UWC Atlantic College

UWC Atlantic College was the founding college of the UWC movement. The college is located in the 12th century St Donat’s Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan. Since the 1970’s when UWC Atlantic College was the first school in the world to adopt the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which it helped to develop.

Student profile: 350 students aged 16–19

Founded: 1962

Campus and facilities: 
Atlantic college is situated on the dramatic south Wales coastline with views of the Bristol Channel. Its students pioneered the design and construction of the first rigid-hulled inflatable boat or RIB. The castle was also once owned by the American newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst. 
Facilities include:

• well-equipped science laboratories 
• theatre
• student social centre 
• independent arts centre 
• Indoor and outdoor sports areas including outdoor climbing wall
• Historic dining hall with well-equipped canteen
• Indoor and outdoor swimming pool 
• Newly refurbished library with over 25,000 volumes

Specialisms: Teaching staff have pioneered new classes such as Environmental Systems, Political Thought, World Religions and Peace and Conflict studies. The college also teaches a unique curriculum - the Atlantic Diploma which has two parts: 

• international Baccalaureate (IB) academic curriculum 
• co-curricular programme - experiential learning in a non-academic setting 

Beyond the classroom: 
Community service is an important part of college life with all students engaged in these activities. As with all the UWC schools and colleges, service is a key part of the ethos and students at UWC Atlantic College have some unique opportunities to help others and learn about themselves. On account of the college’s coastal location, students can train to become beach Lifeguards. Also located on campus is an outdoor centre where students teach demanding outdoor activities and skills to some 3,000 disadvantaged or disabled visitors each year. 

Find out more about UWC Atlantic College.