Bridges to China

2018-10-16T09:33:38+01:00August 19th, 2014|

Since the early years of the College, there has been a strong co-operation with partners in China, not the least fostered by our founding Director of Development, Magne Bjergene. Today our students taking Chinese as a foreign language display strong motivation and performance – which is also reflected in this year’s examination results. Through the Confucius Institute Bergen we receive highly competent subject teachers.

At the start of the new term we received a visit from alumnus Mark Wang and our former teacher Xiaohang Sumner. Mark is currently the Chair for UWC Changshu China, which has received preliminary approval to start up in 2015. Xiaohang Sumner is Director General. They have both worked with dedication for the establishment of this UWC for many years. During their visit they emphasized the active support they have received from Norway over the years. The plans they presented in our auditorium promise some very exciting years ahead for this work to make education a force to unite people. 

End of the Summer Course

2018-10-16T09:33:39+01:00August 18th, 2014|

Elias Rodriguez (Argentina) makes his way to the top of AldenFor the final four days of the 2014 Summer English Course, students and staff moved out to Værlandet, a beautiful island off the west coast. Accommodation was in the cosy former island school. Here, students and staff cooked together, held discussions, played sports and watched movies together. A warm and close friendship between the Summer Course students was one very noticeable outcome of the stay. Sunny days were spent swimming, hiking, playing soccer and volleyball. It was a great way to end what has been a fantastic Summer Course!

Staff Intro Week

2018-10-16T09:33:39+01:00August 16th, 2014|

During Staff Introduction Week we were fortunate to have Andrew Turney from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and Angus Ford-Robertson from Battersea Yoga in London visit us to lead workshops and discussions for new and returning staff.

At one of the Circular Economy workshopsAndrew spoke about the Foundation’s work in promoting its belief that the circular economy provides a coherent framework for systems level re-design and as such offers us an opportunity to harness innovation and creativity to enable a positive, restorative economy to reach a sustainable future. Andrew provided us with an introduction to the thinking behind the circular economy – it was an interactive and practical training in system thinking and a good platform to discuss how it might be included within the RCN teaching and non-teaching profile.

Angus, who is based in the UK, and who teaches Yoga and Mindfulness internationally, led a day-long workshop introducing us to the underlying principles and key skills of Mindfulness, and was included in the Staff Introduction Week as part of RCN’s ongoing commitment to the psycho-social work environment.

Other presentations, delivered by members of staff, included Nynorsk for beginners, a  day-long English workshop for support staff, and an introduction to Entrepreneurship in Education led by Arne Osland and Ivar Offedal from University College, Sogndal.

Our thanks got to all our visitors and workshop leaders who helped make the Staff Intro Week such a stimulating start to the new term.

 

English Summer Course

2018-10-16T09:33:39+01:00August 11th, 2014|

When asked for his name as he stepped into the Bergen airport terminal in July, Argentinian first year Elias Rodriguez could only give a blank stare in response. This story is typical for new students who come to UWC without much English experience, which is why the 3-week long Summer Course is an essential start to their UWC careers. Although a week and a half is not much time in most places, here at UWC Red Cross Nordic  the summer course makes a huge difference to students’ comfort with and comprehension of English. Students like Elias still have to make a lot of progress, but already they are able to hold basic conversations and form friendships with students using English as a common language. In the dozen or so years it has been operating, the summer experience has been shown to provide a strong foundation which enhances academic and social success once the school year starts.

Experiencing local culture and customsThrough morning classes and afternoon activities, the Summer Course is an immersive experience with the English language and with the busy lifestyle of UWC. The day begins with breakfast, followed by 4 English lessons on various themes, taught by Fredskorpset volunteers (young Norwegians taking part in an exchange project administered by the College) with guidance from teacher Peter Wilson and former RCN student Madeleine Benishek. After lunch, the 20 students are kept active with structured activities run by a group of UWC alumni and volunteers. These activities range from drama games to hiking to dodgeball tournaments, as well as more group-oriented activities such as treasure hunts and talent shows. Even though the content of the activities vary, they all lead to similar conclusions: stronger friendships, familiarity with the UWC lifestyle, and new skills and hobbies.

Walking int he hills around the CollegeSome of the first friendships at UWC are formed at the Summer Course. Instead of throwing the students into the IB programme right away, in a sea of 200 students, the Summer Course helps new students settle in and adapt to a new way of life without the added pressure of academics. With an intimate group and the strong support of volunteers and staff, the challenges of meeting new people and adapting to a new environment are overcome with greater ease. Ultimately, the Summer Course provides a bridge between students’ individual backgrounds and a shared life-changing experience.

(Here is a video overview of the 2012 English Summer Course:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wb3QjaJAFI)

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