December 2024
EXPLORE
INNOVATION
AT EAST CAMPUS
page 13
BUDDIES
GUIDE
THE WAY
page 23
NATURE
AS OUR
CLASSROOM
page 6
Working with the students at UWCSEA showed me what real
change-makers look like—full of fresh ideas, energy, and a genuine
commitment to making a difference. These traits embody future
innovators and leaders.”
Olivia Coates-James, Founder and CEO of LUÜNA
Read the article Beyond the stigma on page 19.
02
THE ROOTS THAT
ANCHOR US
Sinéad Collins, Head
of College (Acting)
04
UWC DAY 2024
Celebrating this
year’s theme Together
We Change
06
NATURE AS OUR
CLASSROOM
Primary School
students connect
with the environment
through Forest School
08
DISCONNECT
TO RECONNECT
Encouraging our
community to unplug
and rediscover the
power of play
10
PAVING
PATHWAYS
FOR REFUGEES
Amala inspires
the next phase in
UWCSEA’s IB Systems
Transformation course
12
UNLEASHING
THE PHOENIX
SPIRIT
The showdown begins!
13
UWCSEA EAST
INNOVATION
Roll up your sleeves
and dive into
hands-on projects
14
INNOVATIVE
SPACES
UWCSEA East
Innovation
16
TAKING THE
NEXT STEP,
TOGETHER
How our UAC
Advisors are guiding
students one
conversation at a time
18
A PINCH OF
SUSTAINABILITY,
A DASH OF
CREATIVITY
East Campus
students are mixing
sustainability and
culture in the Food
Technology kitchen
19
BEYOND
THE STIGMA
UWCSEA students
are leading the charge
towards period equity
20
A WINDOW TO
EXPRESSION
Students step into the
world of storytelling
with UWCSEA’s
Artists-in-Residence
(AIR) programme
22
SHARING
STORIES,
CULTURES, AND
EXPERIENCES
Dinner with
Scholars 2024
23
LET YOUR BUDDY
GUIDE THE WAY
Students are building
connections with
their younger peers
to help them navigate
school life
26
UN NIGHT AND
CULTURAMA
A kaleidoscope of
cultures, stories,
and connections
28
ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT!
Celebrating
UWCSEA connections
and reunions
COVER IMAGES
Front: A student
playing a zebra in
Grade 5 Voices on
Dover Campus
Back: Group photo
of UWCSEA Scholars
with their take-home
plants at Dinner
with Scholars on
East Campus
December 2024
Dunia is published two times a year by UWC South East Asia. Reproduction in any manner in
English or any other language is prohibited without written consent. Please send feedback to
dunia@uwcsea.edu.sg.
Editors: Sarah Begum, Sinéad Collins, Marielle Descalsota, Sean Gerard, Hazel Ong and
Lucie Snape | Photography: Elena Bell, Janrius Rogers, Joseph Tan, Jules Wainwright and
members of the UWCSEA community | Design: Nandita Gupta and Grace Hong
UWCSEA Dover is registered by the Private Education Institution (PEI), part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)
PEI Registration No. 197000825H | PEI Registration Period 18 July 2023–17 July 2027 | Charity Registration No. 00142
UWCSEA East is registered by the Private Education Institution (PEI), part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)
PEI Registration No. 200801795N | PEI Registration Period 10 March 2023–9 March 2027 | Charity Registration No. 002104
Printed on recycled paper with environmentally friendly inks | MCI (P) 044/02/2024 | MKT-2425
Read. Publish. Share. Subscribe.
Visit the newsroom of UWCSEA:
perspectives.uwcsea.edu.sg
The roots that anchor us
By Sinéad Collins, Head of College (Acting), UWCSEA
Lately, for reasons that are no doubt obvious to anyone in our
College community, I have been thinking a lot about space,
memory and community.
The French historian Pierre Nora said that
“Memory … can only be understood in relation to the
places that carry it.” The idea that in some unspecified way
places hold our memories makes instinctive sense to us: our
childhood homes may look like houses from the outside, but
we know that they are sacred places, carrying inside them the
stories and relationships that helped to make us who we are.
The day the house gets sold is a poignant day, no matter how
long it has been since we have lived there.
In a similar way, physical spaces act as triggers for memories.
As alumni walk through our campuses during reunions, we
share their moments of recognition or confusion, as they
rediscover places that are just as they remember, or search
for things that are long gone (that old aircon pool on Dover
will never be forgotten, nor will the pre-Santai coffee shop
on East, despite them only existing now in photographs!).
What becomes clear in these moments is that memory is
not only an individual experience but is deeply connected to
community and culture and is, at least partially, embedded in
physical locations.
During no other period in our lives do we mark the passage
of time so deliberately and collectively as we do when we are
at school. For this reason and others, schools are places of
continual remembering. From Infant School to Junior School,
from Junior Strings to Chamber Orchestra, from overnight
at the Zoo to hiking in Ladakh, from blue shirt to white shirt.
As our students move through their milestones, marking
each one, they create memories that are deeply connected
to place—their Junior School classroom, the particular seat
they sat on in orchestra rehearsals, who they were next to
when they reached the summit, the place they stood for the
photo in a blue shirt. For international students who may
have fewer natural places of belonging, school gives them the
joy of creating, reliving and embedding memories every day,
as they walk through the physical places and remember. And
this collective remembering creates stability and continuity,
shared meanings and—ultimately—community.
Memories, therefore, are part of creating community, and
spaces help to anchor those memories. So what happens to
our community when our spaces transform?
Bridging memories with possibilities
2 | Dunia December 2024
OPINION
When we first started talking about the possibility of Dover
Campus moving, one of our earliest conversations was about
how we would bring our community through any change.
Unlike the East Campus adventure, this would not be about
building a new community in a new campus, but rather about
bringing an existing (and former) community to a new space.
The Dover Road site seemed to hold the history, collective
experience and memories of generations—how could we hold
on to that, even as we planned a bespoke and entirely new
Dover campus in a new location?
Ideas came (and are coming) thick and fast. Saplings grown
from the trees on Dover Campus, to be planted in our
planned new campus; a tent plaza, a globe, maybe even the
roof of the main hall to be replicated; make sure you keep
the name ‘Dover’ and the Phoenix mascot; don’t forget the
many people who have spaces and places with their names on
them. And those round tables that are outside the Heritage
Cafe and are visible in photographs from when the school first
opened? They have to find a place wherever we go next.
Dover and East campuses colleagues alike have been engaging
with what it will mean for us as a College when the site on
Dover Road is part of history. What’s revealing is that as they
think about what they want to “make sure we don’t lose”,
they focus much more on the experience of being on the
campuses than on the spaces themselves. They talk about
places where people can accidentally bump into each other;
where different ages of student can be together; quiet spaces
where someone can go when they need to be away from the
hustle and bustle; places where parents can get together for
coffee, or to swim, or to plan the next community event;
green spaces where we can be close to trees (because trees
have memories too). What people are really trying to create
then, are the relationships and connections that happen in
the space, the memories and stories from the space. The
place is a chapter in our story, and an important one, but the
connections and memories we make are the real narrative.
Maybe the places are not the receptacles of memory after all.
Our Dover community has eight more years on its current
site. Who knows what Singapore will look like in 2056, when
our East Campus lease ends? What we can be sure of though
is that the strength of our UWCSEA community identity isn’t
tied to any one place. While our favourite spaces may morph
beyond recognition, the sharing of culture and perspectives,
the connections to mission and one another, will endure.
December 2024 Dunia | 3
Sparking conversations,
compassion, and collective action
Together
We
Change
UWC
DAY
2024
On Friday, 20 September, UWCSEA Dover and East
campuses united to celebrate UWC Day 2024,
joining UWC communities worldwide under the
theme Together We Change. Through the power of
collective action, creativity, and global citizenship,
this annual celebration brings students, staff, and
alumni together in meaningful ways.
4 | Dunia December 2024
At UWCSEA Dover, students engaged in hands-on projects
focused on sustainability and creativity. Primary School
students learned eco-friendly practices with the gardening
team, while Middle and High School students explored
community impact through upcycling old uniforms, crafting
recycled paper plant pots, and designing changemaker
projects. They were also inspired by alumni and guest
speakers who shared their own changemaker journeys.
Working in groups, students also painted tiles for a large
mural symbolising our shared values and connections,
creating opportunities for new friendships and deeper
community understanding. The day concluded with a Peace
Concert and a Global Concerns food fair representing
cultures from around the world.
Over at UWCSEA East, students showcased their talents
at morning assembly, with performances in circus acts,
gymnastics, cheerleading, the pep band, and an energetic
rock band. A special Buddy Programme session paired
Middle and High School students with younger Primary
School students for engaging activities and playtime in their
classes. The campus welcomed Epic Arts, a Cambodian
NGO and Service partner, that performed for our different
school sections, using the power of art and dance to
advocate for an inclusive society for individuals of all
abilities and disabilities. Everyone then came together to
sing U is for United, a song composed by Grade 9 students
Skyelar and Moone, capturing the UWC mission’s power to
connect communities across backgrounds and generations.
COMMUNITY NEWS
December 2024 Dunia | 5
NATURE
AS OUR
CLASSROOM
Primary School students learn to connect with
and protect the environment through Forest School
By Andrea Strachan, Primary School Curriculum Coordinator,
Dover Campus
A key component of a UWCSEA education is our commitment to
education as a force for a more sustainable future. Through our curriculum,
students are introduced to the concept of sustainability and the lens of
systems thinking to help them become changemakers, ready to address
global challenges and contribute to a sustainable future.
Across the College, K1 to Grade 5 students take part in regular outdoor
learning sessions, exploring on-campus green spaces and local parks.
These experiences are integrated into their units and Learning Community
time, starting in K1, with a focus on understanding how we can show
respect for the environment.
With the generous support of a family in our community, K1 students on
Dover Campus enjoy a six-week immersive Forest School programme,
led by Forest School Teacher and Environmental Sustainability
Technician, Kathleen Corner. Taking place for an extended period of
time (approximately two hours), these Forest School experiences help
children develop a meaningful connection to nature and nurture their
role as environmental stewards. Along the way, they build their sensory
awareness, physical skills, and self-management, all while having a little
taste of adventure!
Connecting experiential learning and sustainability
Throughout Primary School, learning is taken outside. We’re focused on
providing all learners with regular exposure to natural environments and
outdoor learning experiences, fully integrated as valuable extensions of our
classrooms and our Learning Programme.
One of the central concepts from our K1 Sustainability curriculum is that
Systems contain related parts that work together as a whole. For example,
during their time in the water catchment area, students observe how
rainwater shapes the environment, fills the pond to create habitats for
creatures like dragonflies and tadpoles, and nourishes trees and plants.
They also learn about the impact humans can have on the environment
and how to navigate natural spaces with care, safety, and respect.
Meanwhile, Grade 2 students explore the concept of how Parts of a system,
being interconnected, depend on each other. Through nature-based learning
experiences, they deepen their connection to the natural world and learn
to make sustainable choices. During a tour of the campus tree nursery with
Sidek Kitan from our Facilities Department, they discovered various plant
species, learned the difference between mulch and soil, and practised stem
cutting. They also explored how to grow microgreens with guidance from
our Environmental Sustainability Technician, Ee Peng Ang. To wrap up their
learning, Tamsin Armstrong, our Primary School Sustainability Coordinator
and Forest School Teacher, guided them through UWCSEA’s on-site
composting programme, inspiring them to start their own worm compost.
Through our sustainability curriculum, backed by research, we guide
students to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Exposure to nature helps individuals build empathy, nurture their
wellbeing, and embrace their role as environmental stewards—values
that align with the UWC mission. We’re excited to watch our young
learners continue to grow, inspired and ready to make a positive impact on
the planet!
FEATURE
December 2024 Dunia | 7
TO RECONNECT
D I S C O N N E C T
Encouraging our community to put down their devices, engage
with each other, and enjoy the power of play
As you walk around campus, you’ll find nostalgic reminders of your childhood. These areas, known
as No-Phone Zones, feature foosball tables, giant Jenga and other interactive games designed to
promote wellbeing by reducing screen time. When Tim Lovatt, Head of Digital Learning on Dover
Campus produced the ‘Shut The Phone Up’ podcast last year, a key takeaway from the student
voice was: “Going on my phone is never my first choice—I work, I play sport, I do service, I hang
out with friends, but when none of that happens, there’s nothing else to do but go on my phone.”
Around campus, students were asked to imagine the kind of social spaces and resources that
would help them engage more openly and physically with their friends and peers. In response,
Tim worked closely with a range of students and Dover Campus Facilities Committee to
determine the what, where, and how of creating the best possible zones. So far, the project has
been a game-changer for campus life—filling the air with the sounds of laughter and friendly
competition! Students of all ages, even parents, can be seen enjoying competitive or casual games
in these spaces.
Since then, the team has been working hard at exploring ways to deepen the project’s impact,
including new strategies to support students in managing their use of devices. Plans are also in
motion for a Local Service initiative, where students will maintain the equipment and help raise
awareness. With community support, they hope to bring these efforts to life.
And this is just the start—more games are on the way! If you haven’t already, we encourage you
to visit these fun zones, experience them first-hand, and enjoy the power of play!
DOVER
CAMPUS
NO-PHONE
ZONES
8 | Dunia December 2024
FEATURE
What do you do with your free time? If you’re like most of us, you probably find yourself scrolling endlessly on your device.
But what if we could change that habit? At UWCSEA, we’re reimagining how we, as a community, spend our free moments by
making better use of the spaces on campus. Instead of reaching for our phones, we want to encourage more connection—with
one another and with the world around us.
To support this shift, we’ve introduced social play zones on both campuses, designed to encourage meaningful interactions
without the distraction of screens. These zones help students find a balance, learn when to engage with their devices and when
to be fully present in the moment. With the generous support of our community across Dover and East campuses, these zones
are now hubs of activity, filled with laughter, cheers, and face-to-face connections. High School students have led the way in
embracing these social play zones, and now Middle and Junior School students are following suit, bringing their own energy to
these spaces—all without a device in sight.
The Student Council has been focused on facilitating conversations around student wellbeing and
connection. With wellbeing being a strategic focus in the High School for years, the team worked
towards creating personalised spaces where they could unwind and socialise face-to-face. Inspired
by a report from Heads of Digital Learning Angela Newby and Tim Lovatt on the need for more
offline spaces, the Student Council incorporated the idea into their strategy.
Led by Theo Sweeting, Head of High School Personal and Social Education, with support from the
Facilities Team, the project underwent a broad consultation process involving all Student Voice
Groups to ensure it reflected the student body’s needs. The Student Council played a pivotal role in
finalising the space, transforming it into a true student-driven initiative.
The area now features arcade machines built by Grade 9 students in the Design Technology
course, with guidance from Physics and Science teacher David Kann, who runs a Service that
recycles and refurbishes old electronics. He provided monitors from internal recycling streams,
adding sustainable elements to the project. The space also showcases artwork by students
in the Artist-in-Residence programme, adding a creative touch and making it a more inviting
environment for everyone.
The Student Council is already looking to expand this initiative, with plans to transform additional
campus spaces into cosy nooks designed for quiet reading, sensory experiences, and more. Their
goal is to cultivate a cultural shift that promotes face-to-face interaction, playfulness, and a
deeper sense of student ownership across campus.
EAST
CAMPUS
DIGITAL-
FREE
ZONES
December 2024 Dunia | 9
Back home in Peru, Jessi remembers seeing dozens of new
people in her neighbourhood. At the time, she lived in
Huaycán, a small town nestled in the valleys of an ancient
archaeological site just outside Lima. It was the height of the
humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, and thousands of refugees
were pouring into Peru, settling in cities and rural towns like
the one Jessi lived in.
Now a Grade 11 Scholar at Dover Campus, Jessi wants to
support refugees in her hometown, especially youth, in
integrating into the local community—and eventually, help
build pathways for their futures. She is one of 54 students
embarking on the two-year IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)
course, Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change,
that aims to provide students with the opportunity to engage
in real-world solutions to relevant and significant issues.
UWCSEA, following UWC Atlantic, is the second UWC
College and one of only a handful of schools in the world
to offer this new IB Diploma pathway. At the Systems
Transformation course launch at East Campus in August
2024, Eivind Lodemel, one of the course designers,
announced the guiding question for the first of three units:
Paving
pathways
for refugees
Amala inspires the next
phase in UWCSEA’s IB Systems
Transformation course
One of the UWC values that closely aligns
with me is compassion. Having solidarity and
being empathetic with others is important.
The Systems Transformation course offers
an opportunity to make a real change. Its
objective is not just for the future, but now.
Partnering with Amala is a way to start
helping others and create a domino effect.”
Jessi, Grade 11 Scholar from Peru, Dover Campus
Jessi participates in a systems mapping exercise, where she visualises complex
patterns and information with fellow IBDP students.
10 | Dunia December 2024
‘How do we improve available pathways for refugees
as they enter into entrepreneurship, further education,
or employment?’
For students like Jessi, it’s an exciting opportunity to engage
in innovative, design-oriented thinking. At the course launch,
students kicked off with a hands-on systems mapping
exercise, visualising complex data and identifying patterns
leading to ways to support refugees. In roundtable groups,
they brainstormed solutions and discussed the many
challenges refugees face in accessing higher education.
Through mind mapping and filming their presentations, they
turned their ideas into impactful conversations.
A partnership with Amala in carving a path for
the future of refugee communities
In partnership with Amala Education, the first Systems
Transformation unit focuses on making positive change in
refugee communities through effective student projects that
drive new initiatives in awareness and advocacy. Amala is
a long-standing partner in UWCSEA’s Service programme,
with students leading initiatives through the Amala Global
Concerns group on Dover Campus and the Amala Focus
Group on East Campus. Together, they have supported the
development of Amala’s High School Diploma Programme,
which provides educational opportunities for refugee and
displaced youth worldwide.
“The partnership with Amala is an obvious connection as
we try to break down the walls of the classroom and engage
students in authentic partnerships for real-world learning,”
Eivind shares.
Louie Barnett, the Education Lead at Amala and guest speaker
at the course launch, is deeply passionate about providing
refugees access to post-secondary education. In collaboration
with Eivind, co-course designer Clayton Chmiel, and their
teams, Louie developed the unit’s focus on students creating
resource packs, toolkits, and country profiles to support
refugees when they graduate from Amala.
The Systems Transformation course is designed to foster
interactive learning experiences. By partnering with industry
experts like Amala, students can gain valuable insights and
apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. This project-
based approach allows students to conduct in-depth research
on the specific needs of refugees in various countries. To
facilitate interactive learning, UWCSEA is hosting a series—
‘Changemaker of the Month’—where guest speakers can
connect with students at the East and Dover campuses.
Why developing pathways for refugees matters
Focused on making positive change and forming solutions
with real-world impact, the Systems Transformation course
aims to develop the competencies and skill sets needed for
students to take on independent projects. This starts with a
series of scaffolded, teacher-led projects in Grade 11, which
The Systems Transformation: Leadership for
Change is a two-year Standard Level course
equivalent to two IBDP subjects. In the following
unit, students, in partnership with Global Green
Connect, embarked on a new sustainability-focused
guiding question. This collaboration is a step towards
shaping the future of IB learning and inspiring the next
generation of changemakers.
The UWC mission is to use education
as a force to unite people, nations, and
cultures. There’s that element that you can
support refugees in overcoming barriers
and bringing people together; it’s a force
for good to do that. It’s a challenged
community, so overcoming those barriers is
pretty important.”
Louie Barnett, Education Lead at Amala Education
are conducted together with interactions with experts and
industry partners like Amala.
“It’s an initiative that’s important as the focus is on education.
The fact that Amala uses education as a tool and resource for
refugees to navigate for themselves is so intelligent, and is the
better way to help them,” Jessi explains.
In Jessi’s hometown, the refugee crisis is unrelenting. Today,
more than 1.5 million Venezuelan refugees living in Peru—nearly
35% of them are under 19—need access to entrepreneurship
opportunities, further education, and employment. To Jessi, the
Systems Transformation course offers an opportunity to make
a real change and the partnership with Amala empowers her to
make the first step in understanding the needs of refugees and
creating a domino effect.
FEATURE
UNLEASHING
THE PHOENIX
SPIRIT
The showdown begins!
The Phoenix Showdown is here, and it’s
more than a tournament—it’s a celebration
of the UWCSEA Phoenix Spirit on Dover
Campus! Our student-athletes display
grit, sportsmanship, and unity on and off
the field—building resilience, embracing
challenges, and forging connections that
endure well beyond the game. In friendlies
against other international schools in
Singapore, our UWCSEA athletes bring core
Phoenix Spirit qualities and skills to the
field—Play Strong, Play Fair, Play Smart, Play
to Unite, and Play to Serve—setting a lasting
example for future athletes. Look out for the
next showdown in January 2025!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Integrated areas: Hands-on
learning, Service, Activities,
and Sustainability
“Whether they’re building intricate
LEGO structures, coding robotics,
engineering go-karts, or using Internet
of Things (IoT) technology to cultivate
herbs in a robotic farm, this space
is meant to inspire a culture of play
and experimentation.”
– Matthew Weaver, Head of
Innovation, East Campus
Innovation@East features
interconnected zones that support
a variety of student-led projects,
seamlessly blending hands-on learning
with key elements of our Learning
Programme, including Sustainability
and Service. These projects encourage
students to think creatively, sharpen
their problem-solving skills, and apply
their knowledge in innovative ways.
For instance, the ‘F1 in Schools’
programme challenges students to
apply their engineering, physics, and
design skills to real-world problems
in full-scale F1 racing, potentially
leading to scholarships and university
opportunities. This programme, like
many in the space, encourages students
to approach challenges from multiple
angles and think beyond traditional
classroom boundaries. Meanwhile,
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
machines and 3D printers allow
students to shape their bold ideas,
with opportunities to work on unique
materials like carbon fibre and bio-
plastics. With a focus on collaboration
over competition, Grade 9, 10, and 11
students have established an eSports
programme, while our younger LEGO
Exploration engineers tackle problem-
solving through inter-school robotics
challenges, building both skills and
friendships along the way.
Incorporating Service into innovation,
students work with Lion Befrienders
as part of their E-Textiles programme,
teaching adult learners how to create
wearable tech such as emoji cushions
that light up and provide soothing
sensations for comfort. A familiar old-
school arcade machine was also built in
this very space! Created from recycled
parts by students across Middle and
High School grades, this project goes
beyond gaming—it’s a fun, collective
effort that promotes wellbeing, all
while making a positive impact on the
student community.
Guess what! We’ve only just scratched
the surface—flip the page to discover
what’s in store for everyone at the
Innovation@East space!
Got an idea brewing? Power it up at UWCSEA East Innovation! The UWCSEA East Innovation Programme has been helping
students of all ages tap into their creative potential. The programme now has an exciting new space—fondly known as Innovation@
East—in Block D’s Design and Technology area. Made possible by the generous support of our East Campus community and
partners, the programme has become a central hub for turning student-led ideas into a reality. Encouraging new ways to create,
solve, and explore, students come here to pursue their passions, tackle real-world challenges, and connect with industry leaders.
UWCSEA EAST INNOVATION
Roll up your sleeves and dive
into hands-on projects at
FLIP OVER
FEATURE
December 2024 Dunia | 13
Innovation@EAST is a spac
beyond the classroom to
innovator’s mindset, all w
UWC mission. Equipped wit
to create meaningful produ
students learn to address
drive positive change w
Sustainability
Tackling sustainability through
problem-solving, student deepen
their environmental awareness,
repurpose electronics, and design
projects such as underwater
robots for practical tasks, finding
innovative ways to make an impact.
Activities
The Activities programme has been integrated
into the space, offering fun ways for students
to collaborate and innovate—from student-led
eSports tournaments that champion inclusivity, to
LEGO League competitions building teamwork, and
creative projects like drone-building, where students
explore real-world engineering and robotics.
INNOVATIVE SPACES
Hands-on learnin
Putting their classroom knowl
practice, students oversee pro
engineering to design, with rea
applications such as ‘F1 in Sch
and fabrication tools like CNC
3D printers, all focused on bui
can support them in their futu
ce where students can step
o explore and nurture an
while staying rooted in the
th the tools and confidence
ucts, services, and systems,
real-world challenges and
within the community.
ng
ledge into
ojects from
al-world
ools’ programme
C machines and
lding skills that
ure pathways.
Service
Service projects take an innovative twist
as students use tools such as the Bernina
sewing machines to create E-Textiles
for the elderly in partnership with Lion
Befrienders. By repurposing electronics,
they also promote sustainability and
support broader community initiatives.
Scan the QR
code to read the
article in full.
Taking the next step, together
How our UAC Advisors support each student’s future options, one conversation at a time
Our role is to help students advocate for themselves and guide them to
become successful in their post-UWCSEA journey. It’s beautiful to see
young people think about their future opportunities. After their parents and
grandparents, we’re probably the most excited about where they end up!”
Shruti Tewari, Head of University Advising, Dover Campus
By Shruti Tewari and Pamela Wetzell,
Heads of University Advising, Dover
and East campuses
For many students, UWCSEA is more
than just a place of learning—it’s
a home, a place where they feel
supported, understood, and encouraged
to grow. As they approach the next
steps in their journey—whether that’s
university, a gap year, or something
else—we’re here to help them take
those steps with confidence.
At the University Advising Centre (UAC),
our team of 13 advisors across Dover
and East campuses brings in-depth
experience in university admissions and
a broad range of sectors including law,
career counselling, and teaching. We
work alongside students, guiding them
as they explore their options, reflect on
their goals, and develop the skills they’ll
need to thrive. Whether their focus is
on academic success, personal growth,
or both, it’s important to us that
they and their families feel informed,
confident, and ready for the exciting
next chapter ahead.
Imagining futures and
shaping journeys
The UAC begins working with students
in Grade 9, laying the groundwork for
curiosity and self-discovery as they
explore their interests and think about
the future. Students are introduced
to Maia Learning, a digital resource
platform for universities worldwide.
By Grade 10, this exploration becomes
more intentional; students map out
potential careers and identify their
strengths through career interest
profilers. These online tools, paired with
our advisors’ guidance, help them make
thoughtful choices about their future
pathways as they prepare for Grade 11
and life after UWCSEA.
Once students reach Grade 11, our
support is more personalised. Beginning
in January, we meet one-on-one with
each student, getting to know their
ambitions, hopes, and concerns, and
forming relationships that allow us to
guide them and their families through
each step. This is not just about
applications and deadlines but about
truly understanding and supporting
each student as they plan their
future pathway.
Taking the pressure off for the
path ahead
We know that for many families, the
university application process can feel
overwhelming, and it’s normal to have
concerns. That’s why we’ve created
plenty of opportunities for families
to talk things through—whether it’s
exploring options, addressing worries,
or just having a chat about what’s
16 | Dunia December 2024
Here are three simple ways you can help your child navigate the next big
step in their journey:
• Be understanding in your approach
This whole process can bring up a lot of feelings, so patience and
sensitivity go a long way. Be mindful of how you talk to your child
about their future and universities. Whether they’re excited, nervous,
or unsure, make sure they feel heard and supported. Sometimes, just
listening can mean the world.
• There’s no one right path
It’s easy to think university is the only way, but remind your child that
there’s no one-size-fits-all. Whether they go to university, take a gap
year, or explore something else, there are plenty of ways to reach their
goals. Encourage them to follow their instincts and embrace their own
path with confidence.
• Get comfortable with change
The future’s unpredictable, and that’s okay! Help your child stay open
to new ideas—careers and opportunities may come up that we can’t
even imagine yet! Teach them to adapt, see change as a chance to
grow, and stay excited for what’s ahead.
We view the university application process as a real opportunity for students
to think about who they are, their identity, and what’s important to them. As
advisors, we hope students will gain skills in self-reflection, self-advocacy,
and informed decision-making through the university application process.”
Pamela Wetzell, Head of University Advising, East Campus
UAC tips for parents!
ahead. Our goal is to ease any anxieties
and help everyone feel confident during
this exciting time.
To help keep the conversation going, we
host a range of community events. We
organise UAC Conversations (Dover)
and Cup of College (East) for informal
chats between parents and advisors,
Coffee Mornings for discussions with
Heads of Grade, and Transition Evenings
with advice from parents who’ve been
through the process. Through events
like the Lion City Fair, hosting over 140
universities, and the annual Careers
Fair, organised with our Parents’
Associations, students and families have
a chance to explore career options with
university representatives, professionals,
and industry experts. Plus, Careers
Fair 2025 is just around the corner on
Saturday, 18 January—another exciting
chance to explore future possibilities!
This next chapter is just the beginning,
and we’re honoured to guide students
as they take their first steps toward
becoming changemakers.
OPINION
December 2024 Dunia | 17
From cultural flavours to
sustainable practices, students
on East Campus are mixing it all
in the Food Technology kitchen
Food has the power to bring people together, telling stories of history, culture,
and identity. In UWCSEA East’s Food Technology kitchen, students have the
opportunity to explore these stories firsthand, learning not just how to cook, but
how food connects us all.
The kitchen hosts the exciting Food Science and Nutrition course, one of the
courses offered in our UWCSEA Grade 9 and 10 Programme. 60 Grade 9 and 19
Grade 10 students discover the complex and colourful world of food through
hands-on learning experiences designed to encourage innovation and discovery in
food, nutrition, and wellbeing.
Centred on experiential learning that hones each student’s skills in research,
analysis, and communication, the programme offers students the opportunity to
cook meals for class. By cooking a traditional meal that’s significant in their culture,
students celebrate the diversity of our community.
In a space designed for experimentation, students step into an open-concept kitchen
each lesson, equipped with stainless steel countertops and modern tools, where they
can transform their creativity—and taste it too! When analysing ingredient samples,
students place their glass slides under Motic Microscopes to learn more about the
biochemical properties of the food they consume and its nutritional values. With this
knowledge, students can design healthier meal plans that are not only personal but
also exciting to create and share.
With our commitment to a sustainable future as a major focus of the course,
students actively engage in putting this vision into practice. Using Cara food waste
processors, they transform fruit and vegetable scraps into compost, which then
fertilises our gardens, ensuring nothing goes to waste. They
also explore different food preservation techniques with
Rommelsbacher dehydrators to turn fruits like mango and
apple and vegetables like sweet potato, into nutritious
snacks with unique blends of seasoning. They then explore
the entrepreneurial side of food production, like marketing
and retail—building real-world skills while championing
responsible stewardship. In the world of food, and especially
in this kitchen, nothing goes to waste—not even an idea!
A pinch of
sustainability,
a dash of
creativity
I hope this course—and space—
will equip our Grade 9 and 10
students with the knowledge
and abilities to make informed
decisions about their diets and
contribute positively to global
food systems. I anticipate that
our students will learn the
necessary skills with a sense of
agency and independence to live
out our mission through food.”
Michele Naidu, Head of Food
Technology, East Campus
Scan the QR
code to try one
of our coconut
cake recipes!
FEATURE
18 | Dunia December 2024