UWC Red Cross Nordic

Location: Flekke, Norway; student profile: 200 students aged 16-19; founded: 1995

Introduction

UWC Red Cross Nordic was opened in 1995 on the beautiful shores of Flekke Fjord in the mountainous West of Norway. The college is situated alongside the Red Cross Haugland Rehabilitation Centre and works closely with this centre.

Campus and facilities

The campus boasts a spectacular dining area overlooking the fjord, well-equipped science laboratories, a music room, art and ceramics studios, computer facilities, a media centre which we are seeking to expand and a waterfront recreation centre. Also available are the aquatic centre and pool, fully-equipped fitness training facility and small gymnasium at the Red Cross Rehabilitation Centre. All non-Scandinavian speakers follow a Norwegian language course and an innovative Nordic Studies program. This is designed to develop a better appreciation of the host region and to ease integration with the local community.

Beyond the classroom

The traditions of both the Nordic countries and of the Red Cross are reflected in the emphasis placed on humanitarian and environmental concerns. Cooperation with the Red Cross, for example, opens a variety of avenues for service opportunities in such areas as First Aid and Lifesaving and in the fields of youth training and humanitarian action. The service and activity programme at the college gives students opportunities to respond to needs, to gain leadership training, communication skills and conflict management techniques through working with a great variety of people. Almost all students work with the Leirskule, which is a residential camp school for Norwegian children held on campus every week in the spring, summer and ealy autumn. The school is directed and administered by professional staff but students act as leaders and instructors in almost every activity. Participative student democracy plays a significant role in the daily operation of the college and is implemented through the Staff meeting and the Student Council. Staff and students elect members to represent them on the Governing Body and the Council of the college.

“Being woken early in the morning by a Swiss, brushing your teeth standing next to a Dane, hurrying to class in the morning rush hour with an Uzbek, sitting next to an Angolan in class, being taught Economics by a Chinese, going to a Ghanaian to clear confusions in Maths, going for a run with a Brazilian; all these are little things that make this place beautiful. The international bonds we make here are things you don't get in any other IB school. This place is special.” Savant Shrestha from Nepal,  UWC Red Cross Nordic 2007-09.

UWC Red Cross Nordic contact details