Scan Magazine

By Signe Hansen

If you and your children are looking for an established and pioneering educational opportunity for 16-18 year olds, Atlantic College could be an excellent solution; it gives its students not only an exceptional two year academic programme and International Baccalaureate diploma but also an experience for life.

Located in the 12th century St Donat’s Castle in South Wales, Atlantic College provides a unique environment for its students who originate from more than 75 different countries. They all live in shared houses at the school and involve themselves in over 100 different student and staff-led activities and clubs covering a range of community services, sports, arts, and current issues.
Norwegian Maren Strommen, 17, says she chose the college to gain a better understanding of the world. “I enjoy learning through service, interacting with people, gaining new skills, and taking what I know from the classroom into the community, and I love being able to express myself musically, surrounded by so many different cultures, sounds and talents,” she enthuses.

The college was the first of 13 United World Colleges, inspired by educationist Kurt Hahn to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. And these are not just words, says Strommen. “I am hopeful that the experiences I have gained from UWCAC, will help me on my way to making the difference I would like to make in the world one day.”

Fact box
Number of students: 350
Education: Two year International Baccalaureate diploma
Tuition fees: Yes, but the college has a scholarship program which is based on need
Selection process: Students are selected on merit, not the ability to pay fees
For more information visit: www.atlanticcollege.org