Singapore as a Nation State: Past, Present and Future.

By Mr Janadas Devan, Director of the Institute of Policy Studies at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS

Discover the fascinating evolution of 'Singapore as a Nation State, Past Present and Future' with Mr. Janadas Devan and our panel of UWCSEA students, connecting Singapore's historical roots and its present circumstances. View here

Welcome to Dover Campus

Dover Academics IS Studentshadowing Lynda — Welcome to Dover Campus

Patrick Hurworth
Head of UWCSEA Dover

A very warm welcome on behalf of our community to UWCSEA. My wish for everyone who considers us is that they gain a sense of the possibilities as to how they might contribute to our community and to the UWC mission.

As the incoming Head of Dover in August 2022, I began my 30th year in schools with a deep sense of gratitude at having been offered the opportunity to lead this high-functioning, mission-driven school. It is a responsibility which I take on with humility and enthusiasm.

The desire to seek new perspectives, to broaden my horizons, was what first prompted me to move into international education in 1996. Since leaving the UK I have lived and worked in Switzerland, the USA, Hong Kong and China, taking on leadership roles at a number of well known international schools. Many of these schools share, on the surface, much in common with UWCSEA. A reputation as a leading international school. A successful IB Diploma programme, with graduates who go on to selective universities around the world each year. Alumni scattered across the globe in increasing numbers who count themselves as global citizens (whatever that might mean).

However, as I have come to understand more deeply through every interaction I have had since joining the College and the Dover community, the unique power of UWCSEA is in the wholehearted, collective commitment to bringing to life the UWC mission–to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. Although we acknowledge the importance of individual achievement to each of us, our mission does not limit us to concern for individual success. Instead, our mission is far more ambitious, and we take seriously our responsibility as educators to give young people the tools, skills, qualities and dispositions that will in turn empower them to take responsibility for shaping a better world.

Our committed staff - teachers, educational support, facilities and administrators all - do their utmost to ensure that every student’s experience with us is the most fulfilling and joyful it possibly can be. The warm and welcoming environment created on campus is nurtured through an approach of mutual respect: between staff and students, between staff and parents and between students and students. Our belief is that ‘living in and with’ those is our community rather than ‘living alongside’ them as ‘others’ is an important way in which all members of the UWCSEA community are challenged to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their own cultures and ways of life.

The lens of intentional diversity is a key factor we apply when creating our community of students and staff on campus. Our consideration of a combination of factors—be it nationality, languages spoken, life experience, or one of any number of factors—means we have a rich daily life on campus. Our boarding community, a third of whom are scholarship students selected on the basis of their potential to have a positive impact, add a great deal to the vibrancy of the community at Dover. There is a feeling of extraordinary vibrancy, dynamism, warmth and fun, and it is worth noting that much of what you will see as you explore this website or walk around our campus on a visit is student-driven.

As I settle into both Singapore and UWCSEA I consider myself very fortunate to have joined the College in a year when the whole community is finally able to come back together in person following several years of pandemic-related disruptions. The feeling of renewed energy and enthusiasm from our students, staff and parents has been wonderful, and I, like many so many who have joined our community in the past few years, am enjoying experiencing the campus traditions which those who have been in our community for a number of years missed so very much. I hope that everyone who joins us is able to contribute to this sense of community, and to contribute in their own unique way.

I am so pleased that your family is considering UWCSEA. We look forward to welcoming you to the campus so that you can experience first-hand the vibrancy of our community.

Regards,
Patrick Hurworth
Head of UWCSEA Dover