application form 2013 - uwc australia

United World Colleges (Australia) Trust Limited ACN 008 498 637 UWC Australia is a registered charity and not for profit

http://uwc.org.au [email protected]

UWC Student Application Form

Application for Australian UWC (United World Colleges) Scholarship and Places This application is for a two year pre-university period of overseas study from September 2013 at one of the following schools;

– Pearson College UWC, Victoria, Canada;

– UWC Adriatic, Duino, Italy;

– Waterford Kamhlaba UWC, Mbabane Swaziland; (N.B. WK School year begins in January 2014, rather than September 2013);

– Mahindra UWC, Pune, India;

– UWC Costa Rica, Santa Ana, Costa Rica;

– Li Po Chun UWC, Hong Kong SAR, China;

– UWC Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands;

– UWC Atlantic College, Llantwit Major; UK

The National Committee will decide which college the selected student(s) will attend and will announce this after the final selection interviews. Requirements for Application To be eligible to apply you must meet the following criteria:

• Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, currently living in Australia; • At least 16 years of age, but not older than 18 years as of 1 September 2013;

Your final application must include (please tick):

Completed Application Form Two completed essays Completed School Principal's Reference and returned directly to address as provided Two completed General Reference Forms and returned directly to address as provided Photocopies of your two most recent year-end school reports

Your application should be sent to:

VIC, TAS, SA, WA QLD NSW, ACT, NT Victorian Committee UWC Australia 210 Hendersons Road, HASTINGS, VIC, 3915 Mairi Stewart [email protected] 0431 822 960 03 5979 3583

Queensland Committee UWC Australia 63 Wallum Drive, PARKINSON, QLD, 4115 Melissa Brown [email protected] 0438 334 479

New South Wales Committee UWC Australia 8/2 Clapton Place, DARLINGHURST, NSW, 2010 Michael Janda [email protected] 0425 251 140

The closing date for applications is: COB 22 March 2013




Student and parent information and conditions of application 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. UWC has 12 schools and colleges 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. Our student intake is deliberately diverse and each of the schools and colleges draws together students from many different nations and backgrounds. Our bursaries, scholarships and fee structures aim to ensure a broad socio-economic mix within the student body that adds value to the student experience and the organisation. UWC depends on the dedication and expertise of a network of volunteers to promote UWC and select future students. These are called national committees and they operate in more than 145 countries worldwide. Each year a national committee will receive from the UWC schools and colleges a specific number of places (which may include a scholarship, bursary/partial scholarship or fee-paying place) for which they select students to study the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Please make sure you find out as much as possible about UWC before going ahead with your application. It is important that you understand the aims of the organisation and the commitment involved in the programmes that are offered. For more information please go to www.uwc.org The UWC national committee in Australia is United World College (Australia) Trust Ltd acting as UWC Australia. UWC Australia (ABN 64 008 498 637) is a registered Australian charity and not-for-profit. Website: www.uwc.org.au Email: [email protected] Mailing address: GPO Box 1272, Sydney NSW 2001, AUSTALIA




Selection process

Written Application

The preliminary stage when applying for a UWC scholarship is a written application. This application provides the selection committees with a brief overview of the student, their current interests and activities, and requires the candidate to write two essays on why they should be awarded a place and/or scholarship to a UWC.

Interview and/or Group Activities

Students who have been selected to attend the group activities and interviews will be notified within about two weeks of the deadline for written applications.

The second stage of the application process will see the shortlisted candidates attend a group activity session, where the students will participate in both team and individual activities. The purpose of these activities is to gain a better understanding of the candidates and how they interact and participate with other students.

There is also a formal interview component of this second stage, in which the candidates will sit before a panel of UWC alumni, as well as representatives from external organisations.

Depending on the location of successful candidates and our ability to have access to volunteers in those areas, some candidates may be invited to conduct their interview via an online medium, such as Skype. These candidates will also be required to sign a Statement of Commitment form and their parents/guardians will be required to sign an Indemnity Release (in anticipation of being awarded a place or scholarship).

National selection

Following the final shortlist from each State and Territory via the State selection committees, the candidates are ranked nationally, and a formal offer process begins between the national committee and the candidates.

School and College notification

Once the candidates and their family have formally accepted the position offered by UWC Australia, the candidates will be put forward to each of the respective schools and colleges as the Australian candidate. Final notification is required by the schools and colleges by approximately 1st May each year. Selection criteria Places in UWC are offered solely on overall merit which includes potential, social and community awareness, and academic achievement. The most important criterion is all-round ability. Successful applicants are expected to have displayed some degree of community involvement and service, and their interests in all-round activities including those of a cultural nature will be taken into account in selecting candidates. Achievement, ability and aptitude, together with the ability to think and work independently, as well as social and cultural awareness are important qualities A suitable applicant is a lively student who is doing well academically and who has a wide range of interests. Important attributes include the ability to mix with others, to engage the friendship of others, and to be tolerant of fundamentally different opinions and attitudes. It is important that candidates




should be thoroughly articulate so that they may be able to advance their own views and those of their country, of which they will be seen as representatives. Every student sent to a UWC must be of the quality one would like to see representing his or her own country alongside very carefully selected students from other countries. Experience has shown that successful students are those who come with a clear awareness of the aims of the UWC movement and a personal commitment to contribute to them. Parents (or guardians) are responsible for signing the application form, but the decision to apply must lie above all with the candidate themselves. Finances UWC Australia receives funding from a variety of sources, including individual UWC schools and colleges, interest from a trust fund, and much appreciated donations from UWC alumni, their families, and other generous individuals. Unfortunately, these sources cannot cover all costs, and some scholarships will require the candidate and their family to contribute part of the cost. How the Scholarship Contribution Form works We use a blind pledge system to ensure that all selections are made on merit. Applicants who are invited for an interview shall return the scholarship contribution form in a separate, sealed envelope. This envelope remains sealed until after all interviews have been conducted, and after candidates have been ranked from first to last by the final selection panel. Envelopes are then opened in turn according to the candidates' rankings, and scholarships are awarded according to places and funding available. No envelope will ever be opened until final interviews and rankings are complete - your ability to contribute will in no way affect your ranking. How much should I pledge? When considering how much to pledge towards any outstanding fees, we suggest you base it on what it would cost to keep your child at home - food, school fees, doctors' visits, etc. If you might otherwise have budgeted costs for an overseas exchange, you could include that too. Please do not pledge a sum that would cause you financial distress. Please note:

-‐ If you can contribute in a non-financial way towards the cost of the placement (e.g. frequent flyer points to cover air fares) please note this under "other contributions".

What if I can't pledge anything? Usually, if your child ranks first or second at the final interview, and you are not in a position to contribute anything, they are likely to be awarded a full scholarship. If they rank third or below, our ability to award them a full scholarship will depend on how much other candidates ahead have pledged. Candidates whose families cannot afford to pledge any funds are still strongly encouraged to apply.




Nomination process Successful candidates are nominated to specific UWC schools and colleges before 1 May. The schools and colleges generally accept the nominated candidates on the recommendation of the national committee but reserve the right to make the final decision on every candidate. Please also note:

-‐ An application is made to UWC and not to a particular school or college (although you will be asked to state your preference)

-‐ Only one application can be made to UWC. You cannot apply through two different national committees

-‐ Applicants with disabilities who are self-sufficient in their everyday needs are encouraged to apply

Privacy Any personal information provided in this application and any subsequent forms pertaining to the application process shall only be used for the selection of candidates for UWC Australia places and scholarships. All parts of this document will be considered in the strictest of confidence. Please read Privacy Policy at http://www.uwc.org.au/privacy for more details.




Statement of commitment UWC Australia is a not for profit organisation that is run entirely by volunteers. The majority of these volunteers are UWC graduates who provide in kind and/or financial contributions to provide as many Australian students as possible the opportunity to attend a United World College. The majority of UWC Australia Board members are graduates, setting the vision and direction of the organisation. Graduates also lead student selection, scholarship promotion and fund-raising activities. Within their means, graduates also contribute financially to the organisation from time to time to support scholarships, network activities (including a regular newsletter and annual reunion) and administration costs. The following is a statement of commitment that you are requested to complete as part of your application: As the recipient of a scholarship or place I will be my country's ambassador to UWC. It is a great privilege for me to be offered this scholarship or place and I realise that this opportunity comes with significant responsibilities. It is my objective to add to the UWC school and college community in constructive and responsible ways while a student, and as a graduate to maintain an active interest in the UWC movement. I am aware that UWC Australia is committed to expanding the provision of scholarship opportunities for young people around the world and acknowledge that as a UWC Australia beneficiary, I have an active and positive role to play in the development of this programme. In taking up this scholarship or place, I understand and agree to: 1. Write twice a year (dates to be advised) to UWC Australia community and/or sponsors, outlining my personal and academic goals and progress in relation to the UWC movement and UWC mission. This may also include a presentation where appropriate. 2. Demonstrate through my actions, support of the mission, principals, goals and objectives of the UWC movement. 3. Comply with all UWC school and college residential rules and codes of conduct. I understand that my two year scholarship or place at UWC represents the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the UWC movement and all that it stands for. So that future young people have the unique experience of a UWC education, I will seek ways of involving myself with the movement beyond school and university life. This may take the form of assisting my national committee, promoting the UWC movement, and, if I am able to do so, making a financial contribution to scholarship funding. I, _____________________________ (Applicant’s Name) have read and fully understood my commitment to my UWC Australia scholarship or place, and will do all that I can to honour this commitment. Signature: _________________________ Date: _________________________




Applicant Information (Please type or write clearly in dark ink and ensure you complete all the sections that are applicable to you) Personal information Family name/ Surname/ Last name:

First name/ given name(s):

Middle name (only if noted on passport):

Gender: Male/ Female (delete as appropriate)

Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy):

Nationality:

Country of Birth:

Country of citizenship (on which passport would you travel):

Email address:

Home Phone:

Mobile phone:

Fax: Permanent Home Address

Address line 1:

Address line 2:

City:

Province/ Territory/ Region:

Post code:

Country:

Home Phone:

Fax: Courier Address (to receive posted mail, if different from home address)

Address line 1:

Address line 2:

City:

Province/ Territory/ Region:

Post code:

Country:

Phone:

Fax:




School information Name of school: Address of school:

Telephone number of school:

Email address of school:

Name of Head of School:

List the subjects that you currently study at school and your most recent grades or predicted grades:

Do you participate in any extra-curricular clubs or activities at school for example creative activities, sports, volunteer projects etc? Please list up to 5 areas of involvement indicating the level and time of involvement and responsibilities.

What are your plans after high school?




Life outside school What are your favourite activities outside of school? How do you spend your leisure time? For example, creative activities, employment, sports, volunteer projects or other hobbies. Please list up to 5 areas of involvement indicating the level and time of involvement and responsibilities.

What do you consider your best qualities? 1. 2. 3.

What do you consider your best accomplishments? 1. 2. 3.

What language do you speak at home?

What other languages do you speak (please list the language and the level of understanding)?

How did you hear about UWC?




Available scholarships / places to UWC schools and colleges for 2013

UWC Australia is able to ensure at least one (1) full scholarship per year is granted.

Fundraising and alumni donations may result in further funding.

Places Value (pa) Preference and reason

UWC Adriatic in Italy

€ 21,500 or

$A 28,000 pa

UWC Atlantic

College in Wales

£ 24,5000 or

$A37,000 pa

UWC Costa Rica in Costa Rica1

$US 26,500 or

$A25,500 pa

Li Po Chun UWC in Hong Kong

$HK 235,000 or

$A29,000 pa

UWC Maastricht in

the Netherlands1

€ 25,000 or

$A 33,000 pa

UWC Mahindra College in India

IR 1,240,000 or

$A22,500 pa




Pearson College UWC in Canada

$CAN 40,000 or

$A 39,000 pa

Waterford Kamhlaba UWC in

Swaziland**

€ 16,000 or

$A 21,000 pa

*All $A values at exchange rates from February 2013. Subject to change. **Please note that this place is for entry in January 2014 1 Subject to the successful candidate's parents completing a college specific financial need analysis form, UWC Costa Rica and UWC Maastricht may also provide additional financial support. (Form will be available at interview) Essay questions

1. Describe in an essay (on a separate piece of paper and with a limit of 300 words) why

you are interested in attending a UWC school/college and reflecting on UWC’s mission and values, what you might contribute to the school/college and what you would hope to gain from the experience.

2. Describe in an essay (on a separate piece of paper and with a limit of 300 words) which

of your activities are, or have been, of most importance to you. What values were these activities to you? What do you think you contributed to these activities?

Applicant’s signature I have read and understood the information section at the beginning of this application form. I have discussed all aspects of the commitment involved in applying for entry to a UWC school/college with my parent(s)/guardian(s). Signature of applicant: Date:




To be completed by the person(s) who has legal duty of care for the student Person 1 Relationship to student:

Family name/ Surname/ Last name:

First name/ given name(s): Permanent Home Address (if different from student’s)

Address line 1:

Address line 2:

City:

State / Territory:

Post code:

Country:

Home Phone:

Mobile phone:

Fax:

Email: Person 2 (if applicable) Relationship to student:

Family name/ Surname/ Last name:

First name/ given name(s): Permanent Home Address (if different from student’s)

Address line 1:

Address line 2:

City:

State / Territory:

Post code:

Country:

Home Phone:

Mobile phone:

Fax:

Email:




To be completed by the person who has legal duty of care for the student. Please give a brief description of any medical or mental health concerns, physical impairments, serious illnesses or allergies that the applicant may have had: Please list any special dietary requirements that the applicant may have for medical, religious or ethical reasons?

Parent(s) / Guardian(s) I/we have read and understood the information section at the beginning of this application form and the application for entry to UWC made by my son/daughter/ward; I/we have discussed all aspects of the commitment involved and this application has my full approval. Should the application be successful, I/we hereby undertake for myself/ourselves and for him/her to observe the rules, regulations and guidelines of the school/college. I/we recognise that the school/college has the right to exclude my son/daughter/ward for violations of such rules, regulations and guidelines. While my/our son/daughter/ward is in residence at a UWC school/college, I/we authorise the school /college to act ‘in loco parentis’ in decisions directly effecting his/her health and welfare when it is neither possible nor practical to contact me/us beforehand. Signature(s) of the person(s) who has legal duty of care over the applicant: Date:




School Principal Reference Form – to be completed by the Principal or Year Level Coordinator of your current school Applicant name:

The above student has applied to attend a UWC school/college. 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. UWC has 12 schools and colleges 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. Our student intake is deliberately diverse and each of the schools and colleges draws together students from many different nations and backgrounds. Our bursaries, scholarships and fee structures aim to ensure a broad socio-economic mix within the student body that adds value to the student experience and the organisation. Please go to www.uwc.org.au for further information. Places are offered on a competitive basis. The UWC selection committee would greatly appreciate your comments on the applicant. Your frank assessment of the student would be invaluable. Please comment on the student’s performance and participation at school, personality and character and consider the following aspects: • Academic motivation and interests • Ability to organise self, work and time • Interaction with others • Maturity and balance • Adaptability • Initiative • Communication and listening skills • Ability to deal with stress • Other strengths and weaknesses The deadline for receipt of this reference is: COB 22 March 2013 School Principal Name:

School Name:

Telephone Number:

Email:

Signature: Date:




Please return to:




Many thanks for your help.




General Reference Form – to be completed by someone who knows you well through your out of school activities or hobbies Applicant name:

Thank you for agreeing to write a reference for the above student who has applied to attend a UWC school/college. 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. UWC has 12 schools and colleges 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. Our student intake is deliberately diverse and each of the schools and colleges draws together students from many different nations and backgrounds. Our bursaries, scholarships and fee structures aim to ensure a broad socio-economic mix within the student body that adds value to the student experience and the organisation. Please go to www.uwc.org.au for further information. Places are offered on a competitive basis. The UWC selection committee would greatly appreciate your comments on the applicant. Your frank assessment of the applicant would be invaluable. Please indicate how you know the applicant and comment on his/her strengths and weaknesses, personality and character (giving examples) and consider the following aspects: • Ability to organise self, work and time • Interaction with others • Maturity and balance • Adaptability • Initiative • Communication and listening skills • Ability to deal with stress The deadline for receipt of this reference is: COB 22 March 2013 Name:

Connection to the applicant:

Telephone Number:

Email:

Signature: Date:




Please return to:




Many thanks for your help.




Short Listed Applicants Only Please place in a sealed envelope, marked with the student’s name. The student must bring the envelope to final selections.

Parental Pledge Form I have read this application for scholarship entry to a United World College made by my daughter/son/ward, and we have discussed all aspects of the commitment involved.

Should my son/daughter/ward not receive a full scholarship, I can contribute the following towards outstanding costs:

Total AUD$ _______________

or:

per week AUD$ _______________

Other contributions ________________________________________________________

Signature _____________________________ Date __________

Print name _____________________________

Relationship to applicant _____________________________

Address (if different from applicant) _____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

Phone no(s) _______________ (home)

_______________ (mobile)

_______________ (fax)

Some colleges may have extra funds for indigenous peoples, refugees, or other personal attributes. Please indicate whether you fall into any of these categories: (yes/no)

Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander _______

Refugee ______ (applicant, or his/her parents, came to Australia as refugees)




How did you hear about us? Please take a moment to complete this questionnaire so that we may improve our promotional methods. This questionnaire is not part of your application and will not influence the outcome of your application in any way.

How did you first find out about the UWC scholarships? (Please be specific.) Did you attempt to find out more about the United World Colleges? If so, how? Was additional information easy to come by? Was such information useful and informative? Were there any specific queries you had difficulty finding answers to? Did you: Visit our web site? (www.uwc.org.au) q Yes q No View our brochures and/or flyers? q Yes q No Attend a school presentation? q Yes q No Attend the Information Day? q Yes q No

How could any of these things be improved?

Finally, are there any other ways you think that promotion of UWC scholarships could be improved?

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.

application form 2013 - uwc australia

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