The International Baccalaureate

The academic programme at the United World Colleges is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB), which was first introduced at Atlantic College in 1972. The IB combines the best elements of both the British and the French educational systems. Exams are judged centrally at the head office of the IB Organisation in Geneva. Nowadays some 4 500 schools in 124 countries offer the IB programme. The UWC schools are among the best rated IB schools worldwide. The diploma prepares students for entrance to universities all over the world. At most Colleges, English is the main language with the exception of the College in Costa Rica which is bi-lingual English-Spanish.

The subjects of the IB exam are divided in six groups. Students choose one subject from each group. Usually students take three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). Some also take a seventh subject.

• Group 1: Language A (the student's best language, includes a study of world literature in translation)
• Group 2: Language B (a modern foreign language, e.g. English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese or Russian...)
• Group 3: Individuals and society (e.g. History, Economics, Geography, Global Politics, Peace studies or World religions...)
• Group 4: The Experimental Sciences (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental systems or Design/Technology...)
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: Other: Art, Music, Theatre, a second subject from groups 2, 3, 4, or Further Mathematics.

On the top of the 6 subjects, there is an Extended Essay (based on original research) and a Theory of Knowledge course.

IB students study fewer subjects than they would normally. Instead, the subjects are covered more extensively, offering the possibility of greater depth, critical reflection and specialisation. You are expected to work more independently than you would at home and to develop self-sufficient analytical skills. Many assignments require team work. Classes are small and each student is assigned a tutor who monitors your progress and regularly informs the parents or guardian.

Another element of the UWC programme is the so-called ‘Project Week'. This week may be spent on any valuable activity of your own choice. This can vary tremendously, for example from working in a refugee camp at the Italian border, to climbing volcanoes in Mexico, touring Europe with the College choir, or devising a scientific method to safeguard the habitat of the Pygmy-Owl.

The IB programme also comprises the CAS program (creativity, action and service). There is a distinction between Activities and Services:

Activities may be of "regular" leisure-type, such as sports, music or arts. Others tie into the aims and ideals of the UWCs, for example discussion groups, Amnesty International, Red Cross, India Project and many others. The Activities offered vary between colleges and over the years. Quite often, the students themselves take initiatives and lead these Activities, sometimes supported by college staff.

The Service concept is based on the idea that the students should contribute to society and their fellow human beings. Some colleges run Rescue Services such as Lifeboat, Coast Guard or Wildlife patrols. These units perform very concrete actions in order to preserve human lives and prevent accidents. All colleges have Services aimed at social welfare work. The tasks vary from assisting the elderly and disabled, to working in orphanages, juvenile correction centres and refugee camps. There are also Services aimed at the colleges' internal needs such as library services and horticulture.

Students are also encouraged to pursue their personal interests, such as the arts and religion. Particularly in their 2nd year, students are required to assume hands-on leadership responsibilities, by nurturing and tutoring 1st year students through all aspects of college life.