June 2024
UWCSEA
CLASS OF 2024
GRADUATION
page 18
FEELS
LIKE TEAM
SPIRIT
page 23
SMALL
SHOES, BIG
IMPACT
page 06
My advice to young people is to listen to their hearts, it
doesn’t go wrong very often. Embrace failure as a pathway
to success, growth cannot happen without taking risks.”
Nadiem Makarim ’02, UWCSEA alumnus and Indonesia’s
Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology
From UWC Congress 2024, page 29.
02
MOMENTS
THAT MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
Nick Alchin,
Head of College
05
SPOTLIGHT ON …
The return of OPUS
06
SMALL SHOES,
BIG IMPACT
Primary School
Student Councillors
use their voices for
positive change
08
CREATING
SPACE
FOR DIALOGUE
The Black Student
Union invites us all
on their journey
of belonging
10
ONCE ON
THIS ISLAND
UWCSEA East’s first
High School musical
in five years
12
INNOVATIVE
SPACES
The Green Heart on
Dover Campus
14
STORIES
THAT MATTER
Grade 9 and 10
students take on the
newsroom
16
CHARTING A
NEW COURSE
The first cohort of
the new IB Systems
Transformation course
18
GRADUATION
Congratulations,
Class of 2024
20
THE HEART OF
OUR UWCSEA
PARENT
COMMUNITY
The critical role of our
Parents’ Associations
22
TALKING TO
THE MOON
Students work
with NASA on
lunar satellites
23
FEELS LIKE
TEAM SPIRIT
Peer-to-peer support
for student-athletes
26
EXPLORING
CAREER
PATHWAYS
From students to
young professionals
28
A NIGHT OF
ADVENTURE AT
THE ZOO!
Grade 2 students
go camping for the
first time
29
UWC
CONGRESS 2024
Shaping a new world
for education
32
DISCOVERING
RESILIENCE
IN LOMBOK
Reflections on the
Grade 9 Mt. Rinjani
expedition
36
MI CASA
ES SU CASA
UWCSEA’s
hosting programme
for boarders
COVER IMAGES
Front: Student
receiving certificate
from High School
Principal, at
East Graduation
Back: Students
on-stage at
Dover Graduation
June 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, Tara Diong, Sean Gerard, Hazel Ong and Lucie Snape |
Photography: Janrius Rogers, Joseph Tan, Jules Wainwright and members of the UWCSEA
community | Design: Nandita Gupta and Grace Hong
UWCSEA Dover is registered by the Committee for Private Education (CPE), part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)
CPE Registration No. 197000825H | CPE Registration Period 18 July 2023–17 July 2027 | Charity Registration No. 00142
UWCSEA East is registered by the Committee for Private Education (CPE), part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)
CPE Registration No. 200801795N | CPE Registration Period 10 March 2023–9 March 2027 | Charity Registration No. 002104
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Visit the newsroom of UWCSEA:
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MOMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
OPINION
By Nick Alchin, Head of College, UWCSEA
Transitions are often a time of reflection; our recent
graduation ceremonies are particularly powerful
moments for parents and teachers alike as we burst
with pride, watching our children step across the stage,
and into the next phase of their lives. Moments like
Graduation, and the prospect of our children leaving
home, serve to remind us that our moments are precious
and finite, and to appreciate what we have in each
other. But in truth, we shouldn’t need the spectacle
of the big events; we should be able to find this in the
small everyday moments that happen across the entire
College. So while it’s always a good time to take special
note of these small moments, it is especially poignant as
we begin to close the book on the year.
Conversations that inspire
There is always great delight in speaking with our
youngest students—one of whom, when I asked her
how her reading was going, could barely contain her
excitement as she exclaimed, literally shouting, “I
can nearly do a whole word and soon I will be reading
books!” At the other end of the school, two of my
Extended Essay students described what they learnt
as “so far beyond what I had expected’ and ‘a uniquely
liberating experience … profoundly fulfilling” (really,
they did!). These don’t happen all the time for everyone,
but I hope they happen sometimes for everyone.
There are also some wonderful stories from our
alumni, which fill me with pride in what education can
accomplish. One, now a 40-year-old senior executive in
a real estate company, described how he sees his time
with us as one of “planting the seeds of why”, and that
it took him years to work out the how. That he has now
founded a re-afforestation not-for-profit foundation
in Mumbai suggests the seeds are flowering. Other
alumni have made contact to offer deep-expertise in
philanthropy, audit, and capital projects—wanting to
bring back their commercial expertise to connect with
the College in a different way.
Two other conversations also especially struck me. One
was from a student who struggled at school. Now with
her own daughter, she has recently been diagnosed as
neurodivergent and wrote with a “well that explains it!”
message. I was delighted to hear how successful she
has been—as one of only three people in her country
who has two fellowships in both her areas of medical
specialism, she writes that her difficulties “made me
June 2024 Dunia | 3
determined to succeed”. The other one was a student who
mentioned a conversation I had with him in a mathematics
lesson. Honestly, I didn’t recall it—but when he mentioned
one of my favourite books and a quote I could recall, it
certainly had the ring of truth. And it turns out that this
conversation was a significant factor in his choice of career,
where he has been very happy and successful.
Small moments with a bigger purpose
Often the moments are private and in passing, but sometimes
they happen in public. And sometimes it is our students
inspiring our staff and parents. Like many, I was moved by
our Ugandan scholar Deng’s wisdom at the last Kishore
Mahbubani Speaker Series (KMSS) event. He spoke about
the importance of struggle—especially as it flies in the face
of a lot of the current discourse of how life should be. In the
same panel, Faith Abiodun, our UWC International Executive
Director responded to our Brazilian scholar Maria’s question
about purpose; he emphasised the power of small actions,
saying, “The key to doing great things is to do lots of small
things very well. Just lean into what you’re doing now, and the
next step of your journey will reveal itself.”
The essence of our College’s most memorable events
such as UN Night, CultuRama, Giving Day, Family Festival,
or Community Fair lies in those small moments. Simple
acts such as sharing traditional foods at cultural events,
singing traditional songs or participating in a colour run can
collectively add up to transformation—this year, as the result
of these small moments during our December Giving Day,
we will welcome four new scholars to our College in August
2024. That’s four transformed lives.
All this adds up to the great joy, and the great responsibility
that schools carry. The things that happen in schools really
do make a real difference—we may not always even realise
it in the moment, but across a lifetime, the impact can be
profound. As parents and professionals, we know that there
are often tough times, but it is that bigger purpose, that sense
of Mission, which can be found in those small moments that
makes it all worthwhile.
Community Activities Over two days, students, staff, parents, and even
our local partners enthusiastically participated in various community-
organised activities such as Zumba, Colour Run and Walk, Yoga and more!
4 | Dunia June 2024
UWCSEA Dover’s iconic OPUS is back! Since 1998, OPUS has been a highlight event of the musical calendar, and this
year’s performance at The Esplanade Concert Hall did not disappoint. Featuring more than 390 students, parents and
teachers, OPUS showcased nine ensembles, with musical scores from the Jazz Band, Cantabile, Singers, Percussion
Ensemble, Arioso, Phoenix Orchestra, Senior Strings, Chamber Players, and Symphonic Band! The grand finale was a
showstopper, with the Symphonic Band and choirs coming together for “Peace, Triumphant Peace” by Karl Jenkins,
a powerful piece inspired by many well-known advocates for peace, including Nelson Mandela.
THE RETURN OF OPUS
SPOTLIGHT ON …
SPOTLIGHT
June 2024 Dunia | 5
Small
shoes,
big
impact
Primary School Student
Council uses their
voice to bring about
positive change for the
campus community
Taking care of business! In a Primary School classroom, a group of
Grade 3 to 5 students is engaged in their weekly meeting about how they
can enhance the day-to-day experiences of their classmates on campus.
Known as Student Council Representatives, these budding leaders of the
Primary School Student Council have taken up the mantle of being a voice
for their peers to initiate positive change within their school community.
From ideas to impact: real-life school improvements
On Dover Campus, Grade 5 students, Ronan, Joy, Dia and Elayna are
among these young leaders who have been elected by their classmates
to represent them. When asked why they wanted to run for council, their
answers were varied yet all shared a common theme of wanting to make
a difference. Ronan found the absence of a Student Council in his previous
schools intriguing and saw this role as an opportunity to try something
new. Joy, on the other hand, has been involved in Student Council since
Grade 1 and felt a strong urge to contribute to her community of peers.
Dia wanted to ensure that student voices were represented and heard,
while Elayna was eager to address student feedback and influence the
student experience.
Student Council initiatives have included encouraging their peers to adopt
improved hygiene standards; working with the Facilities Team to fix non-
functional water fountains; and installing baskets for lost belongings in
play areas to reduce the amount of unclaimed lost property on campus.
Putting these projects into action wasn’t easy. We had to work
with the departments in our school, write convincing letters to
share our ideas, and be respectful when talking to the grown-
ups at school. When we saw our projects come together and
how it improved the experience of our classmates because of
what we did, it made us very happy and proud!”
Student Council Representatives 2024
Photo of some Student Council members
FEATURE
6 | Dunia June 2024
Being a good observer and
empathetic are important
traits. You have to balance
noticing what needs to change
with recognising what’s already
working well for others.”
Joy, Grade 5, Dover Campus
Teamwork is crucial, and
you have to be able to
communicate effectively
even with people you might
not know well. It’s about
finding common ground
and collaborating.”
Ronan, Grade 5, Dover Campus
Planning skills, writing clear
and respectful emails, and
prioritising the concerns of the
majority are key. Also, critical
thinking is a must, especially
when dealing with budgets
and materials.”
Dia, Grade 5, Dover Campus
We must focus on projects
that lead to long-lasting
change and prioritise what
is best for everyone over our
personal interests.”
Elayna, Grade 5, Dover Campus
There is no age limit to leadership
and advocacy!
Our Primary School Student Council
Representatives prove that anyone, no
matter their age or grade, can make
a big difference to our community.
These young leaders inspire their peers,
set a positive example for others, and
pave the way for the next generation
of student leaders to follow in their
footsteps.
“Student Council is an important part
of the Primary School culture as it
gives students a voice to advocate for
what they feel is important for the
whole of the student community. It’s
about improving school life from the
inside out and these leaders show
incredible self-confidence and belief
that they can make a difference and
their actions will better the lives of
their peers and community. They share
their perspective on what is important
to their student body. Listening to
these valuable and often creative ideas
teaches us teachers a thing or two too!”
Allison Garland, Grade 5 Curriculum
Coordinator and Primary School
Student Council Teacher Supervisor,
Dover Campus
Over on our East Campus!
The Primary School Student Council
is actively involved in various campus
projects. Previously featured in Dunia
for their incredible work on the Primary
School Playground project, their
current projects include the Playground
Patrollers initiative, creating and
installing playground signs, and the
Campus Champions initiative to tackle
litter. They are also collaborating with
Sodexo Campaigners to enhance menu
choices as well as partnering with a Vice
Principal to analyse student wellbeing
data. We can’t wait for all the incredible
projects our students will share with us
as they continue to lead and grow here
at UWCSEA.
What makes a Student Council Representative?
Being a Student Council Representative requires a diverse set of skills.
Effective teamwork, clear communication, and the ability to compromise are
essential. These young leaders emphasise the importance of empathy, critical
thinking, and planning when tackling projects that benefit the entire Primary
School community. Let’s hear from them!
June 2024 Dunia | 7
The Black Student
Union invites us on their
journey of belonging
As one of the non-Black members of BSU, my experience as both a
member and a leader has been unique and yet deeply intertwined with
my growth as a person. I joined the group entirely by accident, walking
into the classroom serendipitously during a meeting time and deciding
to stay. I felt immediately at home, and was awed by the level of trust,
camaraderie, respect and appreciation in that one hour of discussions
and activities. Within just a few meetings, I found myself proposing
activities and initiatives, drawing from my own experiences and
learnings. Throughout my time with BSU, I’ve developed a deep sense
of empathy for minority groups and have learned invaluable leadership
skills. I’ll forever cherish the bonds formed within my BSU family.”
Ray, Grade 10, Vice President of BSU, Dover Campus
At UWCSEA, the Black
Students Union (BSU) isn’t
just a student-led group; it’s
a family. We formed it with
a clear mission: to nurture a
sense of belonging and shed
light on the rich socio-cultural
experiences of African
Diaspora individuals within
our community. Like other
student unions, we’re here to
amplify student voices beyond
advocacy, especially in the
areas of inclusivity, diversity,
and equality. We’re all about
creating a space that not
only accepts, but celebrates
our stories, traditions, and
joys, with anyone willing to
listen and learn regardless of
their background.
Creating
space
for
dialogue
FEATURE
A starting point: BSU at Dover Campus
Seyda Aidara ’24
Since its inception, I’ve seen how the union impacts those around me and
connects to Black people. We’ve grown more outspoken in raising awareness.
Many think BSU is exclusive to Black people, but it’s about having conversations
and sharing stories with everyone from all cultures, races, and backgrounds.
Students are now more comfortable sharing experiences and opinions on topics
affecting us. It’s also about celebrating our culture and history.
During Black History Month in October, we organised a screening of the
documentary Back to Natural, which sparked meaningful discussions about
identity, heritage and representation such as the symbolic significance of
hair for the historical resilience of the African Diaspora, shedding light on
instances where students have faced expulsion for wearing culturally significant
hairstyles in certain regions. We also host workshops and discussions for all
students interested in learning how to advocate for themselves or their peers.
By promoting a culture where open dialogue is respected, we want every BSU
member to have the opportunity to feel that their voice is both heard and valued.
Creating a community: BSU at East Campus
Seiiy Lin, Grade 11
In September 2023, the East Campus BSU team was invited to a
meeting that was led by Dover Campus High School teacher, Bernard
Murrary, and Kim Cheah, Senior Designated DEIJ Lead, to discuss
whether we wanted to extend the impact of the already existing BSU
founded on Dover Campus. That initial meeting had us all sharing our
personal relationships with our culture, from our food to our hair!
I was so excited about the possibilities for dialogue that I took it upon
myself to see the BSU at East Campus grow beyond its first meeting,
and that’s how I became the student leader of the union, with the
guidance of two lovely teachers, Chantel Marson and MJ Johnson, who
have been there every step of the way.
Every BSU meeting has brought me closer to having a better
understanding of myself. Though BSU at East Campus may be new, we
come together as a family, learning how to navigate self-expression
and identities. While it may be difficult for students to switch between
their academic and social environments, we hope students will
view BSU as a supportive network where they can find mentorship,
guidance, and friendship. We’re starting to host more cultural
celebrations where students showcase their connections to their
cultural heritage. Whether it’s taking photos celebrating Black hair in
Art class, organising dances, playing traditional games, film screening
or sharing food, there’s a spot for everyone to connect, learn, and
celebrate together.
Connecting with one another
We’ve now evolved to embrace new objectives
beyond activism, racial equity and social
justice. We’ve begun working on community-
building efforts from intellectual discourse, and
personal and leadership development to cultural
immersion such as games, dance and storytelling.
We’ve been able to connect more with younger
students in the College who may feel lost as
minorities in their grades. Our spaces offer an
opportunity for them to connect with others who
have experienced what they may be feeling; we
can act as role models and show them that they
are not alone.
We’ve also expanded our network, engaging with
a broader community of interested students,
teachers, parents across campuses and beyond
UWCSEA including other BSUs in international
schools like Singapore American School (SAS).
To anyone interested in joining our family, let’s
take a collective step towards growing together,
celebrating our differences, and embracing
what makes us unique. Join us as we deepen
our understanding and engage in meaningful
dialogue across cultures.
So I decided to try everything, to keep myself wide open to human beings, all human beings—seeing
them as I understand them to be, not as they wish they were, but as I understand them to be.”
Maya Angelou, Writer, Poet, Civil Rights Activist
June 2024 Dunia | 9
Sail to the Caribbean with
UWCSEA East’s first High School
musical in five years
COMMUNITY NEWS
Imagine a magical place where the
forces of love and destiny collide!
Set on the shores of Haiti in the
Caribbean, UWCSEA East’s retelling
of ‘Once on This Island’ takes the
classic fairytale ‘Little Mermaid’ and
centres it on Ti Moune, a peasant
girl in the French Antilles who falls
in love with Daniel Beauxhomme,
a grand homme, and makes a deal
with the gods to save his life. With
a vibrant cast of characters and
spellbinding scores, this epic musical
about magic and the human spirit
brought the Drama, Dance, and
Music Departments together on
stage, for the first time in five years.
A love story about
community and compassion
At the heart of the story is a tale
of community and compassion.
The resonant themes of race and
colonialism are intended to spark
discussions about history, culture,
race and decolonisation—serving a
purpose that extends far beyond the
stage and reflects complex issues also
tackled throughout UWCSEA’s Learning
Programme. As the production team
brought these complex issues to life on
stage, the musical’s Director and Head
of High School Arts, Anthony Kelly, was
careful to maintain a focus on UWCSEA’s
values in all aspects of production.
The Costume Department created a
dress made entirely of upcycled plastic
together with scrap fabric from donated
clothes, turning the repurposed
costume into a powerful message of
environmental stewardship. Each thread
and fabric scrap woven into the textile
of the costume symbolised how history
is an intricate textile of interconnected
human experiences. Closely adhering
to the colour scheme reflected in
Caribbean local fashion and national
costumes was a deliberate choice to
pay homage to the rich tapestry of
traditions, cultures, and identities of the
region. Each hue served as a visual cue,
evoking the lush landscapes, vibrant
flora, and diverse cultural influences
that make this region unique.
In this production, we connected
to Haiti as the setting but were
careful to do this within the
context of a people and a place
affected by natural disasters
such as the 2010 earthquake.
We also wanted to communicate
the impact of discarded waste
globally and draw a connection
between the ocean depicted in
this production and the global
crisis of plastic waste in our
seas. We did this by bringing
Haiti’s vibrant spirit to life and
repurposing and recycling
materials often found washed up
on beaches.”
Anthony Kelly,
Director, East Campus
I was one of the two
percussionists in the band. I
learned a lot about working
together as an ensemble, not
just with the band but with the
actors too. There were many
times when we took our cues
for the music from the actors
themselves, and we learned
how to adapt on the spot to
make small changes on stage
which was a huge challenge
and something I’m really glad to
have been able to experience.”
Thomas Alchin ’24, East Campus
An ode to Haiti:
authenticity at the heart
The cast spent the first few weeks
of rehearsals working with students
from the Caribbean to help them
understand Caribbean culture and
way of life; the nuances of the region’s
history; the significance of Haiti; and
the human experiences and spirituality
that can be considered unique to this
area. A team led by College DEIJ Lead
Kim Cheah, and High School teacher
Vikki Bell, provided valuable support.
Supported by Caden Smith, a Grade 12
Bahamian student, they helped inform
production decisions that reflected both
authenticity and appreciation for the
Caribbean culture and its people.
The set design drew inspiration from
contemporary images of Haiti and the
vibrant colour palette of its traditional
iconic houses. It also nodded to French
colonial influence with French-language
signs. A beachside set was created to
highlight Haiti’s reliance on fishing—the
country’s key economic driver. The
production process involved conscious
artistic choices that aligned with
UWCSEA community values, ensuring
every detail resonated with authenticity
and respect for Haitian culture.
Opportunity
and growth
A common thread
throughout
UWCSEA’s Learning Programme is the
idea of student choice and agency.
From K–12, students are encouraged
to explore opportunities, pursue
interests and passions, and face their
fears. In this production, Grades 9–12
students were able to try their hand
at a multitude of different roles and
responsibilities as both cast and crew:
actors, dancers, musicians, costume
designers, stage managers, lighting and
sound technicians, set designers, and
projection technicians. Multifaceted
opportunities allowed students to
explore beyond a single interest and
discover roles that were new to them,
and maybe even a little bit daunting.
This inclusive approach to learning
was a source of immense pride for the
UWCSEA staff behind this production
who saw their students collaborate with
industry professionals over the six-
month journey to shape and refine their
ideas and skills.
June 2024 Dunia | 11
INNOVATIVE SPACES
Beauty is in the Eye of the Planter: Garden Beds
Our teachers and Service Team on campus utilise this space for
Unit of Study lessons and after-school gardening. With more
than 200 indigenous and endangered plant species, the garden
beds are home to a diverse array of flora. Not only does this
space enhance the campus landscape with its beauty, but it
also offers hands-on learning opportunities for our students,
who maintain it diligently.
THE GREEN HEART
A future for sustainable learning
DOVER CAMPUS
Immerse yourself in nature within this vibrant eco-space, which also
serves as an outdoor classroom! Here students have the opportunity
to engage with a natural playground, providing them with access to
a functional space where they can learn, play, and connect with the
environment in multiple ways.
From Seed to Sprout: Rainforest Nursery
UWCSEA’s Rainforest Restoration Project
nurtures hundreds of critically endangered
tree seedlings, contributing to conservation
efforts and biodiversity enhancement in
Singapore. Collaborating with NParks and
participating in initiatives like the Million
Trees Initiative, our students actively care
for these endangered and indigenous tree
species, cultivating them in the nursery
before reintroducing them and replanting
them within the Singapore community.
Nature that Inspires: Outdoor Classroom
The focal point of the Green Heart space is an outdoor
classroom equipped with tables and seating for students to
take lessons that draw inspiration from their surroundings
while addressing environmental challenges. Engaging
with nature not only enhances learning but also promotes
wellbeing, strengthens community bonds, and nurtures a
deeper connection to the green environment around us.
Did you know? There is a ‘natural’ table with seats that
was upcycled from parts of an old majestic tree (khaya
senegalensis species) on Dover Campus. It was rescued from
decay, treated for pests, and repurposed to ensure they are
safe for use. What a tree-mendous backstory!
Scan the QR
code to read the
article in full
FEATURE
The
substance
behind
‘Stories
that Matter’
Grade 9 and 10 students
on East Campus take
on the newsroom to
build their own UWCSEA
Human Library
By Clare Kiersey, High School English
Teacher, East Campus
Within every person lies a story waiting
to be told and at UWCSEA East,
these stories find their voice through
the Stories that Matter programme.
Formerly known as Writers’ Fortnight,
this tradition has become a rite of
passage for Grade 9 and Foundation IB
students since 2008, when Kate Levy
(current East Campus High School
Vice Principal) was Dover Campus
Head of English. Recognising the need
for authentic writing experiences, she
brought established writers and artists
to campus for sessions with students.
These sessions allowed for a ‘Human
Library’ approach to the programme by
connecting students with the personal
stories of others, before they were then
able to re-tell these stories in their own
unique ways.
A library of human stories
Conceptually, the ‘Human Library’
serves as a space where students are
able to access the various stories told
by different speakers from our UWCSEA
community and beyond; this includes
students, parents, teachers, local
artists and entrepreneurs. Each year,
Stories that Matter features selected
speakers who visit our Grade 9 and
10 classrooms over the course of two
weeks to share their personal stories.
Previously, our unit focused on
published writers like Meira Chand and
Philip Jeyaretnam who shared with
our students novels they had written
and their writing processes. We’ve
also been lucky to have parents in our
community–Chetan Bhagat, Mukul
Deva and Alison Jean Lester–who
are novelists and came to share their
experiences. We’ve recently expanded
our approach to storytelling, welcoming
journalists like Kirsten Han, a local
Singaporean journalist and activist
who writes for We, The Citizens to
discuss their real-life experiences and
offer writing tips to our students. Our
unit now embraces different genres
of storytellers, including UWCSEA
parent, Tom Wright, an investigative
journalist turned author of A Billion
Dollar Whale. He has been a favourite
among our students for the past three
years. We also had Sonny Liew, an
internationally renowned graphic artist
most known for The Art of Charlie Chan
Hock Chye. Sonny demonstrated how
he incorporates visual and comic book
elements into his storytelling through
live drawing sessions and our students
loved it! These various storytelling
approaches broaden the appeal to our
student audience and encourage them
to view the world through different
lenses and engage with narratives in
creative ways.
Some of this year’s most powerful
Human Library stories were Grade
11 scholars from East Campus: Deng,
Luna and Eugénia (Lala), among
others. After their stories were shared,
students in this unit then mirrored
professional journalists, delving into
interview techniques from making
their interviewees comfortable, to
posing lead-up questions and learning
to develop, connect, and extract
meaningful insights from their notes.
What we hope for with the Human
Library, is that each student finds
a story which resonates with them
or inspires them to share their own,
carrying forward the impact of Stories
that Matter.
14 | Dunia June 2024
I adored having the chance to share my experiences with others!
Everybody has something to say, and our voices count, in my opinion.
For me, every day is an opportunity to learn, and I am incredibly
appreciative of the opportunity to share the joys, hardships, and variety
of experiences that have shaped who I am today. To all of you, don’t be
embarrassed to express yourself! Remember, in a world full of winners,
we need warriors!”
Eugénia (Lala), Grade 11 scholar and Stories that Matter speaker, East Campus
“We were cautious about bringing up
anything that may be too personal,
however, Deng’s journey was incredibly
inspiring and I felt like I wanted to
contribute and make a change in the
world! It was a powerful experience.”
Aarshay, Grade 9, East Campus
“By sharing these stories, we can
inspire others to strive for what they
feel strongly about. Additionally, these
stories can showcase the importance of
access to education for all.” Alina and
Tasha, Grade 9, East Campus
The closing line
At the final stage of Stories that
Matter students delve into the post-
production process. They have the
creative freedom to re-tell their
stories in any format they wish. This
can mean crafting engaging op-ed
pieces or exploring various storytelling
methods, including documentaries,
podcasts, graphic novels or visual
stories. These multimedia stories are
then showcased on an online platform
for our community to access. It’s an
innovative approach to shared learning
among students, pushing them to
think beyond traditional storytelling,
Explore the inventory
in our Human Library
stories here:
and catering to different ways of
retaining and presenting information.
Through Stories that Matter, our
Grade 9 students immerse themselves
in hands-on experiences that bridge
classroom learning with the real world.
They connect with people and their
stories, refining their ability to convey
meaningful narratives with substance
and impact.
We hope our students leave their
classrooms inspired to think about
the bigger picture and understand
how different perspectives shape the
world around them. As they uncover
and narrate the stories that matter to
them, we’ve witnessed so many of our
students grow in their confidence and
resilience, discovering the true power
of storytelling to connect, inform
and inspire.
June 2024 Dunia | 15
Charting a new course
What’s in store for our first cohort of the new IB Systems Transformation
This new course
allows me to
be a part of an
environment
that is
innovative,
collaborative
and
empowering,
perfect for the
changemaker
I am at heart.”
FEATURE
16 | Dunia June 2024
By Elsa, Grade 10, Dover Campus
Being chosen to take part in the inaugural IB Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change cohort is
an exciting opportunity! A first of its kind, this ‘disruptive’ approach to experiential learning, is at the
forefront of new ways in which to analyse issues and ideas of the 21st century.
While there are many reasons as to why I am looking forward to being a part of this pilot course, I am
particularly eager to gain insights into how new and innovative concepts can be executed. I have always
been an extremely creative individual, but I often struggle to bring my ideas to life. I hope that with
the help of my peers and mentors in this pilot course, I can overcome these obstacles and accomplish
my ideas in ways I never thought possible. Another aspect of the course that intrigues me is the idea of
solving real-world problems. I find it extremely motivating to work with others who are just as passionate
as I am on innovative projects that address dilemmas our world faces today. The course’s heavy focus
on project-based learning will allow me to push the boundaries of what I can achieve, by providing an
elevated level of relevancy and application.
What originally sparked my interest in taking this course, is actually another course I currently take
at school known as The Imperfect Art of Living (IAoL) as part of UWCSEA’s Grade 9 and 10 Academic
Learning Programme. From what I’ve gathered, this course embodies values similar to those of the IB
Systems Transformation course and the skills I will learn are directly applicable. What I’ve enjoyed most
about IAoL are the group discussions and project-based learning opportunities. Meeting people who
share similar and different interests and opinions has allowed me to grow as an individual. Within the
class, my classmate Ray and I co-founded an initiative at school called Peer Coaching, which emphasises
inclusive knowledge-sharing. Students come together to coach one another when preparing for
upcoming exams, breaking down barriers to learning and encouraging connection instead of competition.
With over 25 student coaches actively participating, this initiative highlights the significance of
community-building and student agency in each student’s educational journey. I believe that the IB
Systems Transformation course will continue to provide cool and innovative opportunities like this, which
I am excited to see come to life. While I believe that project-based work will come with many challenges,
I look forward to seizing the learning possibilities and experiences that this new course has to offer.
Whilst I am extremely excited to take part in the course, there are some factors that I think may be
particularly challenging. Given that this is the first time the course is being introduced at UWCSEA, a key
focus for me will be to find ways to balance the differing demands of this course’s approach to learning,
with my other extracurricular and academic activities. Another potential challenge is the transition
from “traditional” learning methods to a more disruptive learning methodology. Although I often thrive
in environments where I can actively engage with the curriculum material and my peers, I’m excited
about the opportunity to adapt to new learning experiences that come with shifting from traditional
classroom structures.
While there may still be some fear of the unknown that comes with starting the new IB Systems
Transformation: Leadership for Change course, I look forward to being in the first cohort to help shape
the future of this course. As pioneers, we will have the opportunity to pave the way for future classes,
a responsibility that only a fortunate few in the UWCSEA community will experience. My parents,
particularly my mother, are extremely supportive as I embark on this new and exciting journey. They
believe that being a part of this pilot course means being a part of the future of learning. We all see the
potential of this course, and I am committed not only to carving my own path but also to paving the way
for those who will follow in my footsteps.
course starting in August 2024
June 2024 Dunia | 17
340
students
24
scholars
58
countries
55
boarders
As we turn the page on another fantastic year at UWCSEA, it’s time to celebrate the amazing Class of 2024. From
overcoming challenges to creating lasting memories, we’re so proud of our students who have shown incredible dedication,
hard work, and solidarity in their community. To our new alumni, you have all grown into remarkable individuals ready to
take on the world and we cannot wait to see where you’re headed next! Here’s to your future adventures!
GRADUATION 2024
SATURDAY, 18 MAY
Class of 2024, we know just who you are
and what you can do. You will undoubtedly
go on and do great things. But in the midst
of your pursuit of greatness, do not forget
the value in friendship, in family. These
things mean more than just being a Class
of 2024 graduate, they make us human. Let
us go forth with courage, compassion, and
conviction, knowing that together, we can
truly make a difference.
Aliya Kraybill ’24 and George Rutteman ’24
Student Speakers, Dover Campus
DOVER CAMPUS