A History Christine Leschinski (UWC SEA 1973-75)

● Kurt Hahn - Concerns about the Cold War○ Previously Established

■ Gordonstown in Scotland■ Outward Bound

● Atlantic College, 1962

● 1972 - The establishment of UWC SEA within the Singapore International School was the impetus to send Australian students.

● Sir James as head of Geelong Grammar established Timbertop based on Gordonstown philosophy.

● Prince charles attended in 1966.

● Lord Mountbatten, uncle of Charles was president of UWC, approached Sir James to help establish a Trust to ensure an Australian presence at the new UWC in Singapore

1972

1972

● Sir James Darling, and various other knights, (Sir Harold Wyndham in NSW) a Rear Admiral, and other high ranking services personnel, as well as businessmen and educators establish "United World Colleges Australia"

1972

● I am not sure of the workings but each state had a committee, and there was a National Committee (this may well have been the NSW, ie not a separate body)

1972First scholars to SingaporeQLD (1), SA (1), WA (2), NSW (2)

1973VIC (1), NSW (1), WA (2)

1974NSW (2), QLD (1), WA (1), VIC (1), SA (1), TAS (1) - All six states represented

● All funded by the respective state Department(s) of Education.

● From 1976, individual colleges were also providing scholarships. ○ AC, SEA and Pearson

Source: UWC Brochure 1995, and written accounts

● Sadly in 1984 "State Aid" dried up.○ Scholarships came from the colleges.

● 1988 - The Fairfax Trust was established thanks to Sir James, Ewan Tyler and Peter Dunstan.

—UNITED WORLD COLLEGES SCHOLARSHIPS (December 1973 to July 1975)

"The Scholarships cover board and educational fees as well as the return air fare to Singapore and a second return fare after one year's studies."

1975

Upon return in 1975, I (Christine) became secretary of the Victorian Committee.

● Sir James Darling was Chairman● Dr Robin Chapman represented the

Education Dept. and provided all printing and postage etc.

● Peter Gebhardt (Head, Geelong College)● Patrick Moore (Treasurer)● Dorothy Pizzey (Head, St Catherine's)● AGM in Sydney (flights by Education Dept.)● We (Victoria) met on a monthly basis

1976

● Scholarships selection was conducted by each state

● Candidates were then interviewed by the NC● Colleges nominated boy or girl :)● Applicants weren't given a choice about

which college. They were applying for UWC.

1984

● The Victorian Selection Committee in 1984 (my last year as secretary) consisted of;

○ Sir James○ Peter Gebhardt○ Dorothy Pizzey○ Gwen Bowles (Head, MacRob Girls)○ Lou Barberis (Head, Melb-High)○ A representative from the Italian Consulate○ and me, the ex-student rep

● Scholarships were advertised in "The Age" and the "Teachers Gazette" as well as flyers/posters sent to all State schools.

● By 1978, there was an "Ex-student Network"○ (In Victoria) we visited each other, had picnics,

barbecues, birthday parties on a regular basis

—UNITED WORLD COLLEGES SCHOLARSHIPS (December 1973 to July 1975)

"Applicants, who should be of above average ability and promise, should forward a certificate of character and competence signed by their headmasters."

*figures are approximate, and taken from 'mixed' data :(