Arusha Campus News – 30 Aug 2026

The Peaks Discovery trip to the North Pare mountains took place this weekend. A very large group who are almost back on campus as I write this.

Sat 29th – Sun 30th August – Plains Discovery OP to Makuyuni

Sat 29th – Sun 30th August – Peaks Discovery OP to North Pare Mountains

Thur 3rd September – M5 Parent Meeting (time TBC)

The Plains Discovery group that walked through the baobabs and acacia trees of Makuyuni are pictured resting in the shade.

Two outdoor pursuits trips went out this weekend and the two images above demonstrate the diversity of experiences that our programme offers. Mist and the chills of altitude greeted the North Pare hikers this morning whilst the Makuyuni walkers woke up to dust, sunshine and the sun beating down on them! As we move out of our Tanzanian ‘winter’ and the days become warmer and dustier, we are all thinking about the impending arrival of El Nino 2026. The calamitous effect of unpredictable weather patterns is obvious to all of us. Let us hope the El Nino effect is not as great as anticipated and that our farmers and wildlife custodians, including tour operators, are braced for the eventuality.

Have a super week ahead.

Phil

Four of our healthy PYP eaters (above) show off their scrumptious lunchboxes!

One of our school values is ‘A healthy lifestyle and active pursuits.’ This week the Primary school was a buzz of physical activities with PE lessons in full swing, many classes back in the pool, active breaktimes and our rich CCA programme starting up. I am proud to be part of a team that is committed to inspiring all students to prioritise their health and wellbeing. Research demonstrates that children who develop healthy exercise habits are significantly more likely to remain physically active throughout adulthood. And as we know, the benefits for long term health and happiness are huge.

A new academic year is a great opportunity to circle back to our values, and we want to keep encouraging students to bring a healthy, balanced snack from home. Thank you for your support with this.

Miss Adele, Head of PYP

Can experience make us knowledgeable?                 

We often hear people say:
“You have to experience it yourself to really understand.”

But is that always true?

If you have travelled to another country, does that automatically make you knowledgeable about that country?

If you have experienced poverty, does that mean you understand poverty?

If you have been a teacher for 20 years, does that mean you know everything about teaching?

And what about experiences we have only heard about, read about or watched?

Think about it.
Does having an experience automatically give us knowledge — or does something else have to happen for an experience to become knowledge?

Discuss the question with a colleague, a student, a friend or someone at home. And, most importantly:

What might make you change your mind?
Think of one thing you know because you experienced it.
Now think of one thing you know even though you have never experienced it.
Which kind of knowledge do you trust more?
Why?

Mr Stephane. Head of Theory of Knowledge

Warming-up for the year! Automated, intuitive gestural painting by D1 Art students (above)

Three weeks into the school year, the Diploma Programme is now in full swing. Our D1 students have settled into their subjects and are getting into the rhythm of DP life. As part of the IB Diploma Programme, students study six subjects across a range of disciplines: a Language and Literature course, an additional language, an Individuals and Societies subject, a Science subject, and one of the IB Mathematics courses. For their sixth subject, students choose the Arts or an additional Individuals and Societies or Science subject.

Alongside their six subjects, all DP students complete the Diploma Programme Core, which is central to the IB experience. Theory of Knowledge (TOK) encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know. Through the Extended Essay (EE), students undertake an independent research project and produce a 4,000-word academic paper on a topic of their choice. Students also participate in Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) throughout the DP, engaging in experiences that encourage personal growth, creativity, physical activity and meaningful contribution to others and the community.

Looking Ahead: University Counselling
Over the past two weeks, our University Counsellor, Mr Adam Kendis, has worked with both D1 and D2 students. D1 students heard from two recent graduates, who shared their experiences of life after UWCEA, the pathways they have chosen and how they prepared for their next steps. These sessions were designed to get students thinking early about the possibilities that lie beyond school.

For our D2 students, the focus has been more immediate, with sessions covering university application processes, key steps and important deadlines. As university applications can involve different requirements and timelines depending on the country and institution, it is important that students stay informed and plan ahead.

Miss Anoek, Head of DP

Dear UWC Arusha Community,

Welcome back, and a very warm welcome to all our new families joining the UWC Arusha community this year!

As your PTA Committee, we are excited for the year ahead and look forward to working together with families, students, teachers, and the school to help build a vibrant, connected, and supportive community.

The PTA is here to listen, connect, and create opportunities for our community to come together. We hope to see many of you at upcoming events and activities throughout the year, and we warmly encourage everyone to get involved in whatever way feels right for you. You can always reach us at arushapta@uwcea.org.

Wishing all our students, families, and staff a wonderful start to the new school year.

Warm regards,

The UWC Arusha PTA Committee

Calling all secondary school performers, entertainers, and talent enthusiasts! 🌟

Get ready for Arusha’s Got Talent, the most exciting, fun-filled, and entertaining night of the year! Whether you’re a singer, dancer, comedian, magician, musician, or performer of any kind, this is your chance to shine on stage and showcase your talent in a non-competitive event environment.

We are excited to announce a campus-wide shoe collection drive in support of Kafika House (formerly The Plaster House). Kafika House is a wonderful Arusha-based organization that provides pre- and post-operative surgical care and intensive rehabilitation for children treating conditions like clubfoot, fluorosis, and burn scar contractures.

As these children undergo physical therapy and take their first steps toward recovery, having the right footwear is essential. We are asking our community to donate new or gently used children’s footwear.

How You Can Help:
From Sept 1 to Sept 15, you can drop off donations in the collection bins located at Primary Year 5 (Teacher Sean’s class) at UWCEA Arusha.

Guidelines for Donations:

Sizes: Baby, toddler, and pediatric sizes (Ages 0–18)

Types: Sneakers, running shoes, or sturdy sandals.
Fastening: Velcro, elastic laces, or slip-on styles, laces
Condition: Clean, intact soles, and free of holes. Please tie pairs together.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us make a tangible, local impact on the lives of these children.