Community

Ellie Alchin, Director of Teaching and Learning, Dover Campus

This is an incredible place to work. Having worked in a number of different (and excellent) international schools around the world I can say hand on heart, that the way in which the mission informs what we do and how we do it here is pretty unique. 

The mission has both shaped my values and now reflects them. I am in education because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students, and the difference I want to make is very much in line with the UWC mission of uniting people to bring about more peaceful and sustainable futures. In fact, I firmly believe that education is the only way to do this.

I cherish working with thoughtful, committed colleagues at UWCSEA who approach their work in a spirit of curiosity and craftsmanship. Whether it is a highly collaborative relationship with my counterpart at our sister campus, supportive relationships with academic and administrative leaders here at Dover, or working closely alongside teams of teachers as they develop teaching practice, I am constantly struck by the energy, capacity, creativity and commitment of the people with whom I work. 

Our students are of course central to our work. The opportunity to engage with students, and especially our national committee scholars, is an absolute highlight of working here. 

This is a can-do place where we aspire to genuinely walk the walk and not just talk the talk. There are incredible opportunities for professional learning and leadership (both formally and informally). Yes, you will work very hard, and being surrounded by lots of people who are very good at what they do can be daunting, but you will be well supported and the opportunities for professional growth are amazing.

Dr Jensen Hjorth, former High School Vice Principal and IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, Dover Campus

I've always held the belief that too often we are quick to judge others based on superficial appearances and stereotypes and that if we just took more time to understand others and empathise with them we would come to recognise the great strengths that diverse communities posses. I think this is what underpins the UWC mission, it has a higher purpose, one that has the so much potential to have a positive impact on the world. It gives me great satisfaction to know that I am contributing to this and supporting others as they develop a deeper understanding of global issues and empathy for others.

I've gained so much from my time with UWCSEA. I've been pushed by colleagues and students into genuinely reflecting on my own beliefs and there is little doubt my perspective and view of the world has changed enormously. I've learned from others how to tackle hard issues while still demonstrating empathy for alternate points of view. My educational philosophy has developed as I have gained understanding of how students can be significant change agents if engaged and supported in positively advocating for their point of view.

UWCSEA is a very unique place to be. Its purpose and direction is not just printed on brochures; it lives its mission everywhere; from leadership decisions and class room planning to parent engagement and student activities. It takes bold steps to enact the mission often forgoing more traditional decisions that a school might be expected to take. Students are highly engaged and involved and have a genuine sense of responsibility for the shape of the world. UWCSEA is fortunate that it attracts teachers who are leaders in the educational field. We are fortunate that colleagues will challenge your thinking but will support your growth. Whether you join us as a student or as a member of staff, you will learn enormously from the experience of being at UWCSEA.

Lorena Ferreira, Grade 3 Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator, Dover Campus

UWCSEA is more than just a school. Once you have been part of a UWC it becomes part of you and your life. Many years ago (so many that I choose not to count!) I was a young student at UWCAC in Wales. The experiences I had, the people I met, and the things I learnt there, have all made me who I am today - a person who always gives her best, who is not afraid to tackle new challenges and who believes that we can all make a difference. Now being an UWCSEA teacher means that I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to develop the UWC spirit in my students and together we can build a better world.

Leah Daniels, Head of Grade 3, Dover Campus

I teach at UWCSEA because it defines the way I live my life. The school's mission and values are completely aligned with my own. I am part of a movement which believes that education is a force to unite people, as do I, and it lives and breathes that mission. It is immensely rewarding working with motivated, engaged students from all over the world and the professionalism of my colleagues is inspirational; we buzz on a daily basis. 

The Service programme is exceptional; permeates children of all ages and creates wonderful human beings contributing to the society we live in and the wider world.  I am inspired by our children and their motivation to learn, perform, organise, engage with others from all walks of life and take action. And, whilst there are opportunities to enrich the lives of the students I teach, my own life is enriched on a daily basis. UWCSEA is a thriving, energetic and wonderful place to be. Where else could I get this in my working life?

Kuniko Fuls, Grade 3 Parent, Dover Campus

Since my daughter Aika joined K1 in 2016, she has repeated the school values at home, especially 'Be kinder than necessary' which I believe requires a lot of imagination and observation of one's environment. Being kind not only to your friends and teachers but also to ourselves is important as we sometimes tend to neglect our own wellbeing by following busy daily routines. Kindness can be extended further to the others in the community and then those you don't know. That is well promoted by the Service Learning part of the UWCSEA programme.

My husband and I are not originally from Singapore and so the UWCSEA Dover community has become like our extended family. We feel a sense of community, not only for our daughter but also for ourselves as parents. We value and trust in the school and community, and are impressed by so many aspects of their care - varying from how they have adjusted for students and families with the ever changing COVID situation, to how all the staff take care of our children while they are on campus!

UWCSEA’s educational philosophy encourages students to think, analyse and find solutions by putting importance on process. While the Japanese educational system teaches by asking students to memorize a textbook without asking why, UWCSEA’s education starts with letting students ask 'why' and values a more independent approach. I feel this is indispensable for our children, who are facing an ever changing and challenging future.

A better world starts with a drop of kindness from one individual, and this is something both UWCSEA and our family value, and encourage and practice in our daily lives. 

Aman Singh Chauhan, Head of Facilities and Operations

My connection with UWCSEA is a unique one. I was busy climbing a so-called corporate ladder until I realised that I was slowly moving away from my values. My values are very close to UWCSEA's values. There is a unique sense of a united community which I cannot explain in words, truly it can only be experienced by being part of the remarkable culture created by the communities on both campuses.

This organization has impacted me personally as well as professionally in so many positive ways, and I am very grateful for the fact that I have an opportunity to be a part of its mission. Education, Sustainability and Peace are very close to my heart and the members of UWCSEA showcase their commitment to these as values in action, day-in day-out - which I find inspiring!

Ranita Gupta, Grade 2 Parent, East Campus

We are a family that believe in honesty, and in helping people. We believe in 3R's - Reuse, Recycle and Restore to protect Mother Earth. I'm proud that my son is a part of the UWCSEA family and he is learning how to give back to society. He has started to feel for fellow children in Kuma, Cambodia and has developed a passion for helping others. At UWCSEA, he has the opportunity to explore, innovate, improvise and learn. He showed great resilience during the home based learning phase, as he tried to do things independently and showed some great thinking while doing his work. I couldn't be prouder.

Sarah Song, Teacher of Humanities and English in Middle School

I was drawn to the UWC community both as a parent and a teacher after learning of its mission, which aligned with the very motivation that led me to the education field. 

I was born in Seoul, Korea, and emigrated to the US at the age of three. I grew up in a small town on the outskirts of New York City.  After completing my BA and MA at the University of Pennsylvania and my Ed M at Columbia University, I imagined settling down in the New England area. Life, however, had other plans and led me to stays in Dallas, Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong before I settled in Singapore. 

While I loved growing up in New York, I periodically encountered bouts of intolerance and prejudice (even in such a culturally diverse environment). These encounters affirmed my conviction that the classroom can and should provide a forum to promote dialogue and understanding as part of a holistic learning programme. I really enjoy teaching students in Middle School, and I’m always happy to share my own personal experiences and life anecdotes to encourage meaningful conversations about individual perspectives.