From the Editor
Welcome to the 2013 edition of ‘ATLANTIC’, the magazine of UWC Atlantic College. This year’s issue reflects on the 50th anniversary celebrations and looks forward to the future plans of the college.
The magazine features great photographs from the 50th celebrations, the UWC Congress, the Reunion in London, news from around campus, articles from two of our alumni, outreach and, of course, an update on the Atlantic Diploma – already a year in! Read on to find out more about plans for the seafront, the campus and fundraising news. I hope you enjoy reading the articles, news and features. A huge ‘thank you’ to all of the students, alumni and staff who have contributed to this edition – you are what make the college special and without your support this publication would not have been possible. Warmest wishes from the Lady Anne Tower. Gaynor Anne Francis, Editor communications@atlanticcollege.org
Highlights Our 50th anniversary was commemorated with three days of celebrations at the college with the aim of ensuring that all parts of the college community, both past and present, were recognised. Read all about the amazing festivities on pages 6 and 7. It was wonderful to see so many alumni in London, last November. So many people, associated with UWC, came together to celebrate UWC Atlantic College’s 50th birthday. To all those who made it to the event, thank you so much for coming and what a celebration it was! Take a look at the great photographs from the event on pages 8 and 9 – is there a photograph of you there? The six-yearly UWC International Congress took place in the UK this year and was held at Cardiff’s SWALEC Stadium. On the Saturday, a special visit to UWC Atlantic College was arranged for those who attended the Congress. Focusing on the impact UWC has, the theme for the 2013 Congress was ‘more ways to make more impact on more people’. Reflections from delegates, of the 2013 Congress, along with pictures of the event can be seen on pages 10 and 11.
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Contents 4 View from the Ramparts 6 A Celebration of 50 Years 8 50th Anniversary Reunion Party 10 UWC International Congress 12 Event News 13 Development News 14 Outreach at UWC Atlantic College 15 GoMAD Project Updates 16 Co-curricular Activity Updates 20 Student Perspective on the Atlantic Diploma 22 Reflecting on the RIB and future opportunities with the RNLI 24 Building a New Future 26 Alumni Making an Impact 28 Project Week 29 News from Campus 30 Introducing our Governors 31 Staff Joining and Leaving 31 Obituaries
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View from the Ramparts John Walmsley, Principal
This academic year was an important one for us as we commemorated the 50th anniversary of the college and the foundation of the UWC movement. The celebrations here at the castle were a launch pad for a wave of events to ‘Celebrate with Action’ around the globe through sister colleges and schools, national committees and alumni groups. Over 50 events were held over five days from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe on five continents. Here are just some of the highlights:
• David Hawley, Principal of UWC Pearson College, cycled
almost 10,000 km from Pearson in Vancouver to UWC Atlantic College in the UK
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UWC panel discussions at the UN Headquarters on ‘Dislocation; What does the New World Order mean for peace, conflict & prosperity’
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Distinguished panellists joined a UWC Forum at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on ‘Sustainability & Supply’ and ‘Emerging markets & emerging power’
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UWC Forum held at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington to debate global mega trends and the influence of the UWC experience
• UWC South East Asia alumnus talked live from space in the
International Space Station to UWCSEA students on the 20 September
• UWC flag was taken into space by a UWC Atlantic College
alumna, Julie Payette. The flag is now placed in the college library
• UWC Atlantic College launched the Everest climb on the new
tower while the Nepal National Committee celebrated with the Sherpas, who carried the UWC flag to the peak of Everest
• Jordanian National Committee lit 50 candles and launched 50 balloons on central Amman to mark the event
• Alumni in Palestine created a fun day for children suffering from cancer in Bethlehem, Hebron and other regions
• Students, teachers and all support staff from Li Po Chun, UWC
of Hong Kong, dedicated one day to service activity to mark the celebrations
• 25,000 ‘Education for Peace’ UWC wristbands were issued to alumni and students worldwide
• A full page UWC advertisement published gratis in Time magazine worldwide to mark the 50th anniversary.
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Here at UWC Atlantic College Her Majesty Queen Noor headlined our celebrations which involved the whole community. The college also launched an Everest climb on our new climbing tower (students and teachers collectively climbing the height of Everest) while students in their national dress welcomed local school children and demonstrated their different nationalities and cultures from around the world. The grand finale was a spectacular firework display over the seafront. Following the celebrations, BBC television’s ‘The One Show’ explored the development of the Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Lifeboat (RIB) at the college and BBC Radio 4 broadcast a 30 minute programme on service at the college. We now look forward to the next 50 years of pioneering education here at UWC Atlantic College with our strategic plan that maps the way forward. This last year has been the first full year of the new Atlantic Diploma and the four new faculties: Environmental, Global, Outdoor and Social Justice have developed very successfully. Our students participate in a vast range of experiences across all four faculties and then choose one to specialise in. Our students really enjoyed the mission periods in the form of Social Justice, Critical Engagement, Young Voices of the Middle East, Peace and Model United Nations and Sustainability Conferences as well as an Outdoor Challenge camp in the Wye Valley. The standard of guest speakers was outstanding and the students benefited hugely from their role in the organisation of these events.
Last October we were also visited by a full educational inspection team under the auspices of the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate. This was the first full inspection for many years and the inspectors seemed to be very impressed. We were given the top grade ‘Exceeds expectations’ in all three sectors: the quality of teaching and learning, students’ welfare including health and safety, and the effectiveness of governance, leadership and management. The college was described in the report as outstanding, unsurpassed, unique and exemplary and validates the distinctive value of what we do here. This year as part of our strategic planning process we appointed architects to design a comprehensive site plan that will enable us to develop the college to take it well into its next half century. This plan includes:
• rebuilding the teaching blocks • building a new boarding house, to enable us to
renew Morgannwg and Powys Houses (and then update the others)
• building a sports hall • refurbishing the library and other parts of the castle • improving study space and; • enhancing the outdoor facilities, including boat building at the seafront.
We have the funding in place for the sports hall, library, some castle refurbishments and seafront. We are working to raise funds for the teaching blocks and boarding houses in addition to maintaining and developing funding for our scholarship programme. The college finance is in a much sounder position than it was a few years ago with a healthy cash flow and an increasing surplus which will allow investment and encourage donations as donors see we have a strong future.
John with Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan during her 2012 visit
I have enjoyed my first full year at UWC Atlantic College, the mission is strong in all we do and is lived and breathed by our students. I think I must have the best job in education in the UK and will sign off with a headline from a two page article in the Times newspaper last October: ‘Welsh College is changing the face of English education!’ John Walmsley, Principal
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A Celebration
of the 50th Anniversary of the Foundi A visit by Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan On the 19 September 2012, Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan visited UWC Atlantic College to mark its 50th anniversary year. Her Majesty Queen Noor was greeted by Stephen Cox CVO, Chair of the Governors, John Walmsley, Principal, Paul Motte, Bursar and Keith Clark, UWC Executive Director. Following refreshments Her Majesty Queen Noor spoke to Naomi Hoare, the widow of Rear Admiral Desmond Hoare, by telephone.
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Along with two second year students, Shanna Engelhardt from the United Kingdom (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2013 and Timothy Erskine from Yemen (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2013, Her Majesty Queen Noor planted a time capsule in the castle grounds. The time capsule included notes and messages
from current students along with a list of staff names and other reminders of the day. David Hawley, Principal of Pearson College UWC in Canada, arrived at the college following his cycle journey from Vancouver to UWC Atlantic College and later met with Her Majesty Queen Noor. Her Majesty Queen Noor attended a Peace and Conflict Studies class before being escorted to lunch by two students, Sara Al-Masri from Jordan (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2013 and Mohammed Fakhoury, also from Jordan (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2014. An assembly followed in the Bradenstoke Hall where student, Emma Woo from Canada, (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2013, played the piano for the guests. A portrait of Rear Admiral Desmond Hoare and a new plaque commemorating the gift of St Donat’s Castle by Antonin Besse were both unveiled. The assembly was streamed live around the world for students, staff, family and all those associated with UWC to watch with over 1000 visitors to the college website.
ing of UWC Atlantic College Tea and cake was served in the Dining Hall where glasses were raised as a toast to the 50th anniversary of the college. Everyone present sang ‘Happy Birthday’. Her Majesty Queen Noor cut the 50th anniversary cake and was later presented with flowers. Before leaving, Her Majesty Queen Noor officially started the Atlantic Outdoor Centre (AOC) Everest Challenge where staff and students proceeded to climb the height of Everest on the AOC climbing tower. UWC Atlantic College triggered a wave of celebratory events across the globe, on the theme of ‘Celebrate with Action’.
Students ‘Celebrate with Action’ with the local community The following day UWC Atlantic College students gathered in the Arts Centre to ‘Celebrate with Action’ and present ‘Around the World in 80 minutes’ to children from six local primary schools.
Photos: A small selection of photographs from the celebrations. You can find more images on the UWC Atlantic College website
Students wore their national dress and welcomed the children, showing them traditional dance, language and performances. The children spent a total of 80 minutes with students from around the world. John Walmsley, Principal of the college, invited the children to ask questions about the students’ nationalities and learn about their different cultures. A colourful Chinese dragon led the children across the top lawn to a picnic lunch. The children participated in a New Zealand Haka War dance and also sang with the college choir and learnt a variety of songs. The students and staff from the Everest Challenge achieved their goal and made the climb approximately 800 times to match the height of Everest within 24 hours. A tea party was held on the Friday afternoon for former staff members, staff and Link Parent Families. The afternoon tea was enjoyed by everyone who attended.
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50th Anniversary Reunion Party Our 50th Anniversary Reunion Party took place in the magnificent surroundings of Merchant Taylors’ Hall in the heart of the City of London on the evening of Friday, 30 November. Alumni from all around the world, and former staff from all years, came together to help celebrate UWC Atlantic College’s 50th anniversary. Photos: A small selection of just some of the photographs taken from the party. More photographs can viewed on the UWC Atlantic College website.
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In total 620 alumni from across all years and from over 30 countries, came together to mark UWC Atlantic College’s historic milestone. It was fantastic to see everyone having such great fun, reminiscing and catching up with friends.
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UWC International Congress
Delegates at UWC Congress
‘More ways to make more impact on more people’. Cardiff, February 2013 In UWC’s 50th year it seemed only fitting that the region that founded the organisation should also play host to its single biggest membership event. So in February of this year 300 delegates from every part of UWC travelled to Cardiff for the UWC International Congress with its powerful theme ‘more ways to make more impact on more people’. The Congress takes place every six years and the movement has added three colleges, UWC Costa Rica, UWC Mostar and UWC Maastricht, to its ranks since the last Congress. This year’s Congress included students, teachers and staff from every UWC school and college, more than 80 national committees, International Board and UWC Council members and a number of external participants.
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Two days of discussion, presentations and workshops on where UWC is now and how we lead it into the future and continue to help create a more peaceful and sustainable future, were preceded by the Global National Commmittee Meeting (GNCM). The GNCM happens every four years and last took place in Swaziland, at Waterford Kamhlaba UWC, and is an opportunity for all of UWC’s national committees to get together, share their experiences, and learn from their colleagues around the world. ‘We’re always overwhelmed by the commitment shown by our national committee volunteers, but in February I think they really surpassed themselves,’ explains Tian Bersey, UWC International’s Director of National Committee Development. ‘To have the 80 national committees that we had in one place for the GNCM was an incredible achievement in itself but to be able to have them there through the three days of the Congress too was just brilliant. National committee volunteers are one of the most crucial parts of UWC so it was vital we had them there to be part of the discussions about UWC’s future.’ The Congress was also an opportunity for Sir John Daniel to introduce himself to the UWC movement. John took over as Chair of UWC International in January 2013, joining the movement after a long and distinguished career in education.
Sir John Daniel (far left) at UWC Congress
Stephen Doughty (Member of Parliament)
Using the Congress as a platform to set out his own thoughts on UWC John remarked that ‘although the first UWC College goes back half a century, it is only in recent years that the UWC movement has started to behave as a coherent whole. Now it is eager to grow.’
‘An overwhelming majority of Congress attendees voted that UWC’s priority should be increasing its profile, to ensure future strength.’ ‘I praise the increasingly purposeful attitude to the development of the colleges and the movement as a whole. Intentionality, as one delegate called it, has been much in evidence at the Congress. I also urge the movement not to be in a hurry to resolve the dichotomies so evident in its discussions. A healthy organisation should seek balanced positions along various continua: numerical growth vs. mission reinforcement; technology vs. face-to-face contact; opportunism vs. strategy; friendly amateurism vs. sharp professionalism and self-criticism vs. self-congratulation.’
A selection of our favourite commitments:
• T each the UWC, not just the IB • C ommit to be conscious of my
surroundings. I commit to listening, respecting, and responding meaningfully. I commit to be aware of my actions Work to enrol students from conflict regions Broaden the UWC footprint in our schooling system (outside of selections for colleges and related fundraising activities) Ensure that I raise new funds for UWC that increases the number of full scholarships we can award next year.
• • •
To celebrate its 50th anniversary year, delegates visited UWC Atlantic College, which for many was their first visit. They were given a tour of the college by current students and enjoyed student performances and presentations, and of course were given time to take photos of the ever-impressive St Donat’s castle. Delegates in the Bradenstoke Hall Delegates visiting UWC Atlantic College
‘At the Congress I could feel the eagerness and wish to make things better – it was that same passion that characterised most of my UWC college days.’ Karina Sarrio Ugarte, Peru, (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2001 ‘If all of the movement’s members were as informed and as well versed in the achievements and challenges, pitfalls and strengths of UWC as the delegates at the Congress were, there would be an even greater surge in the movement’s progression.’ Wabantu Hlophe, Swaziland, (Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of South Africa)
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Guests at the Senedd, Welsh Assembly Government
Event News Thank you
Razan Jabari from Palestine (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2014
Thank you for making UWC Atlantic College’s 50th anniversary year so special! Thank you – to those involved in the celebrations at the college; to the National Committees, Foundation members and friends who arranged and attended events around the world last September; to the 600 plus alumni and former staff who joined us at the Reunion Party in London in November; and to those who attended the UWC Congress in Cardiff earlier this year. Our celebratory receptions at the House of Lords and Welsh Assembly Government offices allowed us to acknowledge our supporters’ steadfast commitment and loyalty to the college. Here are just some of the moments captured during both events.
Dylan Kava from Fiji (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2014, Jeremy Bowen, Camila Puig Ibarra from Mexico (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2014 Diane Briere de l’isle Engelhardt
It was a memorable year of celebration as we marked this milestone in UWC’s history. Thank you for being part of it. Teleri Roberts, Director of Development
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John Walmsley, Principal, Jane Hutt, Assembly Member, Batholomew Gavana from Uganda (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2013
Development News Over £2 Million was raised this year for bursary support This has helped fund over 45 new bursaries at the college for the 2013-15 period and is in addition to bursaries and financial assistance provided by National Committees. 18 new alumni – supported bursaries We welcomed 18 new students to the college in August, whose bursaries for 2013-15 are largely funded by alumni. THANK YOU! You’ve donated to our Annual Fund and to our US and Canadian Foundations. You’ve supported our Under 10 Challenge, our Telethon and our Graduating Gift campaigns. Some have made exceptional gifts to our scholarship programme. Please help make this exceptional opportunity available to many more students by setting up a regular annual or monthly donation to our Annual Fund. You can make your gift by following this link: http://www.atlanticcollege.org/gift/ Our Middle East Scholarship Programme We would like to acknowledge Mr Eyal Ofer (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1969, for his generous donation that allows us to launch an ambitious new initiative – our Middle East Scholarship
Programme. With UWC Atlantic College securing match-funding, the programme will see 28 students from the Middle East benefiting from this unique educational experience during the next three years, enabling us to develop the college’s work in the region. Congratulations to our US and Canadian Foundations Our US based alumni are funding two bursaries this year and we also welcome a new Canadian Foundation scholar to the college.
Class of 2003, 10 Year Reunion
that included BBC TV, Radio 4, Times, Independent , Telegraph, Guardian and TES. We look forward to building on this momentum this coming year. Finally…keep in touch Let us know what you are doing so that we can build our alumni profiles. Tell us about your interesting projects and initiatives. Don’t forget to update your contact details http://www.atlanticcollege.org/ update-information/
Thank you to parents We remain extremely grateful to parents of current students and alumni for their on-going commitment to the college’s work, helping to support seven bursaries this year. Launching our Capital Campaign With funds secured to refurbish the library, to build a sports hall, to develop specific areas of the Castle and the seafront, we now progress to the second phase, focused on student boarding houses and the teaching block. Media coverage This year’s celebrations provided opportunities to promote the college and its work – with extensive local, national and international coverage
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Outreach at UWC Atlantic College Reaching out and diversity As Director of Outreach at UWC Atlantic College, I sometimes get asked, ‘What exactly does Outreach mean?’ It’s a good question and entails lots of answers. Outreach often means working with partners and organisations outside of UWC Atlantic College in order to fulfill our Mission objectives of Peace and a Sustainable Future beyond the daily operations of the college. We work with numerous groups on this level of Outreach whose goals are synergistic with ours, including Oxfam, Voluntary Work Overseas (VSO), Seeds of Peace, amongst others. Together with our partners, our impact in the wider world can be considerably enhanced. Outreach also means providing further opportunities for UWC
Atlantic College students to go beyond their two years at the college and put our ethos into practice during summers, Gap or ‘Third Years’ and indeed throughout the rest of their lives. Internships with NGOs and other key partners, Go Make a Difference (GoMAD) projects, placements with United World Schools in Cambodia, are all instances where students can build upon the skills and values that they’ve learned here at UWC Atlantic College, and then start taking the next steps on the journey of being an active force for positive change. And sometimes Outreach can simply mean reaching out; reaching out to groups, institutions and communities that wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity of experiencing a UWC. Aligned with this reaching out process, we are also able to bring in. The dynamic between reaching out and bringing in is where a real mutualism of benefit can be created. Diversity is one of our goals here at the college. We are justly
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Students participating in Outreach
proud of the wide range of nationalities represented at UWC Atlantic College. We also know that such diversity needs to go beyond simple national identities and to embrace diverse socioeconomic and other backgrounds as well. To this end we have been developing Outreach initiatives such as the Associated Schools Programme which links us to schools throughout Britain from less-advantaged communities in Birmingham, Liverpool, and Wales, amongst others. Along with strong links with these schools that include exchange visits and common initiatives, we are able to identify promising young people who will enhance UWC Atlantic College’s diverse community as scholarship students here. Our partner schools see such opportunities as raising aspiration for their students; a symbiotic win-win dynamic is thus created. We are also able to reach out with such connections to lessdeveloped communities in other parts of the world as part of our partnership work with groups like VSO and Vale for Africa. Again, scholarship students from these schools and communities serve as the glue to bind us with our partners for mutual benefit, as well as the elastic that expands our truly diverse student body. Outreach means many things, but ultimately it is about ensuring that UWC Atlantic College really does effectively reach out beyond the college, beyond our daily educational programme and beyond the two years of a student’s time here. Our Mission is to Make Education a Force. The various strands and meanings of our Outreach approach ensure that we are able to do this. Ken Corn, Director of Outreach
Students at Nanjing Zoo
GoMAD Project Updates
Go Make a Difference (GoMAD) is an initiative set up by Jill Longson, college Governor, and her husband Colin Habgood, designed to enable UWC Atlantic College second year students to realise ideas that they have for community projects. Last year three students took part in the zoological enrichment of animals with Nanjing Zoo, China. They carried out the work in cooperation with the Golden Bird Foundation with the help of the Go Mad programme, also known as Go Make a Difference. Here they tell us about their Go MAD project…
Zoological Enrichment Project How did we make a difference? We travelled to Beijing on the Tuesday 5 June 2012. During our visit we had the opportunity to see the work of various people including Dr Carin Harrington, a person who we were going to be working with during our stay. We were able to ask questions about enrichment and learn more about the key it plays in promoting natural behaviour. By Thursday, we had arrived in the city of Nanjing, which translates to the ‘south capital’ of China. On arrival, we toured the zoo and visited the primate section. We examined the enclosures and found the area that most suited our design. We had discussed our design with Mr Chen, Director of Nanjing Zoo, when he came to visit UWC Atlantic College for a preliminary meeting. It was decided that our designs best suited the Golden Monkey enclosure so we held a meeting with the keepers to ensure they were happy with the design and we could incorporate anything they needed. The discussion was action packed and introduced both our team and the team from the zoo to new ideas. By the second week the enclosure had been transformed and showed signs of improvement. We added various leaf structures to the enclosure which provided a shading system for the Golden Monkey. We also renewed the outside of the enclosure by placing bamboo around the top to discourage visitor feeding and to engage the public in watching the animal’s natural behavior. We also worked with a local team of volunteers and started to involve visitors in enrichment as well. This activity prompted public interest to grow. Our work caught the attention of local media and further discussions of enrichment were promoted. The next morning, we only expected one or two reporters, yet a mass of people surrounded us. We discussed the idea of stimulation and use of ‘enrichment devices’ as well as talking about UWC Atlantic College and our aims and ideals.
By the end of the second week, we had finished drilling bamboo and fixing brackets to feed natural vegetation. The enclosure was transformed. We still remain in touch with the zoo and are looking forward to continuing working with them. From the project we learnt that through change anything is possible. The most rewarding part of the project was seeing the behaviour of the animals change as soon as they entered the new enriched enclosure. We felt that the project improved the knowledge of enrichment in Nanjing and helped to improve the confidence of certain keepers also, as well as providing education for the general public. Scott Dwyer (UWC Atlantic College) class of 2012, Clara Gurresø (UWC Atlantic College) class of 2012, Siobhan Weber (UWC Atlantic College) class of 2013
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Co-curricular Activity Updates
Social Justice Conference with guest speaker Terry Waite
Student helping the elderly through music therapy
Following the launch of the Atlantic Diploma last year, the four new faculty heads have provided reports on how the first year has progressed. Here are their updates…
Social Justice Faculty The re-organisation of the co-curricular provision at the college and the introduction of the Atlantic Diploma saw the birth of the Social Justice Faculty. The Social and Music Therapy services were combined to create the basis for our ‘face to face’ community service programme and to facilitate conferences and student activities. The faculty is central to the mission of UWC Atlantic College and aims to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of others and to do so with a sense of empathy for the disadvantaged and a respect for human rights and personal dignity. Through knowledge, experience and exposure to a wide range of alternative viewpoints, students are able to reflect informatively upon the concept of social justice and how they can best interact with it and the modern world. This is achieved in a number of ways. Approximately 25% of students and staff are members of the faculty and take part in weekly service sessions aimed at meeting the needs of less privileged groups. This includes working with the elderly, refugees, children from disadvantaged home backgrounds and children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. We also work with families at the local prison in Bridgend. The faculty has and is continually developing an expertise in providing therapy through music and the Arts. Music and activities related to music can stimulate and engage people who find interaction at a verbal level
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difficult or impossible. We also engage the themes of Social Justice on the national and global stage. In September all first years take part in a three day conference entitled ‘Making Change Happen’. Invited guests, staff and students engage in a highly interactive dialogue which is intended to act as a catalyst for student activity throughout their time at UWC Atlantic College and beyond. Throughout the year students operate a vast range of activities and events which raise awareness, understanding and in some cases funds for recognised causes. The emphasis here is on giving all college students the opportunity to exercise leadership, develop organisational skills and problem solve in a creative manner and do good in the process. Some of these activities spawn and support summer projects which enable students to take their energy and enthusiasm further afield through volunteering. All of this activity has gone on to inform career choice and even the establishment of new NGOs and charities. It is a dynamic process and one only bounded by our collective imagination. Julian Jones, Head of Social Justice Faculty Students supporting members of the community during Computer Club
Outdoor Faculty The Outdoor Faculty arose from what were the old traditional service areas of Lifeguards, the Inshore Lifeboat (ILBs) and Atlantic Outdoor Centre (AOC), along with the more recently demised Cardiff and Vale Rescue Association (CAVRA). The idea was to bring all of these areas under one administrative unit, whilst still maintaining many of the activities that have been at the heart of the outdoors at UWC Atlantic College in the past, introducing some new ones, and making more of these activities accessible to students who have not chosen the Outdoor Faculty. This has been a year of development in all areas of the faculty. With the withdrawal of the RNLI Atlantic class lifeboat and the emergence of RNLI Lifeguards at the college, there have obviously been some significant and momentous changes, but in this particular area, we feel we have strengthened both our commitment to the RNLI and maintained a strong RIBbased presence down at the seafront. The Team Terra Firma group has been busy this year as a growing part of the faculty. For the last few years there has been no mountains based service, and Team Terra Firma has been working hard to re-establish some of those skills and traditions that many alumni would remember fondly. As a way of extending its work this group has also reached out to the local community and is offering sessions to local school groups, an area which will definitely be expanded in the coming years. Our children’s swimming programme goes from strength to strength. Its
remit is to offer water taster sessions to young children from the age of three. Named AC@AC (Aquatic Confidence @ Atlantic College), we offer swimming sessions three days a week and for a four day intensive period in August. AC@ AC has a dedicated team of students who have done an excellent job this year. It is a real pleasure to see the smiles on both children and students alike during the sessions. As an addition in this area, we have been running a session called ‘Rookie Lifeguards’. This is aimed at slightly older children who can already swim and want to develop their water safety skills. Perhaps the greatest endorsement of this was when one of the children was discovered by her parents practising putting her younger sibling into the recovery position. Dad, who is a paramedic, was hugely impressed with the level of knowledge and skill being shown by his seven year old daughter! As well as continuing kayaking, surfing and lifeguard training we have introduced activities on Stand Up Paddle boards, re-introduced boatbuilding, have a new climbing tower in regular use and as always have a regular flow of visiting groups mainly from local schools. Next year will see the faculty look to build on the successful first year. We will be seeking out further community service opportunities as these remain central to our philosophy, along with our continued desire to challenge and stretch the students in the outdoor environment.
Students participating in outdoor activities
Alun Wood, Head of Outdoor Faculty
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Peace Conference 2013
Global Faculty Making celebrating differences and promoting peace tangible As the re-organisation of UWC Atlantic College’s co-curricular programme took shape it saw the most profound changes taking place in the Global Faculty. With its aim ‘to promote a global ethos and celebrate diversity in the pursuit of peace’ it had no real predecessor in the former service programme. Now exciting new opportunities are available, for example:
• u sing theatre techniques to allow
disadvantaged youth to deal with their problems
• e xploring architecture from around the world with a local school group
• c reating an item on views about
homosexuality around the world for a weekly YouTube news programme.
From these programmes the students have been able to successfully make celebrating differences and promoting peace tangible. The students who took on the challenge of forming and shaping this new faculty played a crucial role in building its programme. Nicole Fong Yuen Chan, from Hong Kong (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2014 Lilit Grigoryan from Armenia (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2014
devised their own intercultural curriculum for a Geography class with 13 yearold pupils from Llantwit Major. Camila Puig Ibarra from Mexico (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2014 from Mexico was inspired by Grassroots Theatre in Cardiff and played a leading role in supporting Welsh children in expressing themselves through drama. As the Global Faculty is trying out these new initiatives some run more smoothly than others, and also here it is encouraging to see how students critically reflect upon successes and failures and how these can be repeated or prevented in the future. Student input has resulted in a new tailor-made training programme by expert organisations for all Global Faculty first years which will include important lifelong skills and knowledge such as emotional intelligence, intercultural understanding and dealing with conflict. The Global Faculty has built upon the successes of the college’s annual Peace Conference and Model United Nations, but has also introduced new conferences, such as the Middle East Conference. Guillaume, a Canadian student taking History of the Middle East and Arabic as two of his subjects, felt the need for emphasising the richness of the culture and history of the Middle East at a time when the media and politicians often focus on conflict and animosity. This resulted in a conference that took
HE Daniel Taub, Ambassador of Israel to the UK
place for the first time in November 2012, at the height of the tensions in Gaza. It allowed many students to look beyond repetitive generalisations and gain a better understanding of all the Middle East has to offer. This conference exemplifies how the co-curriculum and the academic programme go hand in hand and how the Global Faculty in its first year has been able to put the mission into practice. Chiel Mooij, Head of Global Faculty
Filming World View with Denis Campbell
Guillaume Sylvain from Canada (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2013
Students with Professor Manuel Hassassian, Ambassador of Palestine to the UK
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Environmental Faculty The new Environmental Faculty – comprising the old Estate and Marine Environmental Monitoring Services (MEMS) – hit the ground running in August 2012. Students from MEMS went diving in West Wales, while the majority of the group worked on construction projects for Sue Pritchard (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1981, at Llananant Farm. A lively induction programme attracted an enthusiastic new intake of over 30 students. Developments in the valley have continued apace throughout the year: a soft-fruit growing area has been established, the old greenhouse has been substantially repaired and more raised beds have been constructed. The poly-tunnel has ensured that we have kept up salad production until well into the autumn and students will be working for the faculty during the summer recess to maintain the kitchen garden throughout the growing season. Activities ranging from bee-keeping to alternative-technology projects and beach clear-ups have kept students from other faculties in touch with developments.
Students from the Environmental Faculty
Sustainability Conference
Poly-tunnel
In March, the Sustainability Conference, masterminded by Sarah Hamilton (Sunley Houseparent), was a great success. Daniel Vockins of the New Economics Foundation and David Fitzpatrick (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1972, of Cynnal Cymru addressed the students, and workshops were offered by a wide range of guests and former students including Alice Holden (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1999, Emily Reed (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2005 and Will Roper (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2005. The Environmental Faculty would like to offer thanks to all contributors. Next year, during August, we are hoping to cover the old vinery. This should ensure that the momentum gathered over the past few years passes on to a new generation of students: thanks to Bob Williams, former UWC Atlantic College staff, for his continued interest in and financial support for this project. Additionally, we hope to begin recycling our own kitchen waste in a more comprehensive fashion. House plots attached to Tice and Whitaker should offer returning students salad and vegetables in August. The Sustainability Council, chaired by Mike Webb, remains a powerful force and attracts much student interest and support. It will surely continue to offer a lively means of furthering the aim of the faculty: to develop models of sustainability and to inspire in young people an active commitment to the welfare and improvement of the environment. Graeme Smith, Head of Environmental Faculty
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Student Perspective on the Atlantic Diploma Emma Woo
It feels like the last two years have passed in a blink of the eye. Time is skewed as I attempt to chronicle the events from Vancouver Airport in August 2011 to Cardiff Airport in May 2013. The best I can do is to start by introducing myself in true UWC spirit:
My name is Emma Katherine Woo Jia Qing. I am an 18 year old from Vancouver, Canada of mixed Chinese/English/Irish heritage. I am born to Pearson College Graduates, one of whom is the daughter of an exUWC Atlantic College teacher. It seems that a UWC education was the ‘ordinary’ course for my life. Yet, my UWC Atlantic College experience was nothing short of extraordinary. I can only offer a dim reflection of a web of images, feelings, and teenage angst, and in sharing these reflections about my beloved UWC Atlantic College; I can only speak for myself.
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I spent 24 months at UWC Atlantic College but feel like I matured well more than two years. It started when I attended a human interaction conference held soon after arriving on campus. At that event, I was inspired to listen, to learn and to live fully with my co-years. The theme of human communication and companionship spilled into my service time as well. The co-curricular program pioneered in 2013 allows for each student to focus on one faculty of community service, while getting a taste of other service activities. Presented with the choices; global, environmental, outdoor and social justice, I found myself choosing social justice. I had the opportunity and privilege of working with disadvantaged members of the community, while reflecting on the meaning of personal responsibility and duty. My subsection of the faculty was Music Therapy Service – a new area of activity at the college – and I offered counselling and comfort through song, verse, and performed for elderly clients with dementia and children with
Fellow students and friends
autism. It was an experience that was at once frustrating, saddening, heartwarming, and challenging. The IB program is demanding, and standards at the college are high. The college, however, has many ways for students to get stimulation and refreshment outside of academics. Each year in March, students participate in projects away from campus. In my first year, I was privileged to make a trip to Jordan. I worked at a Jesuit
refugee centre with 12 other UWC Atlantic College students, teaching at a school for refugees of all ages from Sudan, Iraq, and Somalia. This year, I walked a six-day portion of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in northern Spain. The experience was physically, mentally, and spiritually refreshing. I find a similar source of refreshment and renewal at St Donat’s church, where I have attended multi-faith get-togethers. This time next year, I will be finishing my freshman year at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I will once again be in an international environment and once again be stimulated, both in heart and mind. However, UWC Atlantic College and all the friendships that go along with it will always hold a unique place in my heart.
Emma singing with local school children
Students debate for hours what makes UWC transformative, and the truth is that while we experience it in different ways, everyone agrees that the transformation is real. It has certainly been real for me. Probably more real than I can even understand at this point in time. To the place and the people – and all who made it possible – thank you, thank you, and thank you. Emma Woo, (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2013
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Reflections on the RIB
The Gladys Mildred
Reflecting on the RIB and Future Opportunities with the RNLI Long before the first students were recruited to the college, the founding fathers recognised the desirability of finding a suitable site for this experiment in education on the coast. Kurt Hahn, Antonin Besse and Rear Admiral Desmond Hoare travelled many miles in both Ireland and the United Kingdom in search of the ideal site before finding ‘the castle by the sea’. Since then, generations of students – some who may have never seen the sea before arriving here – have woken to that everchanging view across the Bristol Channel and spent hours of their time here engaged in training for, and participation in, activities unique to the juxtaposition of land and sea. From the outset, Rear Admiral Desmond Hoare recognised that these were some of the most dangerous waters in which to operate small boats, with local experts suggesting it was impossible to sail dinghies off the beach, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) observing that the college probably had the most difficult operating conditions of any Inshore Rescue
Rear Admiral Desmond Hoare working on a boat with students
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An early boat
Paul Motte
Boat Station around the coast. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the college established a beach rescue unit; canoe life guards; and a cliff rescue unit. However it was with the introduction of boat building at the college, and the development of the rigid hulled inflatable boat (the RIB) that the college’s association with the RNLI would grow with the eventual development of the Atlantic Class of Lifeboats; fast, manoeuvrable and very reliable, these boats can operate in rough weather conditions up to force seven in daylight and force six at night, and in March 1964, the first lifeboat station ever to be run by a school or university in Britain. A number of other ‘firsts’ followed including the first female registered crew member; the first fully registered RNLI woman crew member to be engaged in a call-out; and the first female Helmsman. Student volunteers from every cohort, together with staff members, underwent the RNLI’s training programme and have qualified as inshore lifeboat crew members, and helms. But over time the approach to health and safety issues; the more extensive training of crew members and the continued upgrading of boats and equipment at other local lifeboat stations led to a decision in 2012 to close the station at the college. However, it was clear that both parties wanted to find a way to maintain that
One of the first boats and crew
College RNLI station dedicated to Rear Admiral Desmond Hoare and his wife Noami Hoare
unique relationship that had been fostered over the years. Following the introduction of inshore lifeboats to supplement the services provided by an ever improving fleet of all-weather boats, the RNLI, along with some local authorities began the development of beach lifeguarding and bringing to that service the traditions of the Institution and the highest level of training, performance and commitment. Now the boat has been withdrawn, an RNLI presence remains on site with the development of a local base, and a training facility – not only for students of the college but for other lifeguards operating in South and South-West Wales. This training includes delivery of most of the RNLI’s lifeguard modules, including work with small boats, personal watercraft and all-terrain vehicles. In addition, students are trained in the delivery of the Institution’s sea safety training for children and young people. But perhaps the development that may have the most impact in the future is the possibility of our students working with the RNLI’s new initiatives on International Development. Drowning kills more people each year than malaria, claiming an estimated 1.2million lives around the world. In some countries, particularly in areas of Asia, Africa and South America, drowning is the leading cause of child death, and both the college and the Institution recognise the possible potential of an international
student body such as that at UWC Atlantic College in working with it to improve literature and training, and possible Gap year opportunities working in countries with staff and volunteers. But what of other activities at the seafront? Sailing has returned, albeit in a limited capacity, following a generous donation of four C420 sailing boats. The college is still considering how best to use these craft – whether on the sea or inland – and how best to staff the teaching of sailing. Boatbuilding has returned to the college following the return of a wooden boat hull from the 1960s or ‘70s. The hull was copied into fibreglass last year, and further developments have followed during the past year with the newly constructed boat now in service at the sea front. The renaissance of boat building at a time when the lifeboat is about to leave the college brings the story full circle, and who knows what new designs may be forthcoming from creative students in the future. Rest assured: I cannot imagine any new designs being sold for one pound! Paul Motte, Bursar and Clerk to the Governors
Books by David Sutcliffe David Sutcliffe, a member of the college’s founding staff from 1962, has written two books with a connection to UWC Atlantic College and the UWC movement. The first tells the RIB story in ‘The RIB: the Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Lifeboat and its Place of Birth – UWC Atlantic College,’ and the second ‘Kurt Hahn and the United World Colleges with other founding figures,’ that recalls a number of outstanding people who have been critical in the creation of the UWC movement. The RIB book and Kurt Hahn book can be ordered at a price of £10 (softback) each or a Photo: College RNLI station special price of £15 (softbacks) when ordered dedicated to Rear Admiral Desmond together. Postage and packing Hoare and his wife Noami Hoare costs will apply. You can enquire online at: http://www. atlanticcollege.org/more-books-by-davidsutcliffe/
Willem de Vogel from the USA (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1969 and Otto Van Voorst tot Voorst from the Netherlands (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1969
His Royal Highness Prince Charles in X17
Photo: X23
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Building a new Future
As part of the college’s ambitious Strategic Plan ‘The Way Ahead: Laying the Foundations for the next 50 years’ , we have been tasked with constructing a site master plan, with local planning input, that will enable the refurbishment of existing buildings and the building of new facilities over a ten-year period. This will involve:
• • r ebuilding or refurbishing the teaching blocks • b uilding a new boarding house sports hall, and auditorium • i mproving the infrastructure and; • r estoring and refurbishing much of the castle.
refurbishing or rebuilding five boarding houses
Following a competitive tendering process, architects Burrell, Foley Fischer LLP were commissioned to carry out the exercise and reported to the Board with its recommendations earlier this year. A separate estate management plan, together with one for energy management, is being finalised.
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So what progress has been made? A number of works projects are being advanced, some of which have funding from generous supporters of the college. These include:
• w ork on the Cavalry barracks and associated buildings in
preparation for the introduction of the Atlantic pre-Diploma year in September 2014
• a major refurbishment of the library, supported by a donation of £250,000
• t he installation of a lift within the castle • i mprovements to The Great Hall and to student study space in the Castle, both of which have attracted some funding
• w ork in the Sosh area to improve
recreational facilities for students. This too has been part-funded by a donor.
Illustrations: Architect drawings showing designs and layout
We are also progressing plans for a new purpose-built sports hall and gym, which is to be funded by a very generous donation. The preferred location allows us to improve an existing unsightly maintenance yard and to improve views from the castle gardens towards the existing Biomass Boiler and maintenance yard. The large volume of the sports hall is likely to be set at a level at which the roof would be no higher than the fencing of the existing tennis courts, allowing for natural screening from existing trees and for the planting of new tree species. At the centre of our exciting campus development programme is a proposed new academic precinct, built on the site of existing classrooms and structured in a phased
approach. The proposed new buildings will respond to the strong concentric form of the Castle and provide an improved context for the existing Arts and Music Departments and St Donat’s Arts Centre – both located in Listed Buildings which have been converted and extended. The proposed academic precinct will provide level access to all teaching accommodation and will link to a new principal footpath across the estate. It will also be designed with views of the Castle from the coastal path and other key vantage points in mind. Finally, we are also looking in detail at how we will address the need to resolve the unsatisfactory state of two of the boarding houses. We are in discussions with an alumnus who has offered help in this area, as have a number of others who will contribute financially to the project. The need to rebuild some staff housing and boarding houses in the next five years has been taken as an opportunity to improve their setting and establish a clearer distinction between fronts and more private rear garden space, while maintaining the sense of woodland setting. The challenge for us is to develop new icons to complement the castle and to provide functional space for the college’s next 50 years. Paul Motte, Bursar and Clerk to the Governors
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Alumni Making an Impact It is always exciting to hear what our former students are doing after graduating and the impact the two years at UWC Atlantic College has made on their lives. These two articles feature alumni who, after living the UWC experience, have gone on to make a difference in
Joe teaching geometry to children
the world today…
ZOE – a Christian NGO that rescues orphans and victims of child trafficking After leaving UWC Atlantic College in 1990, I lived in the United States for more than 20 years. In 2011, I quit my engineering job in Northern California and came to Thailand with my wife and three small children. We are working for ZOE – a Christian NGO that rescues orphans and victims of child trafficking. The world is awakened to the reality of this evil called child trafficking, which amounts to modern-day slavery. Children in Southeast Asia, for example, are sold into prostitution from shockingly young ages. Many are also sold into begging rings or forced into slave labour. There are three necessary components to our fight against child trafficking – Prevention, Intervention, and Aftercare:
• P revention: This includes Prevention Rescues, which means
we investigate and rescue orphans and children who are at extreme risks of being sold as a slave. Another important aspect of our Prevention Works is Awareness Campaigns. By targeting communities where we find traffickers to be active, we are able to send teams out to warn parents, teachers, and community leaders of the danger.
• I ntervention: When a child has already been trafficked,
Intervention is needed to get the child out of the situation. As an overall strategy to fight child trafficking, we also seek to bring the traffickers to justice. Intervention rescues necessarily involve ZOE’s collaboration with law enforcement and other government agencies. These are rescues that entail raids conducted by law enforcement officials on locations where child trafficking victims are being held or actively exploited.
Construction project
safe houses. These safe houses provide short-term specialised care to facilitate initial rehab/counselling, medical check-up, acclimation, and witness protection. Our aftercare includes secure facilities, holistic rehabilitation, high quality academics, vocational and life skills training, excellent health care and nutrition. We will always act in the best interests of the child. Our care is based on a ‘family’ model utilizing a ZOE parent-tochild ratio of between 1:1 and 1:6 depending on the age and special needs of each child. I currently work on construction projects as well as technology development. I also take every opportunity to teach orphans and trafficked children math and science. In the picture here, I was teaching geometry to a bunch of kids who had not been in school for a long time. I was trying to demonstrate different types of angle by using a crocodile’s mouth as an illustration. To learn more and support our work, please visit https://www.gozoe.org ZOE protects our children’s identity and dignity at all times. Media may show orphaned or at-risk children but never trafficked children. Joe Chongsiriwatana, (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1990
• A ftercare: When a child is rescued they go first to one of ZOE’s 26
Joe’s daughter playing the piano and Joe’s wife, teaching the class music
Eye surgery in rural Republic of Congo I only had one more patient to see in the wards. The equatorial heat was starting to get to me, but I could not see Papa Marcel anywhere! ‘Has anyone seen Papa Marcel?’ I asked. ‘Doctor! I am here!’ I could not believe it! This man looked nothing like the Papa Marcel I knew! Before his operation, he was quiet and downcast. Now, only three days after his operation, he was glowing and full of life. Our eye centre in the Republic of Congo is like a make-over reality show. When sight is restored, lives are transformed. Our patients often say, ‘Thank you for giving my life back.’ They re-discover their independence and livelihood to support their families. Many even look younger! Their relatives also receive a make-over. Released from caring for their blind loved ones, they can return to work and study. It is very humbling to make a lasting difference in a country where living is by no means easy to begin with. 54% of Congolese live in absolute poverty i.e. less than USD1 a day. Globally, four in five blind people are suffering needlessly because their causes of blindness are preventable or treatable. Half of them can see again through one-off cataract operations costing as little as £50.
I recently had the privilege of participating in an international eye health conference represented by 1600 delegates from 86 countries. A world-renowned expert, whom I greatly admire, gave a talk on how to choose which charity to support. I shifted uncomfortably as it soon became clear that our project was a shining example of what not to invest in – logistics difficulties, language barriers, uncooperative bureaucracy etc. Experts told us that we had ‘picked the wrong country’ because it was too hard.
Papa Marcel after his eye operation
We live in a world where we want fast results and value-formoney. Because of that pressure, people who live in the worlds hardest to reach and to work with places are at risk of being neglected. My heart burned to speak up for those orphaned by international aid because it would cost more money, time and efforts to help them. But I was petrified. They speak so eloquently. They have training, experience and titles under their belt. Who am I? - Just a girl from a small unknown charity. The truth is that I don’t like to stand out. I am scared that people will think that I am not good enough, or if they think that I am good enough, I am scared that they will think that I am proud. Then I remembered: it is not about me, it is about those in need. So I went to the microphone. With trembling feet, sweaty palms and a racing heart, I spoke up. I am still scared but I am finding my voice.
Joyce and her family (Henri, Cherissa, Ezra and Karis)
Dr Joyce Samoutou (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1995 (née Wong; originally from Hong Kong) and her husband previously ran an eye charity in Gabon. They and their three children have been pioneering a non-profit eye centre in the rural north of the Republic of Congo since April 2012. For more information and to donate much needed skills e.g. construction, IT, accounting, media, administration, graphics, please visit www.newsightcongo.com Email: info@samoutou.com
Eye screening in Pygmy Village
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Project Week During the second term at UWC Atlantic College students enjoy project week and visit both UK and overseas destinations. Here are two recent stories brought to you by teachers and students, some who travelled to Jordan and some who have stayed in the UK.
Audrey Ryback in conversation with a Sudanese refugee at the JRS Centre Students meditating
Self-Mastery Every project week there are students who decide not to make an external, physical journey, but to travel inside to ’find themselves’. In previous years they have been able to attend projects like ‘Personal Development through Spirituality & the Application of Ancient Wisdom to Modern Living’, which explored the common and sometimes unknown shared spiritual heritage of the many cultures at UWC Atlantic College. This year 15 students signed up for the ‘Meditation and Lifestyle’ project. While maintaining two daily, collective Sahaja Yoga meditations, the theme of the rest of the programme this year was more on how to get the most out of life by adjusting one’s lifestyle including working, thinking, eating, drinking and sleeping habits. There was still a strong element of introspection and the interfaith aspect of life at the college was touched on every day. Many faiths and philosophies stress that you have to ‘know yourself’ and that you have to ‘master yourself’. This project week was intended as a week of ‘self-mastery’. In the widest sense of the term, you have to become master of your body, your emotions and your mind. These aspects of your Being are there to serve you, the higher or ‘inner’ Self (the Spirit).
Aineen Ilmi Husna Nazrei at the JRS school in Amman
Our programme was to get up at sunrise and meet for morning meditation at 6.30am. The evening sessions dealt with old and new wisdom about personal development, stress management, nutrition etc. and we studied various forms of cleansing and clearing of our ‘subtle system’ and strengthening our Being. The ‘free time’ during the day was spent whichever way each participant desired. Examples include: physical exercise, academic work, research into the teachings of ancient and modern spiritual leaders. Several students chose to watch significant DVD movies with a deep message, and some borrowed books to read. Asbjorn and Janet Bowen Damhus Meeting Iraqi, Syrian, Somali and Sudanese refugees at the JRS Centre
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Supporting the Refugees we work with In March this year 12 UWC Atlantic College students, accompanied by two teachers, visited Amman in Jordan. Their aim was to learn about Arabic language and culture, and to meet and work with refugees from Iraq and Syria, Sudan and Somalia.
The refugee work was facilitated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), a NGO who run two main programs in Amman: A school which provides classes in English, computer, music, art and ‘life skills’ for refugees of all ages which otherwise have no access to education and an extensive family visit program to support the refugees. Our project was centered on meetings with the refugees: an ice breaker session at the JRS centre and teaching sessions at the school, as well as the Graduation Ceremony for their winter term. We also met a number of refugees and refugee workers in more intimate settings; UWC Atlantic College alumna, Anna, who works for United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA), the UN organization supporting the 2 million Palestinian refugees in Jordan; Sarah who works for UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), running desperately needed programs inside Syria; Colin, the JRS area director for Jordan; Rana, a Syrian refugee; Hazem, a Syrian refugee working for the JRS; and Mohammed al-Din, a Sudanese refugee and respected leader of the Sudanese community in Amman. At the school the students were divided into groups and rotated around classes, supporting the teachers who themselves mostly are refugees, with only some US and European volunteers providing the more advanced English classes. In such a short visit we know we will not make much of a difference in terms of providing direct help. The real value of the project lays in the result of the conversations with the refugees and hearing their stories, and through the discussions and
reflections afterwards. We learnt a great deal about the situation for the refugees in Amman, about loss, hardship and discrimination in their everyday life; we learnt about the wider humanitarian and political situation in the region, about the horrors of war from people who have lived it. But we also learnt about the work of the UN and NGOs, and we met inspiring people who work tirelessly to do something about the situation. We put much emphasis on reflection; we all wrote reflections in our diaries on a daily basis. One student, Maisie Brett explains: ‘I don’t know how I would begin to capture these few days. It’s been indescribable. Piling into the noisy yellow minibuses at the end of the evening, with the air filled with conversation, laughter, shouting and the smell of rubber, smoke and sweat, all I knew was that I didn’t want to leave. It all just gets under your skin.’ Alfonso Aparicio Bolanos, Maisie Brett, Holly Leung, Prabana Mendis, Dumisile Mtambo, Audrey Ryback and Balazs Vincze (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2013 Hana Bracale, Aineen Ilmi Husna Nazrei, Louis Jones, Giorgio Savani Zangrandi and Rachel Walker (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2014 Teachers: Nidal Alcalde and Jon Morten Steinveg
On Mt Nebo
Group photo by the Citadel in Amman
News from Campus Commercial Department News From August 2012 the Arts Centre staff became part of the college team under the new heading of the Commercial Department. Karen Davies, Commercial Director, is overseeing the smooth running of the new department. Recent events included The Jam & the ‘Greatest Hits’ and the Globe Theatre. Weddings at the castle are proving to be even more popular than ever. The college had 39 weddings booked for 2013 and, following on from the wedding success; this year’s mother’s day event attracted 114 people who enjoyed a cream tea in the castle dining hall. As always the St Donat’s Castle and estate has proven to be a much sought after location for film and television. With a wide range of potential uses, the castle and grounds have already been used for ‘Da Vinci’s Demons’ and as a filming location featured in the Locations UK magazine, recently launched at Cannes Film Festival. More recently, the department has won grant funding for digital equipment which will be invested into a cinema at the Arts Centre this autumn. With all this activity the department is keen for extra support and welcomes the volunteers who have come forward to help in the Arts Centre and looks forward to working with them. The college’s Atlantic Outdoor Centre also had a fantastic year with another busy summer.
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Introducing our Governors
The colleges governing body comprise 16 members drawn from a range of skills and experience. The membership reflects the varied communities the college serves. Stephen Cox, CVO – Chair Former Executive Director of the Royal Society (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1965 Jill Longson, Vice-Chair Vice-Chair UWC International Board, Chair of UWC Atlantic College Development Committee and co-founder of GoMAD (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1981 Dick Alford, Former British Council Director, Poland and Rome Mal Davies, Educationalist, former Head teacher in Cardiff school and former member of General Teaching Council for Wales Louise Evans, Regional Managing Partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP Kevin Gardiner, Chief Investment Officer, Europe at Barclays Wealth and Investment Management (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1977 Pedro González Grau, Patron of UWC Foundation in Spain and currently a partner in Alana Partners in Madrid (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1985 Siân Jones, Specialist in the construction industry, commercial property development, management and refurbishment of historic properties and their estates (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1974 John Hughes, Former British Ambassador to Venezuela, Argentina and Paraguay, Chair of the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission (scholarships for US postgraduates) and of Canning House (advancing relations with Latin America)
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Duncan Macintosh, Founding partner of London and Cardiff law firm Capital Law LLP with a background in private equity David Ross, Co-founder of the Canadian Foundation for UWC Atlantic College and former CFO of The Canadian Press (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1969 Manfred Schepers, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1979 Oscar Strugstad, Experience in the financial services industry working for Baring Brothers & Co., Limited, ABN Amro and Mizuho International, mainly in COO and Management roles (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1975 John B White, Former member of the UK Diplomatic Service Priscilla Rattazzi-Whittle, President of the US Foundation for UWC Atlantic College (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1974 Anne Wozencraft, Former Head of Education and Global HR Director at the British Council, and member of the UK’s Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development. (left to right)Top: Duncan, Pedro, Oscar, Manfred, Sian, ˆ John, Kevin, Louise and Mal. Bottom: John, Anne, Stephen, Jill and Richard. Priscilla and David are not featured in the photograph.
Staff Joining and Leaving Staff Joining
Staff Leaving
This year UWC Atlantic College has welcomed new incoming staff…
We would like to say ‘goodbye’ to the staff who have left us…
• Jade Bennett, Domestic Cleaner • Adam Steinberg, English Teacher • Tim Tur, Inspection Compliance Officer • Margaret Vecchi, Domestic Cleaner • Jeffrey Mayo, Economics Teacher • Nigel Bowles, Visiting Printmaking Teacher • Karen Westcott, Night Staff • Angharad Llinos James, Night Staff • Christian Davies, Casual Food Service Assistant • Catherine Blockley, Evening Food Service Assistant • Karen George, Domestic Cleaner • Roos Burnanje, English Teacher • Ashley Dale, Domestic Cleaner • Lily Giles, Domestic Cleaner • Carol Gunter, Head of Human Resources • Alexandra Celini, Development Co-ordinator • Jane Corwin, Admissions (maternity cover)
(maternity cover) (maternity cover)
(support cover)
• Marilyn Burnett, Evening Food Service Assistant • Tracey Cookson, Visiting Flute Teacher • Andy Cookson, Visiting Percussion Teacher • Chris Lloyd, Visiting Printmaking Teacher • Thomas Sterling, Casual Estates Worker • Andrew Maclehose, Economics Teacher • Victoria Bailey, Night Staff • Vicky Phillips, Night Staff • Leanne Hardacre, Domestic Cleaner • Linda Diment, Food Service Assistant • Maureen Irvine, Domestic Cleaner • Josie O’Connor, Food Service Assistant • Fay Maxwell, Food Service Assistant • Marcia Brown, Financial Administrator • Eddie Pickford, Estates Manager A big thank you to all the instructors at the Atlantic Outdoor Centre and those who supported the Environmental Faculty and Estates Services over the summer period.
Obituaries Our condolences are with the families and friends of our alumni who have recently passed away . . . Laurence Williams, (UWC Atlantic College), class of 2011, passed away this year. Laurence cherished his time at UWC Atlantic College and became a great ambassador for the school. He was widely recognised both at the college and beyond for his friendship, his listening skills and his abilities in communication and conflict resolution. Laurence was remembered at a memorial service in London on 15 June 2013, where his family, including his younger brother, Joshua, who also studied at UWC Atlantic College, class of 2012, were joined by more than 200 of his friends from all around the world, including many teachers and alumni of UWC Atlantic College. Thomas Schmidt, (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1991, passed away in March following a skiing accident. Loving husband, compassionate father, and loyal friend, his life radiated happiness for others, and his death has left many in darkness. He strived to bring joy and purpose to the lives he touched. Thomas left a legacy of a generosity of spirit that will outlive him. Our thoughts and love are with Bridie, Theo and Katie. His life was all too brief but its impact has left an indelible mark on those of us who were privileged to witness its sheer force, humanity and beauty. Thank you T, you live on as a legend. Kaveesh Nath, (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1997, passed away in March 2013 following a tragic road accident in Goa. Reinhard Keller, (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1969, passed peacefully at his home in March 2013. Henry Bromell, (UWC Atlantic College), class of 1966, passed away in Los Angeles, March 2013. Henry is survived by his wife and two sons. Many alumni will remember Henry as ‘Hank’.
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UWC Atlantic College St Donat’s Castle LLANTWIT MAJOR CF61 1WF UK Tel: +44 (0) 1446 799000 Email: principal@atlanticcollege.org Website: www.atlanticcollege.org
United World College of the Atlantic Ltd Registered in England No. 673076 Charity No. 525761