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The Vale of Glamorgan coastline is the
backdrop for a 12th century castle that
is the home to teenagers from more than
70 countries. Students from across the
globe come to Atlantic College to study
together for two years with the aim of
becoming responsible global citizens.
INTERNATIONAL BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS
The College is the oldest of twelve
United World Colleges spread
across four continents. The
United World College movement,
founded in 1962, was inspired by
the German educationalist Kurt
Hahn, who believed bringing
young people from different
religions, culture and
backgrounds together could be
a force in overcoming global
hostility and conflict.
Students are selected for Atlantic
College on the basis of merit,
regardless of their background. To
make this possible, funds are raised
from graduates, friends, foundations,
businesses and other sources. Of the
student body, around 70% receive
some sort of financial support, many
on full scholarship.
Gareth Rees, Vice Principal of the
College says ‘The fact that we admit
students on full scholarships
regardless of financial background
means that the student community
here is hugely varied. Along with
studying the International
Baccalaureate, the cultural diversity of
Atlantic College students and the fact
they have lived away from home in
an internationally minded community
makes our students extremely well
rounded individuals.’
The IB programme at the College
aims to help students develop and
fulfil their own potential while
recognising and responding to the
needs of others.
Atlantic College student Gent Salihu
from Kosovo will be heading across
the waters from Southerndown beach
where he carried out lifeguard patrols
as part of his IB community service
programme, to one of America’s top
Universities this Autumn. ‘I feel really
well prepared both academically and
socially from studying and living
here,’ he said.
One of the most rewarding and
involving elements of Atlantic College
life is the community service
programme. The students are given
the opportunities to build on their
sense of responsibility to others and
their community. Scott McKenzie
from Taffs Well graduated from
Atlantic College this summer and is
currently working in an orphanage in
Tanzania, using skills he learnt during
his time at the College.
Francis Ndagijeimana, 18, who lost
his parents as a child in Congo and
was taken to Uganda as a U.N.
refugee, would like to train as a
doctor and return to Congo to help
his country. ‘It’s really great being at
Atlantic College, I have such amazing
experiences here,’ he says. As part of
his IB course at the College Francis is
involved in the Community Education
Partnership Service: ‘I go to local
primary schools in the Vale and help
the kids; it’s great to be able to teach
them about what life is like for
youngsters in my country.’
Where else in the world can students
choose to run an RNLI lifeboat
station, work on their own organic
farm, teach disabled groups to swim
and kayak, help out at a local school
or patrol local beaches? The student
body at Atlantic College fulfil roles in
community service over their two
years in the Vale of Glamorgan. They
find opportunities to learn, establish
new relationships within and outside
the College and build on an
understanding of why helping others
is such an important part of life.
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The student community also involve themselves in over 100 different staff and student led activities and clubs. Gareth Rees explains, ‘These range from sports, arts, musical activities, current issues such as human rights, to baking and First Aid. Life here is very full and the air is always buzzing with enthusiasm and inspiration.’ |
For more information on Atlantic College or to make a donation, please contact
The Development Office
St Donats Castle
Llantwit Major CF61 1WF
development@atlanticcollege.org
Telephone 01446 799296 |
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