Candidate Application Forms The United World College South Africa National Selections Committee, on behalf of the United World College Trust of South Africa, is pleased to invite all eligible candidates to apply for a prestigious placement at one of the 17 United World Colleges across the globe. Who we are UWC schools, colleges and programmes deliver a challenging and transformative education experience to a diverse cross section of students, inspiring them to create a more peaceful and sustainable future. With more than 60,000 alumni since its founding, the UWC movement has 17 schools and colleges in 17 different countries across 5 continents, all with distinctive characters but sharing the same mission, ethos and values. Although strong academic achievement is valued highly at UWC, academic achievements are put into perspective with a demanding mix of community engagement, international affairs, physical activities and creative pursuits. National Selections Committees in over 155 countries worldwide are tasked with selecting a diverse pool of talented students from their countries to attend one of the UWC schools and colleges. Each of the schools and colleges draws together students from many different nations and backgrounds. Full scholarship, partially funded and unpaid places are made available to South Africans every year so that we can send students of a broad socio-economic mix to the schools. It is important that you understand the aims of the organisation and the commitments that the offered programme entails. Information about UWC programmes, selection criteria and general conditions of entry can be found in Section F. Further information can be found in the UWC general leaflet and on the UWC South Africa website: www.za.uwc.org Before you apply The information above provides only a brief introduction to the United World Colleges and the Selections Process. Please make sure that you find out as much as possible about UWC before going ahead with your application. Additional Quick facts about United World Colleges for South African applicants: UWC students complete a two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma (equivalent to Matric level, but internationally recognized) programme. High school learners therefore complete their schooling at a United World College. Full, partial and paid places made available to South Africans every year. Applications close 14 February 2018. Top universities globally offer hundreds of scholarships to UWC students every year. A UWC education reaches far beyond a student s time at a UWC college, and our alumni share a lifelong commitment to our values and to one other.
Full name. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA UWC South Africa is seeking to attract students who meet the below eligibility criteria. Before you proceed, please go through the checklist below, ticking all boxes that apply to you. If you are unable to place a tick in every box, you are currently not eligible and we request that you do not continue completing this form. We invite those not yet eligible to consider applying at a different time and to reach out to us for more details via info@za.uwc.org : I am a South African national and can furnish an ID upon request if I am selected to go to a UWC, or I am a refugee, asylum seeker or displaced person with at least 3 years documented residency status in South Africa. I will be aged 16-18 in the year I intend to enroll at a UWC (2019 for Waterford; 2018 for the rest). I will be in Grade 11 or 12 in the year I intend to enroll at a UWC (2017 for Waterford; 2016 for the rest), and I am prepared to leave my current school halfway through Grade 11 or 12 if my application is successful. I am a strong academic performer with at least a B aggregate (with at least 4 subjected at Higher Grade level) and am ranked among the top 10% of my grade IMPORTANT DECLARATIONS I appreciate the fact that if I am selected to attend a UWC for 2 years, I will not write my South African Matriculation Examination and will instead complete the examination for the International Baccalaureate (IB) I understand that UWC in not a tertiary institution or institution of higher learning I am open to encounters and exchanges with new people and places. I reject intolerance and prejudice and recognize the need for international and intercultural cooperation in all communities. I celebrate difference and diversity in opinion, experience, social circumstances and interest. I am accountable for my actions and conduct myself with integrity. I believe in the value of collaboration and take it as a universal responsibility to be respectful. I practice compassion and do what I can to serve those around me in need. I respect the environment and am aware of how my actions can contribute to creating a sustainable future. I believe that is it possible to make a difference and that I can affect change. I take initiative and learn through doing. I act on my beliefs in aspire to provide a good example of that for which I stand. For overseas travel, South African minors require a valid passport AND an unabridged birth certificate. We do not require that you possess these documents when you apply, but encourage all candidates who can to make efforts as soon as possible to acquire them if these are unavailable. Be advised that the process can take up to 8 and 14 weeks, respectively. It is UWC policy to encourage graduates to return to their home country. Applicants should show a commitment to return to South Africa to use their experiences, skills and knowledge to assist in the development of their own country and the furtherance of peace, understanding and justice in the national context.
Student Application Form Notes Parents or guardians are, together with the applicant, responsible for signing this form, but the decision to apply must lie above all with applicants themselves. 1. This scholarship application form is organized into two parts. Sections A to D are to be completed by the applicant and his/her parent/s or guardian/s. Section E of the application form is for references from your current school and provides space for two reports (the Selections Committee will accept additional material of no more than 1 A4 page for recommendations from school and others). 2. The closing date for submitting the full application is Wednesday, 14 February 2018. Kindly forward completed paper documents to the following email address: info@za.uwc.org (Subject Headline: UWC South Africa Application 2018/2019). OR send post to: UWC Selection Committee PO Box 1974 Saxonwold 2132 South Africa Alternatively, candidates will shortly be invited to apply on the online application platform available on the UWC South Africa website: www.za.uwc.org 3. Applicants will be shortlisted based on the information in the application forms, their school and other references and any other documentation required by the Selections Committee. Shortlisted applicants will attend a regional UWC selection process with successful applicants going through to national interviews from which students are selected, nominated, and awarded placements. The National Selections Committee is comprised primarily of a panel of UWC alumni, evaluating each candidate based on our 5 core criteria (see website for details) The number and location of scholarships and placements available varies each year Any travel costs to attend selections interviews will be met by the National Selections Committee 4. The Selections process is a fair and transparent process that seeks to identify a diverse group of deserving students based on their merit, achievements, and potential. While the selections assessment is needs-blind, a final nomination to schools will consider financial support / scholarships required to meet shortfalls in tuition, board, examination fees, travel costs etc. In order to spread available funds to provide as many scholarships as possible, parents of each successful candidate will be asked to contribute what they can. 5. Scholarships are awarded for one year initially and are renewable for the second year provided progress is satisfactory. Page 3
Student Application Form Complete the application form Sections A & B answering all questions carefully and sign it yourself. The decision to apply must be yours and yours alone and your signature signifies that this is the case. Section C must be completed by your parent/s or guardian/s without whose consent your application cannot be considered. Section D is to be completed by your school. Section A Applicant information (to be completed by applicant, please handwrite and use dark ink) Last name First name(s) Date of birth (dd/mm/yy) Gender Female Male (please circle) Citizenship Home language Other language(s) Home address Postal Code Telephone (home) Telephone (mobile) E-mail Do you have an Identity Book? Yes No (circle the answer) Do you have a valid passport? Yes No (circle the answer) Do you have an unabridged birth certificate? Yes No (circle the answer) *** Note that you must attach a copy of you ID to this form. If you submit an application without this copy, it will be considered incomplete until such time we ve received it. If we receive it after the closing date for applications, your application cannot be considered. If you currently do not have an ID, apply for one immediately and submit a copy together with these forms. Page 4
1. Current school name: Start date (month/year) Present Grade: Address: Postal Code Tel. number: E-mail: School Principal: 2. List your present school subjects and your end of year exam results. At least four subjects are to be at Higher Grade. (Attach copy of school report). Subject % Higher Grade or Standard Grade 3. If you have ideas for what you would like to study at university or do for a career please give details below. Note: It is UWC policy to encourage graduates to return to undertake tertiary education in their home countries. There is no obligation on behalf of UWC to provide funds for tertiary education. 4. Are you a member of any organisations or clubs? Please give details. Page 5
5. List any positions of responsibility or leadership you have held (at school and/or outside school). 6. Describe any activities you have taken part in which serve others 7. Please give details if you have a strong creative or artistic interest 8. Describe any physical activities or sports that you regularly pursue. 9. Describe any special interests or achievements you would like the Selection Committee to know about. 10. How did you hear about UWC? I have discussed all aspects of the commitment involved with applying for entry to a United World College with my parent(s)/guardian(s) and this application has their full approval. Should the application be successful, I hereby undertake for myself to observe the rules, regulations and guidelines of the College. I recognise that the College has the right to exclude me for violations of these and/or behaviour bringing disrepute or danger on the College or other students/staff. Signature of Applicant: Date: Page 6
Section B Essay 1 (to be completed by applicant, please handwrite using dark ink) In the space below, please write an essay of not more than 300 words explaining why you are interested in attending a United World College and why you think you are a good candidate. Describe both what you might contribute to a United World College and what you would hope to gain. Page 7
Section B Essay 2 (to be completed by applicant, please handwrite using dark ink) In the space below, please write an essay on this topic: How does the gap between the rich and the poor affect South African society and what should be done about it? Give examples from your own experience. Page 8
Section C Parental information & consent (please handwrite and use dark ink) Full Name of Guardian 1 (e.g. mother/ father): Occupation: Citizenship: Physical Address E-mail (if available): Telephone (work): Telephone (cell): (home): Full Name of Guardian 2: Occupation: Citizenship: Physical Address (if different to above) E-mail (if available): Telephone (work): Telephone (cell): (home): If there is anything of special note (background, health information etc.) that you would like to bring to the attention of the Selection Committee please add that here or attach a separate letter. I have read the application for entry to a United World College made by my son/daughter/ward; we have discussed all aspects of the commitment involved and this application has my full approval. Should the application be successful, I hereby undertake for myself and for him/her to observe the rules, regulations and guidelines of the College. I recognize that the College has the right to exclude my son/daughter/ward for violation of them and/or behaviour bringing disrepute or danger on the College or other students/staff. While my son/daughter/ward is in residence at a United World College, I wish and authorise the College to act as Guardian in my place for decisions involving his/her personal care and welfare. Signature of Guardian 1 Signature of Guardian 2 Date: Date: *Please delete as appropriate Page 9
Section D 1. Referees We require references from at least one but preferably two persons to whom you are well known but not related. (1) Name and initials Address Postal Code Telephone E-mail (2) Name and initials Address Postal Code Telephone E-mail 2. References from Applicant s School Please see Section E for completion Reference one Name Reference two Name Page 10
Section E References From Applicant s School APPLICATION PROCEDURES No application can be considered without a good, confidential recommendation from your current school. This part of the form is for the references provided by the school and should be sent to the UWC Selection Committee at the address shown below. Applicants will be shortlisted on the basis of the information in their application forms and their school and other references. Shortlisted applicants will attend a regional UWC selection process with successful applicants going through to a national selection process from which scholarships are awarded. General criteria for selection are described in Section F. The decisions of UWC selection committees are recommendations to the Principals of United World Colleges, not firm offers of places. A nominated applicant is enrolled only after receiving written acceptance by the Principal of the college to which the nomination has been made. Please fill in the information below before returning this form. Name of Applicant Name of School Address of School Postal Code Telephone number of school E-mail address of school The address of the UWC Selection Committee to which this form is to be sent by 14 February 2018 deadline is as follows: info@za.uwc.org. (Subject Headline: UWC South Africa Application 2018/2019) OR UWC Selection Committee PO Box 1974 Saxonwold 2132 South Africa Page 11
Section E School report 1(to be completed by applicant s Principal or class teacher) We would be grateful if you would write a brief assessment of the applicant s suitability for attending a United World College. Information about UWC and its selection criteria is provided in Section F and further information about the organisation can be found at www.za.uwc.org. Include comments on the following: Academic ability (please give information on the applicant s present and, if possible, previous years performance) Personality and character Non-academic interests and activities Report 1 from Applicant s School Please rate the applicant on the grid below. Any further comments can be made in the box above or on a separate piece of paper (no more than 1 A4 page). Ability to work with others Adaptability Communication abilities Concern for others Creativity Energy Initiative Maturity and balance Motivation Openness of personality Self-confidence Self-discipline No basis Poor Adequate Good Excellent Outstanding How long have you known the applicant? Signature Name: Position: Date: Page 12
Section E School report 2 (to be completed by applicant s subject teacher or guidance counsellor) We would be grateful if you would write a brief assessment of the applicant s suitability for attending a United World College. Information about UWC and its selection criteria is provided in Section F, further information about the organisation can be found at za.uwc.org. Include comments on the following: Academic ability (please give information on the applicant s present and, if possible, previous years performance) Personality and character Non-academic interests and activities Report 2 from applicant s school Please rate the applicant on the grid below. Any further comments can be made in the box above or on a separate piece of paper (max 1 A4 page). Ability to work with others Adaptability Communication abilities Concern for others Creativity Energy Initiative Maturity and balance Motivation Openness of personality Self-confidence Self-discipline No basis Poor Adequate Good Excellent Outstanding How long have you known the applicant? Signature: Name: Position: Date: Page 13
Section F Information about UWC and general conditions of entry United World Colleges (UWC) is unique. It is the only global educational movement that brings together students from all over the world regardless of their ability to pay with the aim of fostering international understanding, peace and justice. A UWC education features high academic standards, a strong emphasis on community service and a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities. The colleges are all co-educational and residential. Nine of the ten colleges follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum which blends the specialisation preferred in some national education systems with the breadth of others. The IB course covers the last two years of secondary high school education in European or similar systems of education while the IB Diploma also qualifies students for entrance into most universities internationally including South Africa. In all colleges the main language of instruction is English. At Pearson College, Canada, some subjects are also taught in French and at the College of the Adriatic some may be taught in Italian. This form is for students applying for scholarship places on the IB course. At UWC South East Asia, Waterford Kamhlabla, Swaziland and UWC Maastricht, the Netherlands, these courses are offered within schools offering a full secondary education to children aged 11-19. At the other colleges, all students are aged approximately 16-19 and are prepared exclusively for the IB Diploma. The International Baccalaureate The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a university entrance examination with international validity. It is administered from Geneva under an International Council with wide governmental participation. The curriculum, which is used by hundreds of schools throughout the world, is internationally examined and specifically designed for international use. The course requires candidates for the full Diploma to study a range of six subjects; three at higher level and three at subsidiary level. All candidates must study their own and one other language chosen from the wide range available. In addition, they study mathematics, one science and one humanities subject. For their sixth subject students have a free choice, which includes music and arts. They are also required to follow a course in Theory of Knowledge, which is designed to lead to reflection on the nature of the disciplines studied, and they have to devote time to creative aesthetic activities and social service. Since 1969, students holding Diplomas have been accepted at many universities around the world. The IB cannot directly be compared to the South African Matriculation Exemption. However, students with the IB do obtain matriculation exemption for university study. Further information about the IB can be obtained at the website www.ibo.org. The Services and Activities The Social and Community Services are of fundamental importance. UWC students learn through the shared experience of facing challenges and difficulties in the service of others. All the colleges work with the elderly, the physically and mentally disabled, the socially disadvantaged and other community groups as needs arise. In addition, some of the colleges have sea and land rescue teams. During their time at the colleges the students render genuine services to their local communities, in the process learning much about themselves and each other and developing a concern for their fellow human beings. The encouragement of craftsmanship and creative arts also plays a large part in life at the colleges and all students are given opportunities to explore their creative talents. Page 14
Entry and Scholarship Policy Final selection is solely on merit and no account is taken of financial circumstances or social status. Where necessary, the scholarship will cover board, tuition, examination fees and travel costs to and from the college annually. In order to spread available funds to provide as many scholarships as possible, parents of each successful candidate will be asked to contribute what they can. Criteria for Selection The age of entry into the colleges is normally between 16 and 17 years. Our founder, Kurt Hahn coined the phrase grand passion and we look for that in applicants. We require students to identify with the philosophy of the UWC movement. It is important that students have a strong academic ability, as the academic course, activities and college life are demanding. We look for students who have been actively involved in their communities and who will be able to share their South African experience and represent their country. We also look for maturity and a sense of responsibility, and a tolerance and openness towards different attitudes and customs. Students are expected to have some knowledge of international and national affairs. The personal qualities of enthusiasm, motivation and perseverance in the face of difficulties are of crucial importance. Application will be accepted from candidates with disabilities over which they have control and which will not deteriorate while at a UWC. Further information about UWC can be found at our website: www.za.uwc.org Page 15