International Royalty Visits College That Changed the Educational Landscape for 50th Anniversary
CARDIFF, Wales, September 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
Her Majesty Queen Noor of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan visits the first established United World College, Atlantic College as President of the worldwide educational movement on Thursday September 19th, marking the 50th anniversary of the college that was described by The Times in 1962 as "the most exciting experiment in education since World War II."
Since its inception, UWC Atlantic College has continued its innovation, making a worldwide impact with farsighted projects such as creating the International Baccalaureate and inventing the rigid-hulled inflatable rescue boat (RIB).
UWC Atlantic College was founded by the celebrated and progressive German educationalist Dr Kurt Hahn, creator of the Duke of Edinburgh award and the Outward Bound Movement and opened in a 12th-century castle on the South Wales coast. Established at the height of the Cuban Missile crisis and in the aftermath of the Second World War, the college's mission was to promote peace and international understanding through education for students aged 16-19.
From the initial intake of 56 students from 17 countries the college now educates 350 students from 90 countries with over 7,500 alumni dispersed in leadership roles across the world. The college's diverse and engaged body is drawn from different countries, backgrounds, races and religions, with many receiving financial support through one of the world's most comprehensive bursary programmes.
Coinciding with this year's celebrations, the school is introducing the Atlantic Diploma, a pioneering new curriculum that equally values commitment to active service within the community with the academic rigours of the International Baccalaureate. It aims to support students in the development of their own individuality and intellectual character.
John Walmsley, Principal of UWC Atlantic College, said: "UWC Atlantic College is unique in its offer. The overall ethos and mission of the school is as relevant in today's climate as it was in 1962 in providing an environment where young people are exposed to intercultural engagement that develops a deep recognition of the diversity and complexity of today's world issues.
"UWC Atlantic College continues to be at the forefront of international education by delivering innovative and imaginative opportunities for its students to become extraordinary individuals who use their knowledge, empathy and understanding to make a difference in creating a fairer world."
For further information: http://www.atlanticcollege.org
Helen Bowen, helen.bowen@workingword.co.uk, or Sophie Spooner, sophie.spooner@workingword.co.uk, Working Word, +44(0)29-2064-6840
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