At the Red Cross Nordic United World College, students don’t just attend classes; they also participate in various unique experiences that allow them to develop their skills and passions, challenge themselves, and connect with others. These weeks, the second-year students are taking their mock exams, while the first-year students have been busy skiing, learning first aid, and participating in a Model United Nations conference.

Mock Exams: Preparing for the Real Thing

The mock exams are an essential part of preparing for the upcoming International Baccalaureate (IB) exams in May. By taking these practice tests, students get a real-life experience of what the actual exams will be like, helping them to identify areas that need improvement and ensuring that they are well-prepared for the final tests. The grades they receive from the mock exams will also be part of their yearly grades, making it crucial that they take this opportunity seriously and learn from any mistakes.

Ski Week: Embracing the Nordic Winter

While the second-year students were busy with their exams, the first-year students had an opportunity to experience the Nordic winter during the annual ski week, or “friluftsveka.” For several days, the students skied through the mountains in Stryn, building fires in the snow, and even overnighting outdoors. This experience allowed them to step out of their comfort zones, and connect with nature, and each other. Many of these students had never been on skis before, but they showed incredible endurance and a real sense of adventure.

First Aid Course: Saving Lives

The RCN First Aid Course, a mandatory 12-hour course for all first-year students. Led by David Robertson, a teacher of Biology and Chemistry and a qualified member of the Norwegian Search and Rescue Corps, this course is based on the Norwegian Red Cross and the Røde Kors program. Students who excel in the course have the opportunity to join the college’s first aid team and learn advanced first aid and search and rescue techniques, with a focus on wilderness first aid qualification. They also receive instructor training and get to teach the 12-hour course to first-year students the following year.

Model United Nations: Developing Global Perspectives

The annual Model United Nations at RCN is a moment for the 1st year class to bond in something intellectually challenging, emotionally engaging, and also a little physically demanding. All of those things game together, more of one depending on who you were and what each student needed from the week.

The conference was facilitated by a dedicated team of 2nd years, who poured their hearts and souls into making the experience interesting and fun. This year we had even more topics with the addition of more committees spread across the Security Council, as well a Historical Security that went back in time to solve some issues from 30 years ago, UN Women, the Economic and Social Council, the UN Office of Drugs and Crime, the UN Environmental Programme, the World Health Organisation, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the Human Rights Council, and the Special Conference.

We featured inspiring talks by Fioralba Shkodra, the Head of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Serbia, and Alexander Stubb, a former Finnish Prime Minister. The General Assembly debate on the final day focused on protecting journalists around the world.

This experience allows students to develop their global perspectives, research and debate current global issues, and work collaboratively with others to find solutions to complex problems. It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop their critical thinking, public speaking, and diplomacy skills.

Project-Based Learning Week: Exploring New Interests

After the mock exams, the second-year students were engaged in Project-Based Learning Week. Some students were involved in running the First Aid course and the Model United Nations for first-year students, while others had other projects, such as skiing, snow-caving, arts, bridge, wood-fired
oven baking, mental health first aid training, and many more. This week allows students to explore their interests, work collaboratively with others, and develop new skills.

RCN’s special weeks offer a range of unique experiences that allow students to develop their skills and passions, challenge themselves, and connect with others. From mock exams and skiing to first aid courses and Model United Nations, RCN students are engaged in meaningful and transformative experiences that will help them grow into responsible and compassionate global citizens.