpeersand supportiverelationshipswithstaff
Wehaveeighthousesoncampus,allwiththeirown uniqueidentitywhicharelookedafterbyateamof HouseMentorsandtutorswhowillbetheretoguide andsupportyoueverystepoftheway.Whilsteach houseisdifferenttheyhavesomecommonfactors. Firstly,everyhousehasasharedcommunalspace;we haveadayroomwhereyoucanrelax,prepareasnack, playgamesorwatchsomeTVwithfriends.Thereis alsoaquietroomwhichisastudyspace,alaundry withdryingareasandbathroomsAtypicalstudent househas12studentrooms,calleddorms4students shareeachdorm,deliberatelyselectedtomakeyour dormasdiverseaspossible.Thisisoneofmany fundamentalandsignificantfeaturesofourlearning programmeandenvironmentYouwillhaveyourown cornerwithinthedormwhichconsistsofabedwith storageunderneath,achestofdrawersanda wardrobe,oneofwhichwillbealockablespacefor valuablesEachcorneralsohasabedsidelampanda boardonwhichyoucandisplaysomepictures.Wedo askthatpicturesarenotstuckontothewallsbut remainontheboardandthatnoadditionalfurniture orcookingappliancesareboughtwithyouPleasebe advisedthatifyouchoosetopurchaseelectricalitems forcookingpurposestheywillbeconfiscatedandnot returnedAllstudentsaregivenasetofhouserules andareexpectedtoadheretotherulesTheseare displayedinthehouses.
Livingtogether
Asyoulearntolivetogetheryoualsolearnthe responsibilityoflookingafteryourselfandyourliving environment.Alldormstakepartinarotafor‘duty dorm’whichlooksafterthedayroomonadailybasis ThereisalsoSundaynightclearupwhereallcommunal spacesaretidiedandcleanedreadyfortheweekahead. Itisyourresponsibilitytokeepyourcornercleanand tidyDuetolimitedstoragespace,studentsare encouragedtorestrictitemstheybringtowhatis essential.Itemscannotbeleftatthecollegewhenyou leavesoitisimportanttoconsiderhowmuchyouneed. Floorspaceandwindowsillsshouldbeclearofclothing etcandotherpossessionsshouldbestoredawayon shelvesandinthedrawersandcupboardspaces.You willbeprovidedwithaduvetandcover,apillowand coverandasheet,alternativelyyouarewelcometo bringyourown
Onceaweekstudentsgathertogetherfor‘openhouse’. Thisisaneveningwherestudentshavetheopportunity tocooksomethingfromtheirhomecountrytoshare witheveryoneelseintheirhouse.Itisawonderful ‘comingtogether’thatenablesstudentsandstaffto shareinsomefood,talk,andbondasahouse
TheWelcomeTeamandnightstaffalsoprovide importantbackgroundsupporttoourdaily infrastructureTheyaretheretosupportyouwith signinginandoutofcampus,locatingdutystaffand provideanoutofhourspastoralservice.
WithinthehousewealsohavetrainedPeerListeners whohavecommittedthemselvesthroughserviceto providepeersupporttohelpwithsomechallengesyou mayface,suchashomesickness.
Activities
Outsideofschoolhoursthereareanumberof activitiesonandoffcampusTherearemanyclubsto joinandsportstodo.Thereisalsoastudentshop whereyoucanbuysecondhandclothes.Welivenear asmalltownwhichhasasmallsupermarket,cafes andsomeindependentshops.FurtherafieldisCardiff, amuchlargercitythatyoucanvisitonaSaturdayby train
Duringtheweekendstheactivityprogramme continues,examplesareoutdooractivitiesorganised byourAXdepartmentthroughto‘HottoGo’which isastudent-runrestaurantWealsohavemovie nights,Fridaynightlecturesandothereventsplanned bySLAAC,whichisourStudentLifeatAtlanticCollege council
Receivingmail
Allmailshouldbeclearlyaddressedwithyourname andhouse,followedbythecollegeaddress:
StDonat'sCastle, StDonat’s, LlantwitMajor, Wales, UnitedKingdom CF611WF
Everyweekdaymailisdeliveredtostudenthouses andkeptinasecureareauntiltheHousementor distributesitatcheckintime.Weencouragestudents toallliveonthesamemodestamountofpocket moneyduringtheyearandthespiritoflivingequally alsoextendstoourparcelexpectations.Wearea globally,sociallyandeconomicallydiverse communitywhohavecometogetherforapeaceable, sustainableandequitableeducation,wetherefore askthatyouconsideryourpurchasescarefully
Studentsareaskedtoconsideravailablespacebefore orderingitemstobedeliveredtocampusaftertheir arrival.Inappropriateitems,suchasfurnitureorany largeitemswillbeconfiscatedIfyouareunsure pleaseaskyourHouseMentorbeforeordering something.
CurfewandCheckin
Campuscurfewisat8:30pmeachday.Youwillbe expectedtohavereturnedtocampusandtohave signedinwiththeWelcomeTeamatreception
Thefinalpartofthedayis‘checkin’whichisthetime thatallstudentsneedtoreturntotheirboarding houses Thistakesplaceat9:30-10:00pmMondayto Thursdayand10:30-11:00pmFridayandSaturdays
TheexceptiontothisisonSundaywheneveryone gathersforaHouseMeetingat9:00pm Thisisan opportunitytocatchupwithyourHouseMentoratthe endofthedayandisatimefordiscussinganyissuesas ahouse.HouseMentorsareavailabletoofferpastoral supportandguidance Studentsdonotleavehouses onceSundaynighthousemeetinghasbegun
A Typical College Week
Visitors
Allvisitorstoindividualstudentshavetoberegisteredforapprovaland mustbeover18yearsofage,unlessaccompaniedbyaparent/guardian PhotographicIDinlinewithourvisitorspolicyandsafeguardingpolicy mustbeprovidedbyalladultvisitorsonarrivalVisitor’sareonlyableto visitoutsideofschoolhoursandmustbehostedbyyouatalltimes Visitorsareonlyabletogointheboardinghousesonarrivaland departuredays
Travel
UWCAtlanticisinawonderfulandremotepartoftheValeofGlamorgan. DuringthedaytimefromMondaytoSaturday,thereisanhourlybus servicetoLlantwitMajorHowever,therearelimitedtravelserviceslate atnight,onSundaysandbankholidays,andthereforestudentsare advisedtoavoidtravelatthesetimesAllstudentsshouldbebackon campusby830pm
Safeguarding
Studentshaveafundamentalrighttobeprotectedfromharmand UWCAtlanticCollegeiscommittedtosafeguardingandpromotingthe welfareofchildrenandyoungpeople.Thesafeguardingteamismade upoftheVicePrincipalforStudentLife,Safeguarding,WellBeingand Belonging,LucretiaFieldswhoistheDesignatedSafeguardingPerson (DSP).Sheissupportedbyateamoffourdeputysafeguardingleads.
Safeguardingcoversmanydifferentissuesandduringyourtimeat UWCAtlantic,youwillreceiveguidanceonhowtokeepyourselfsafe andyouwillbeexpectedtoconductyourselfinawaywhichdoesnot makeothersunsafe.Ourresponsibilitieswithinsafeguardingalso extendtosupportingstudentwellbeing Duringtutorials,orientation, assembliesandotherorganisedactivities,youwillbesupportedto adoptahealthyapproachtolifewhichpromotesyourwellbeing.
Thereisacloselinkbetweensafeguardingandstudentconduct You areencouragedtoreadtheSafeguardingandRespectfulCommunity PolicyandtheBehaviourpolicypriortoyourarrivalatthecollege.Itis expectedthatallstudentsadheretotherequirementssetoutinthese policies Itisbyworkingtogetherthatwecanstrengthen ourcommunity,enablingallofourstudentstothrive
Wherestudentshaveexperiencedpersonaltraumaorloss,weaskthat yousharethisinformationwithustoensurethatwecanprovidethe bestsupportpossible Informationcanbesharedconfidentiallywith theSafeguardingTeam.Wherenecessary,asafeguardingmeetingcan bearrangedwiththeDSPatthestartoftheacademicyear.
OurComplaintsPolicyisavailableontheUWCAtlanticwebsitefor thosewishingtoraiseaquestionorconcern.Residentialliferelated concernsunresolved bythePrincipalor/andtheBoardofGovernors canbedirectedtotheCareInspectorateWales
Healthand Wellbeing
WeencourageallourUWCstudentstobuildandgrow inresilienceandindependenceduringtheirtimehere, butthisdoesnotmeanyouneedtodoeverything yourself Itisimportantyouknowhow,whenand wheretogoforsupportorsolutionstobetterequip youwiththeknowledge,experienceanddeveloping skillstohelpyouovercometheinevitablepersonal challengesthroughoutyourjourneyatUWCAtlantic andtowardsgreaterpersonalresponsibilityand accountability.
Allstaffarecommittedtosupportingthehealthand wellbeingofeachstudent.InadditiontoyourHouse Mentorandtutorthereareotherstaffandservices availabletohelpyouindifferentways
Specificstaffthatareinvolvedwithyourphysicaland mentalhealthwillbeourClinicalPsychologistwho runsourhealthandwellbeingteam Heissupported byacounsellorandthewiderpastoralteamwhooffer social-emotionalsupportthroughbothindividual appointmentsordrop-insessions.
AdditionallywehaveaHealthCentreoncampus whichisstaffedbytwofull-timenursesanda wellbeingassistantandisopen7daysaweektohelp withanymedicalrequirements.Wehavedoctorson campustwiceaweektorunclinics Thenursesalso haveaccesstoafullrangeofhealthcareprofessionals andcommunitysupportnetworksthroughthe NationalHealthService.
MedicalandInsurance
MedicalInformation
Duringinductionyouwillberegisteredwiththelocal Doctor’sSurgeryandwillbeissuedwithaNational HealthServicenumber Thiswillentitleyouto routinemedicaltreatment,includingprescriptions formedicationandtreatmentforaccidentsand emergenciesfreeofchargeundertheBritishNational HealthService(NHS) MedicalcareintheUKisfree buttheremaybechargesfordentalandoptical services.Orthodontictreatmentisnotavailableon theNHS,butcanbeprivatelyarrangedinCardiff
YouwillneedtocompleteaSelfAdministrationof MedicationAssessmentformwithamemberofthe HealthCentrestafftoensureyoursafeuseof medication Anymedicationthatyouwillbeableto keepinyourdormwillhavetobestoredinalocked cupboard.Somemedicationeg:thoseprescribedfor ADHDareacontrolledsubstanceandtheywould havetobekeptinthecontrolleddrugscupboardin theHealthCentreandissuedbytheHealthCentre staff,thefrequencyofwhichwouldbedetermined followingassessment Allmedicationthatisbrought ontocampuswhetherprescribedintheUKor abroad,mustbedeclaredtotheHealthCentrestaff. Studentsarenotpermittedtostorelargequantities ofmedicationwithintheirpersonalbelongings
HealthCentrestaffandHousementorsmustbe informedofallprescriptionandnonprescription medicationthatyoubringwithyou Ifyouareon regularmedication,youarerequiredtobringatleast amonth’ssupplyatthestartoftermandforwardany reportsfromthemedicalprofessionalwho prescribedthemedication,includingwhyitwas prescribedandanyfollowupinformationeg are regularbloodtestsrequired.Thiswillthenbesentto ourdoctor'ssurgerysothatnotesmaybeupdated andtheycantakeoverprescribing
Ifthereareanypre-existinghealthconditionsoryou developahealthconditionduringyourtimeatUWC Atlantic,anIndividualHealthCarePlanwillbe implementedwithyourinputandacopysharedwith yourParents/Guardian,Housementors,Staff WelcomeTeamandanyotherrelevantteammember whomayneedtobeinvolvedinyourcare
ThisHealthCarePlanwillfeedintotheWelfarePlan thateachstudentatthecollegehas.
PersonalInsurance
TheCollegeinsurancepoliciesdonotcoverstudents’ personalpossessionsanditemsofparticularvaluemustbe insuredprivately Wediscouragestudentsfrombringing valuableitemsandanyvaluableitemsofproperty(suchas camerasandcomputers)shouldbekeptsecurewhilstatthe College Eachstudentisgivenalockabledrawerand wardrobe
Studentsmaywishtoobtaintheirowninsuranceagainst accidentsandunforeseenevents TheCollegehasan agreementforStudents’PersonalAccidentInsurance, detailsofwhichwillbeprovidedwiththejoiningpapers andcanbefoundontheiSAMSParentPortal Thisinsurance isacompensatoryschemeforpermanentdisablementof onesortoranotherandisprovidedatnoadditionalcost tothestudent.Thisinsurancedoesnotcoverthecostsof medicaltreatment
AllstudentsarecoveredbytheCollege’scomprehensive travelinsurancepolicywhilsttravellingforCollegepurposes duringtermtime Thisdoesnotcoverstudenttravelatthe beginningandendoftermnorprivatelyarrangedtravel duringtermtime.Itisrecommendedthatstudentshave theirowntravelinsurancetocoverthesejourneys
TheLearningCentreNetwork(TLC)
UWCAtlanticunderstandsthateverystudenthas individualneedsthatcanaffectthewaytheylearn We endeavourtomeetsuchneedsasbestwecanthroughour learningsupportnetwork.Ournetworkisdesignedto supportstudentswithlearningdifferencestoreachtheir potentialandaccessthefullUWCexperience
Allstudentsareeligibleforgeneralsupportandspecialist guidanceisavailabletothosewithmorespecificneeds. Weprovidearangeofspecialistsupport,including: EnglishasanAdditionalLanguage(EAL)supportfrom theEALCoordinatorandEALteacher
AdditionalLearningNeeds(ALN)supportfromtheALN Coordinator
SocialandEmotionalsupportfromtheStudent Counsellors
MedicaladviceandsupportfromourWellbeing (Health)CentreStaff
Wealsohaveadedicatedbasewhichissituatedinthe Castle,knownastheTheLearningCentre(TLC).Thisis wherestudentscanfindaquietworkspace,computers withassistivetechnology,meetwiththeALNCo,EAL Coordinator,EALteacherorcounsellorsandattend workshopsand1:1supportsessions.TheTLCiswhereyou willfindTLCSupportNetwork
TheLearningCentreSupportNetworkcommunicateswith teachers,collegestaffandasateamtoensurestudents aresupportedholisticallyandreceivethemosteffective helpavailable Studentswithadiagnosedadditional learningneedwillbeplacedonanIndividualDevelopment Plan(IDP).TheIDPisamaintaineddocumentthat describesthelearningdifferenceandrecommends specificstrategiestosupporteachstudentinfully accessingtheirUWCexperience.TheIDPfeedsintothe WelfarePlanthateachstudenthasatthecollege.Some studentsalsohaveanAcademicSupportPlantohelp themwithanyspecificchallengestheyarefacingthatmay affecttheiracademicprogressandperformance
TheStudentSupportTeamplaysanimportantrolein meetingindividualneedsofstudentsandsupporting allstudents
TheTeamincludesanEAL(EnglishasanAdditional Language)teacher,anALN(AdditionalLearning Needs)CoordinatorandHeadsofYearstogetherwith theUniversityGuidanceCounsellors,theHeadof Wellbeing,counsellors,thenurse,theHeadof AcademicProgress,theVicePrincipalAcademicsand theVicePrincipalStudentLife,Safeguarding, WellbeingandBelonging.
TheALNCoordinator,theEALCoordinatorandthe EALteacherworkdirectlywithstudents,provide adviceandguidancetostaffandworkcollaboratively withparentsandexternalsupportagenciestoensure thatallstudents’achievementsareatleast commensuratewiththeirability Studentswith additionallearningneedssuchasdyslexia,ADD, ADHDetc.,andlowerEnglishproficiency,willbe accommodatedfromtheverybeginningoftheir educationatUWCAtlantic Anypreviousassessment ofastudent'slearningneedsshouldbe communicatedandevidenceprovided,toensure immediateaccommodationandsupport Italso helpsustoensurespecialexamarrangementsfor studentswiththeIB.
Money
Spending(Pocket)Money
Tominimisedisparitybetweenstudents,werecommend spendingmoneybelimitedtonomorethan£600peryear. Thislimitismorethanadequateforthestudent’sneeds andweaskthatparentsadheretothisamountPlease notethisrecommendedamountdoesnotincludethecost ofcalculators,househoodies,yearbooks,personaltrips away,non-curriculartripsrunbystaffortransporttoand fromtheCollege
AUKsterlingcurrentbankaccount(withdebitcard) shouldbeopenedinthestudent’snamebeforethestartof termTherearemanymajorUKbankstochoosefromand mostwillofferanonlineapplicationtoopenacurrent account.
Thespendingmoneyshouldbedepositeddirectlytothis accountonceopened.IfthereisanyreasonwhyaUKbank accountcannotbeopenedthecollegewillrunareduced ‘CollegeBank’,wherebystudentswithoutaUKbank accountcanwithdrawspendingmoneyonedayaweek Pleasenotewecannotacceptcashdirectlyfromyouora student,soalldepositsfortheCollegeBankshouldbe madebybanktransferTheCollege’sbankaccountdetails areingreenonthispage
Insomeinstances,spendingmoneyallowancesare providedbythestudent’sscholarship,Inthis caseaUKbankaccountwillstillneedtobeopenedand thespendingmoneywillbetransferred overtothisbankaccount.Pleaseprovidethefollowing bankdetailstothecollegefinance department–Name(asusedtoopentheUKbank account),bankaccountnumberandbanksort code.
Pleasenote:Whentransferringacombinationofdifferentpaymentsinone amount,itisvitalthattheemailcontainsabreakdownofwhatisbeingpaid sothatitcanbecorrectlyrecorded(eg cautionfee£xandpocketmoney£x)
FeePayingStudents
TheAccountsdepartmentwillinvoicetermlyandtheCollege hastwotermsperyearInJuly,theaccountsdepartmentwill issuethefirstinvoiceaccordingtothesignedfinancial declarationissuedatacceptance.Thesecondinvoicewillbe issuedby1stDecemberwithpaymentduebeforeJanuary. Studentsmayrequireadditionalfundstofinancetheir projectsinthemiddleofeachterm,butparentsandsponsors shouldknowthattheCollegeiscommittedtolimitthese additionalexpenses,anditispossibleforstudentsto undertakeprojectswithintheCollegeatnoextracostatall
CautionFee
Youarerequiredtopayacautionfeeof£275paidviabank transferThecautionfeewillcoverlost/unreturnedbooks, unpaidmedicalfeesandtravelfornon-emergencymedical appointments.Moneywillbedeductedfromthecautionfee foranydamagecausedtoschoolproperty,itemsthatareleft behindthathavetoberemoved,cleaningcharges,nonreturn ofkey/padlocktolockablespaceetc..Ifnecessary,thecaution moneybalanceshouldbetoppedupto£250atthebeginning ofthesecondyearThebalancewillberefundedattheendof yourtwoyearsafteranydeductionsaremade
TheCollege’sbankaccount:UWCAtlanticCollege
Pleasestateclearlyyourname,dateofbirthandthepurpose ofthetransactionandsendanemailto accounts@uwcatlanticorgtoconfirmthetransfer
TraveltoUWCAtlantic
TheAdmissionsteamwillhaveconfirmedyourarrivaldate. Onceyourtravelplansareconfirmed,pleasecompletetheTravel FormonOpenApplywhenitismadeavailableviaanemailinJune.Pleasenote:Forstudentswhorequireavisatostudyinthe UK,pleasedonotmakeanytravelarrangementsuntilyourvisahasbeengranted
TheCollegewillarrangeforbusestotransportstudentsfromHeathrowAirporttotheCollegecampusonthearrivaldayonly. ThecostofthisbusfromLondonHeathrowAirportis£35,thiswillbedeductedfromthestudent’scollegebankaccountonce theyarriveatthecollege Therewillbebusesthroughoutthedaywiththelatestbeingat20:00,werecommendbookingflights thatarriveatHeathrowAirportnolaterthan18:00 Thisserviceisforstudentsonly(parentswillnotbeabletotravelonthese buses).
ThemeetingpointtotakethesebusesisTerminal5Arrivals,NorthMeetingPoint,staffmemberswillbetheretoguidestudents. ThereisafreeshuttletrainbetweentheotherterminalsandTerminal5
TheclosestairporttothecollegeisCardiffAirport,itis20minutesawayfromcampus,althoughthereisnotransportprovided bythecollege,theairporttaxicompanyisalwaysavailableintheterminalandthecostofoneridetothecollegeisaround£30.
Ifyouaremakingyourownwaytothecollege,studentsarewelcomeonsitefrom13:00 Parentscandropstudentsintheir allocatedboardinghouses.Parentsareallowedintoboardinghousesonthefirstandlastdayoftheschoolyearonly.Thisis importanttosafeguardourstudents.ThecampusaddressisUWCAtlantic,StDonat’sCastle,StDonats,LlantwitMajor,Wales CF611WF
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
PleasefindourFAQsectiononourwebsite
ContactInformation
WithintheUKthefollowingphonenumbersneedtobeprefixedwith01446 OutsideoftheUK,theprefixis00441446
Jill Longson
Naheed Bardai
Lucretia Fields
Chair of Governors
Principal
Vice Principal: Student Life, Safeguarding, Wellbeing & Belonging
Siân Morgan Vice Principal Academics & IB Diploma Programme Coordinator
Marija Uzunova Dang Vice Principal, Learning Innovation
Jeanne Galloway
Nicola Warrick
Debbie Lloyd-Emery
Jennifer Letson
Claudia Valarino
Health Centre
Executive Assistant to the Principal Clerk to the Governors Director of Philanthropy
Admissions
Student Life Coordinator & Education Administrative Assistant
Health Centre Manager
799080
Jill longson@uwcatlantic org
Principal@uwcatlantic org
799301 lucretia fields@uwcatlantic org
799048 sian morgan@uwcatlantic org
799204 marija dang@uwcatlantic org
799000
799000
799308 799002
799077
799023
799022
nicola.warrick@uwcatlantic.org
debbie lloyd-emery@uwcatlantic org Jeanne galloway@uwcatlantic org
admissions@uwcatlantic org claudia valarino@uwcatlantic org
eileen clews@uwcatlantic org
UWC Atlantic is a student sponsor and can sponsor students under both the UK Child Student and Student visa routes
