الحياة الأكاديمية

Most students attending UWC between the ages of 16 and 19 study the globally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which is offered at all UWC schools and colleges. It is a challenging curriculum that allows students to explore a range of subjects and ideas, while developing their creativity and learning about the importance of activity and service in the community.

In fact, UWC played a key role in crafting the IBDP back in the 1960s, and the ties between the IB and UWC remain close decades later.

The IBDP aims to “encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.” It is respected in the best universities worldwide for the balance it strikes between breadth and depth of subjects and its focus on service, communication, teamwork, leadership and critical thinking.

IBDP students take a total of six subjects, one chosen from each of the following groups:

As well as the six subject groups, students complete three core components of the IBDP, which are central to the philosophy of the programme. These are:

Extended Essay (EE): Students choose and investigate a topic of special interest, and develop the independent research and writing skills required at university level. The essay is typically written in one of the student’s six subjects and must be no more than 4,000 words in length. Students are supported in the research and writing process by an academic supervisor.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): The course encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and strengthen connections between their different subject areas. It is assessed through an exhibition and a written essay.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Taking responsibility, developing social, creative and outdoor skills, as well as learning to approach others with empathy are at the heart of the programme. Students engage in a variety of projects that aim to develop these skills, while at the same time actively engaging with their local community.

Once a UWC national committee-selected student is accepted by the college, they are able to apply to attend other IB programmes available at some of our UWC schools. Options available include: