UWC Schools

United by a shared mission and values, UWC Colleges are influenced by their geography and local culture to foster a challenging learning environment. UWC graduates are passionate and motivated – sought by the world’s top universities and employers - and form the bulk and power of the UWC movement.

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Guiding Principles of UWC Education

These principles draw their inspiration from Kurt Hahn's pioneering work founding the UWC movement which has as its fundamental aim the pursuit of peace.

The UWC offers life defining experiences for young people, enabling them to discover the possibility of change through courageous action, personal example and selfless leadership.

Each College responds to the UWC mission statement within the context of its location; this creates distinctive identities based upon local resources and opportunities. All Colleges share the same values and are committed to the following fundamental principles.

1. A diverse college community including representation from regions and social groups that reflect the wide range of tensions among and between peoples.
2. The promotion of intercultural understanding founded upon shared life experiences, and cooperative living. This is further developed through a reflective dialogue on global issues and approaches to critical engagement in the pursuit of peace.
3. The promotion and requirement of a healthy and respectful lifestyle for all members of the community.
4. The development of a service ethic that is placed at the heart of college life, requiring full and active participation of all members of the community.
   
5. The provision of an educational program that will enable all selected students to fulfill their potential.
6. The provision of opportunities for students to practice leadership and responsibility, to manage risk and embrace challenge within a fully supportive environment.
7. The provision of opportunities for ongoing, positive action towards issues of sustainability, on both an institutional and individual level.

It is from these principles that the practice of education in UWC is derived.

Drafted by Heads of Colleges at UWC Council meeting, October 2009 at Pearson College, Canada.