STUDENT HANDBOOK 2021 - 2023 STUDENT WELCOME PACK 2021-2023
Dear Student,
A very warm welcome to UWC Atlantic. If it’s any comfort, I know exactly what you are going through. Just a few weeks ago my family and I arrived here from Canada to begin a new chapter in our lives. So as you familiarise yourself with campus life, please be reassured that you’re not alone!
We have all become part of an extraordinary community uniting brilliant, deliberately diverse, fertile young minds across 90 nations and cultures to live and learn together in a quest for world peace and sustainability. Come with an open mind and open heart, and be prepared to be challenged and stretched in ways you might never have imagined.
At the heart of our new home is our magical 12th Century castle, steeped in Celtic history and where, nearly 60 years ago, the UWC global movement first began.
Beyond the Castle there are 122-acres of pasture, valley, woodland and seafront that you now call home. Adventures await! Adventures during which friendships will be forged and transformations experienced that will last the rest of your lives.
But please remember that this wonderful opportunity comes with a responsibility; to live by 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, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
This handbook provides answers to many questions but you’re bound to have more. The staff and second year students are there to help you with WELCOME the answers. In the meantime, please take time to read this booklet paying close attention from Naheed Bardai to the Learning through Residential Life and UWC Atlantic Code of Conduct. Emphasis is placed on the personal responsibility and cultural sensitivity necessary for living in a multi-national community.
My wish for you is that you have the time of your lives over the next two years and whatever contribution you go on to make to the world, you’ll never forget how this place inspired you.
Naheed Bardai Principal STUDENT WELCOME PACK 2021-2023
Learning through Academics
The IB Diploma Programme
UWC Atlantic, like all other UWCs, offers the two-year International At UWC Atlantic, you are expected to go beyond the requirements College Information Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IB Diploma is a of CAS (creativity, Activity, Service). Engage in co-curricular deliberate synthesis of the specialisation required in some national activities, develop your leadership and collaboration skills, and systems and the breadth provided in others. You will take courses participate in meaningful service activities throughout the College from five or six different academic areas for the duration of the and UWC Atlantic community, you willface personal challenges UWC’s Mission, Values and Education Models two years, as well as complete the three core elements. There are and overcome them with action, passion and reflection. different subject choices available within each academic area. Find out more about the IB Diploma at www.ibo.org The academic areas are: • Studies in Language and Literature Along with various enrolment forms, you will receive one especially UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and • Language Acquisition to make your preliminary subject choices. Please complete and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. • Individuals and Societies submit this form as it will help us in our timetable planning. Once • Sciences you arrive at College you will have the opportunity to receive further information in each subject and confirm your choices or UWC believes that to achieve peace and a sustainable • Mathematics • The Arts make changes if needed. future, the values it promotes are crucial. Furthermore, all first year students will take a diagnostic test in • International and intercultural understanding Maths and complete an English writing exercise to assess the • Celebration of difference advised level in these subjects. Subject packages will be finalised • Personal responsibility and integrity with your tutor after the diagnostic results and academic fair • Mutual responsibility and respect have been completed (in the academic fair you meet teachers and see sample work along with resources used by each course). • Compassion and service The three core elements are: • Respect for the environment Individual academic consultations will take place with a guidance • A sense of idealism and university counsellor, the IB Coordinator and your personal 1. Theory of knowledge (TOK), in which you reflect on the tutor to help you finalise your course package. • Personal challenge nature of knowledge and on how we claim to know what • Action and personal example we know
Find out more at www.uwc.org 2. The extended essay (EE), which is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000 -word paper
3. Creativity, activity and service (CAS), all three of which you participate in weekly together with a yearly project week STUDENT WELCOME PACK 2021-2023
College Calendar
Please note the schedule of College holidays below. We require New students join the College at the end of August. The first term students to have full attendance during the published College ends in the middle of December and a break of three-and-a-half dates. Absences during term time will only be authorised under weeks enables some students to return home, while others may exceptional circumstances; a Leave of Absence Form (LOA) must experience extended hospitality in the homes of their friends. be completed at least 7 days prior to the requested absence. Please do not book any travel prior to submitting the LOA form. Please note that students are not able to be accommodated on Due to the ongoing Covid pandemic, leaving campus may be the College campus during the December break. In cases where allowed only under special circumstances in the 2021/22 students cannot return to their home country during the academic year. Parents and students will be informed about December break, they should arrange alternative accommodation. actual procedures at the beginning of the school year. The second term, which begins in early January, continues until The College calendar is designed to allow us to deliver the full mid-June. UWC educational programme, which puts equal emphasis on curricular and co-curricular activities.
Parents and students must understand that the published times and dates of holidays are not negotiable. Travel plans should be arranged within the advertised holiday dates. It is important for parents to plan in advance in order to avoid unauthorised absences.
Important Dates for 2021/2023
Monday 30th August All students arrive on campus from 1400 onwards. Buses will be waiting for students at London Heathrow Airport. Further details e-mailed separately. The cost of the transportation will be deducted from the student’s College bank account after arrival. A typical College day Friday 22nd October Autumn long weekend begins after 1400 Sunday 31st October Autumn long weekend ends at 2100
Friday 10th December Last day of Autumn term. Buses will be provided, at cost, to London Heathrow Airport at 2200 This is the structure of our College day: on 10th Dec and at 0800 on 11th Dec. All students must be off campus by 1100 on 11th December.
Wednesday 5th January Students may arrive on campus from 1400 onwards. Buses will be waiting for students at London Heathrow Airport. Departing late morning, mid-afternoon and early evening. Lessons start each morning at 08.00 and finish at 13.10. Costs will be deducted from the student’s College bank account.
As part of our holistic curriculum, each student is expected to undertake a Thursday 14th April Start of Spring Break at 1400 minimum of 2 hours of community service, 2 hours of physical activity and a further 2 hours of creative activity each week. These sessions take place in the Sunday 24th April End of Spring Break at 2100 afternoons, evenings and weekends.
Saturday 21st May Last day for second years. Buses will be provided, at cost, to London Heathrow Airport. Every Monday afternoon there is a tutorial with your tutor following an All second years must leave campus by 2300 assembly or another community gathering, where attendance is mandatory.
From Sunday to Thursday check in is at 21.30. On Fridays and Saturdays Friday 17th June Last day for first years. Buses will be provided, at cost, to London Heathrow Airport at 2200 on this is extended to 23.00. 17th June and at 0800 on 18th June. All students must be off campus by 1100 on 18th June.
Active participation and full engagement are necessary requirements of a UWC. STUDENT WELCOME PACK 2021-2023
UWC Code of Conduct
The UWC Common Code of Conduct is a series of expectations which all students accept in order to join the UWC Atlantic’s community movement and, by association, the UWC Atlantic community. The UWC Code of Conduct is based on the UWC values, which are at the heart of the movement’s mission to make education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. It is UWC Atlantic’s desire that every community member works towards embodying these values. We expect the Code to be observed by all students when in attendance at the College and on College activities. Please sign and send the Behaviour Policy Form which can be downloaded from our website. The policy can be found here.
The UWC Common Code of Conduct • Consumption, possession and/or distribution of • drugs for recreational or other non-medically prescribed purposes Pursuing the UWC mission – to make education a force to unite people, • tobacco, vaping and other related products nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future – requires a • alcohol on school/college property and school/college commitment to the following values: international and intercultural sponsored activities understanding, celebration of difference, personal responsibility and integrity, mutual responsibility and respect, compassion and service, • Sexual activity in student rooms and any other shared or respect for the environment, a sense of idealism, personal challenge, public spaces action and personal example. • Violence of any kind, including hazing, bullying, harassment or any At the heart of the UWC ethos is respect for self and others in all our other form of abuse actions and words in all circumstances, including online. This means we must think about the common good and be able to rise above our individual desires and needs in order to create fully integrated • Assault, including but not limited to verbal, physical and sexual communities. In short, our ideals require good heartedness from all members of the UWC community and a recognition that cultural • Stealing or “borrowing without permission” norms are diverse. Each school or college will have clear expectations regarding: The common Code of Conduct is required to make expectations clear. Students who accept a position at a UWC school or college commit to • Attendance (at all classes and activities) the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, one that avoids potential harm to self • Academic integrity and to others. Therefore, the following are not acceptable: • Respect for curfew and/or quiet times • Alcohol ‘off campus’
Individual UWC schools and colleges may have additional standards on these issues that reflect the laws, cultural norms and circumstances of the country in which they are located. The expectation is that the UWC Common Code of Conduct will be followed both in action and spirit. Those who breach the Code may lose the right to remain in their UWC school or college. STUDENT WELCOME PACK 2021-2023 LEARNING through Residential Life
At UWC Atlantic we expect every individual to not only be part of our Learning to care for yourself and your community community but to actively contribute to its wellbeing and the wellness of all members. As a student you will be required to promote and live At UWC Atlantic we expect all students to be fully committed to, by the UWC and College values, both as an individual and alongside actively support and participate in all aspects of the programme. You members of the community from around the world. will be expected to regularly reflect on your level of participation and your role within the community. You will need to think and be aware Your room (dorm) will contain a bed, lockable storage and a wardrobe, of how you interact with, and are perceived by, others and take and is where you can create your personal space to relax. A typical responsibility to help build a happy, respectful and safe community. student house has 12 student rooms and each room is usually shared Given the challenges of the programme and overall intense nature of with 3 other students from various countries. Each house has a life within the College, students may find the demands challenging communal area (dayroom), at least one study room (quiet area) with at times. computer access and a small kitchen area. Due to fire regulations, it is not possible to have additional furniture in the room (desks, wardrobe At the heart of College life and alongside the wellbeing of the etc.) orappliances that are not provided by the College. community is the need for you to look after yourself, to be conscious of your own personal health and wellbeing. You will need to work hard Each student house has two house mentors. There are 48-52 students to effectively balance your time and commitments to ensure that you in each house. Your house mentor is responsible for the day-to-day get adequate sleep, regular physical exercise and time for personal operations within your house, to help organise house events and to reflection or relaxation. The UWC Atlantic Life Skills and Wellbeing ensure you feel safe and secure. You may initially be unfamiliar with Programme is designed to help support you throughout your stay in aspects of Residential Life, for example sharing a room with others or all aspects of academic, personal and social life. It is delivered through living within such a culturally diverse community. This is just one of a series of regular sessions, workshops, presentations or discussions by many fundamental and significant features of our learning programme staff, student peer listeners, visiting professionals and guest speakers. and environment, and your house mentor is there to offer you support. House mentors are typically teachers or other college staff members and often have families of their own living with them. House mentors are also tutors.
All students are required to complete duties within their house to enable everyone to live happily and safely together, and to create a communal sense of ownership and pride. You will be expected to keep your personal area clean and tidy, wash your own dishes and help with keeping your room and other communal areas clean and welcoming.
STUDENT WELCOME PACK 2021-2023
The Learning Support Team plays an important role in meeting The Learning Centre (TLC) Support Network at individual needs of students and supporting all students. The Team includes UWC Atlantic an EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher, an ALN (Additional UWC Atlantic understands that every student has individual needs Learning Needs) Coordinator, the Head of Tutors and Students Affairs and that can affect the way they learn. We endeavour to meet such needs Heads of Years together with the IB Coordinator, the two Guidance and as best we can through our learning support network. Our network is University Counsellors, the Head of Wellbeing and Safeguarding and the designed to support students with learning differences to reach their Vice Principal Education. The ALN Coordinator and the EAL teacher work potential and access the full UWC experience. directly with students, provide advice and guidance to staff and work All students are eligible for general support and specialist guidance collaboratively with parents and external support agencies to ensure that is available to those with more specific needs. We provide a range of all students’ achievements are at least commensurate with their ability. specialist support, including: Students with additional learning needs such as dyslexia, ADD, ADHD etc., and lower English proficiency, will be accommodated from the very • English as an Additional Language (EAL) support from the beginning of their education at UWC Atlantic. Any previous assessment EAL Teacher of a student’s learning needs should be communicated and evidence • Additional Learning Needs (ALN) support from the ALN Coordinator provided, to ensure immediate accommodation and support. It also helps • Social and Emotional support from the Student Counsellors STUDENT us to ensure special exam arrangements for students with the IB. • Medical advice and support from our Wellbeing Centre Staff.
House mentors and students are supported further 24/7 by the Welcome We also have a dedicated base which is situated in the Castle, known Team based at Reception. Overnight support is provided by our team of as the The Learning Centre (TLC). This is where students can find a night staff who are based at Reception. An activity coordinator supports quiet work space, computers with assistive technology, meet with the our team through working with and supporting students to organise ALNCo, EAL Teacher or counsellors, attend workshops and 1:1 support SUPPORT sessions. The TLC is where you will find the TLC Support Network. and run a variety of creative and physical events, trips and activities on weekends. Students can access their trained second year Peer and Queer The TLC Support Network communicates with teachers, college staff Listeners for additional support and the “student voice” has representation and as a team to ensure students are supported holistically and receive All UWC students are expected to be resilient and independent, but from each house through various student councils. the most effective help available. Students with a diagnosed learning this does not mean you need to do everything yourself. It is important difference will be placed on an Individual Development Plan (IDP). The you know how, when and where to go for support or solutions to Our Complaints Policy is available on the UWC Atlantic website for those IDP is a maintained document that describes the learning difference better equip you with the knowledge, experience and developing skills wishing to raise a question or concern. Residential life related concerns and recommends specific strategies to support each student in fully to help you overcome the inevitable personal challenges throughout unresolved by the Principal or/and the Board of Governors can be directed accessing their UWC experience. your journey at UWC Atlantic and towards greater personal to the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) at this address: responsibility and accountability. [email protected] The student hub All staff are committed to supporting the wellbeing of each student. The student hub is new for the 2021/22 academic year. It combines In addition to your house mentor there are other staff and services a shop which will sell necessities with a swap shop and a small cafe / available to help you in different ways. At the heart of our support socialising area. Our swap shop area sells clothes and shoes donated by system is the team of tutors, who are also your teachers. Your tutor students, and also rents out prom dresses for proms and/or graduation is your first point of contact for personal and academic support should ceremonies. This is a new project and will be developed by students you have any problems or questions. as part of their service and commitment to sustainability. When you arrive there are items for sale in the shop that you will need, The College has a wider Wellbeing Team who ensure students feel toothbrushes, washing powder, shower gel, toothpaste etc. supported, heard and that their needs are appropriately and sensitively addressed. The Head of Tutors and Student Affairs together with the designated Head of Year coordinate the work of the tutors, while the Head of Wellbeing and Safeguarding coordinates the work of the Wellbeing Centre, the counsellors and house mentors.
The College Wellbeing Centre has a full time nurse and a senior health care assistant. The College has access to a full range of healthcare professionals and community support networks through the National Health Service, in addition to employing three counsellors.
The College counsellors offer social-emotional support through both individual appointments or drop-in sessions. The counsellors are based in the heart of the castle in our The Learning Centre (TLC) together with the English Language and Additional Learning Needs specialists. STUDENT WELCOME PACK 2021-2023
MONEY HEALTH AND INSURANCE Students may require additional funds to finance their projects in the middle of each term, but parents and sponsors should know that the Fee Paying Students College is committed to limit these additional expenses, and it is In case of illness, students can visit the Wellbeing Centre on campus. The College insurance policies do not cover students’ personal The accounts department will invoice each term and the College has possible for students to undertake projects within the College at no possessions and items of particular value must be insured privately. two terms per year. In July, the Accounts department of UWC Atlantic extra cost at all. The students will be registered with the local Doctor’s Surgery and will will issue the first invoice according to the signed financial declaration be issued with a National Health Service number. This will entitle them We discourage students from bringing valuable items and any valuable issued at acceptance. The second invoice will be issued in December. Caution Fee to routine medical treatment, including prescriptions for medication items of property (such as cameras and computers) should be kept You are required to pay a Caution fee of £250. This should be paid and treatment for accidents and emergencies free of charge under the secure whilst at the College. Each student is given a lockable drawer Spending (Pocket) Money via bank transfer. The Caution fee will cover any damage to College British National Health Service (NHS). Please note that travel costs for and wardrobe. To minimise disparity between students, we recommend spending property such as lost/unreturned books, unpaid medical fees, travel for non-emergency medical appointments are charged to your Caution fee money be limited to no more than £500 per year. non-emergency medical appointments, damage to furniture, graffiti account (alternatively, you can pay for them directly). Students may wish to obtain their own insurance against accidents in rooms, lost documents, etc. If students do not leave their room tidy and unforeseen events. The College has an agreement for Students’ We would stress that this limit is more than adequate for the student’s at the end of each term, we will deduct £50 from the caution fee. If The College nurse and senior health care assistant and three Personal Accident Insurance, details of which will be provided with the needs and would ask that parents adhere to the figure given. Please necessary, the caution money balance should be topped up to £250 at counsellors are available for students to access if required and the joining papers and can be found on the iSAMS Parent Portal. This note that this recommended amount does not include the cost of the beginning of the second year. The balance will be refunded at the Doctors hold a clinic twice a week at the Wellbeing Centre on campus. insurance is a compensatory scheme for permanent disablement of calculators, personal trips away, non-curricular trips run by staff or end of your two years after any deductions are made. one sort or another and is provided at no additional cost to the transport to and from the College. It is recommended that students who use contact lenses or glasses student. This insurance does not cover the costs of medical treatment. The College’s bank account: UWC Atlantic College bring details of prescriptions in case of emergency replacement. The £500 (£GB) should be deposited with the Accounts Office prior All students are covered by the College’s comprehensive travel to arrival via bank transfer, or a £GB cheque made payable to ‘UWC Bank: Royal Bank of Scotland plc If you are on regular medication, you are required to bring at least insurance policy whilst travelling for College purposes during term time. Atlantic’ with the student’s name on the reverse side. Other currencies 62/63 Threadneedle Street a month’s supply at the start of term. This does not cover student travel at the beginning and end of term are not acceptable. London, EC2R 8LA nor privately arranged travel during term time. It is recommended that Sort code: 16-00-15 Medical care is free but there may be charges for dental and optical students have their own travel insurance to cover these journeys. The college runs a ‘College Bank’ for all students whereby they can Account number: 23111414 services. Orthodontic treatment is not available on the NHS, but can withdraw spending money two days a week. Swift/BIC: RBOSGB2L be privately arranged in Cardiff.
Please note that we cannot accept cash directly from you or a student, IBAN: GB89 RBOS 1600 1523 1114 14 so all deposits for the College Bank should be made by bank transfer. Please state clearly your name, date of birth and the purpose of the Please state clearly your name, date of birth and the purpose of the transaction and send an email to [email protected] to let transaction and send an email to [email protected] to let them know you have made the transfer. them know you have made the transfer. Please note: When transferring a combination of different payments in one amount, it is In some instances, spending money allowances are provided by the vital that the email contains a breakdown of what is being paid so that it can be correctly student’s scholarship. This money is paid directly to the student’s recorded (eg. caution fee £x and pocket money £x). Pocket Money Account from the College Accounts Office. STUDENT WELCOME PACK 2021-2023
Travel to UWC Atlantic
The Admissions team will have confirmed your arrival date. The College will arrange for buses to transport students from Heathrow Airport to the College campus. This service is for students only (parents will not be able to travel on these buses). You will be required to complete a travel form provided by the Admissions team; therefore, once your travel plans are confirmed please complete and submit the travel form. This form will be sent at the end of July.
If you are making your own way to the college, students are welcome on site from 14:00. Parents can drop students at reception. The campus address is UWC Atlantic, St Donat’s Castle, St Donats, Llantwit Major, Wales CF61 1WF.
Please note: For students who require a visa to study in the UK, please do not make any travel arrangements until your visa has been granted. STUDENT WELCOME PACK 2021-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find our FAQ section on our website.
Contact Information
Within the UK the following phone number needs to be prefixed with 01446. Outside of the UK, the prefix is 0044 1446
Naheed Bardai Principal 799001 [email protected]
Jill Longson Chair of Governors 799002
Kate Vincze Deputy Head/Vice Principal Education 799310 [email protected]
Steve Thomas Director of Operations & Administration 799311 [email protected]
Gabor Vincze, Head of Studies & IB Coordinator 799063 [email protected]
Valentina Mindoljevic Head of Tutors and Student Affairs 799080 799065 [email protected]
Bernadette Ashton Head of Wellbeing and Safeguarding 799036 [email protected]
Ellis Williams Executive Assistant 799002 [email protected]
Elena Gandolla Admissions 799308 [email protected]
Sile Northcroft Finance Officer (fees only) 799294 [email protected]
Claudia Valarino Student Life Coordinator & Education Administrative Assistant 799077 [email protected]
Wellbeing Centre 799023 [email protected] [email protected]
WELCOME TO UWC ATLANTIC
www.atlanticcolleg.org
UWC Atlantic St Donat’s Castle St Donat’s CF61 1WF Wales UK