Arusha Campus News – 18 May 2025

This weekend we made the short journey to Braeburn School for the annual cross country competition. UWC East Africa were well represented across all age groups. From left, Jack (M4), Kasia (M4), Aidan (M4), Nathan (M4) and Carice (M3) eat up the kilometres in the dust of Kisongo.

Sat 17th – 18th May – Plains Discovery Monduli

Mon 19th – Fri 23rd May – M5 Work Experience

Wed 21st May – 6pm Art Auction Schwari

Thur 22nd May – 3.30pm Arusha Diploma Graduation

Mon 26th – Fri 30th May – M4 Exams

Fri 30th May – Fri 6th June – Diploma 1 Exams

Wed 18th June – 1.30pm PYP Play

Thur 19th June – Last day of Q4

More cross country athletes, this time (clockwise from top left) Kiyala (P3), Abi (P4), Matteo (P3), Deema (P3), Adriana and Gael (P5), Chloe (P5) , Quddus (P5), Locky (P3) and in the centre we have Audrey (P3).

By UWC East Africa standards it has been a quieter week. All that said, we have an OP trip out in the hills of Monduli as I write, our Diploma 2 students have been sitting their final exams and we also hosted an alumni event at a restaurant on the Njiro side of town.

The big event of the week was the PYP Exhibition. The P6 class presented their exhibition on Wednesday evening and what a show they put on. Outstanding presentations. I betray my Primary background when I say that for me, If I were to choose one school event to epitomise what it means to be an IB World School, I would say ‘the PYP Exhibition’ The students modeled transdisciplinary learning perfectly. Their communication skills were honed, they were knowledgeable and everything was interesting. A big ‘Well done’ to Mr Jonny and his class.

There is definitely a feeling that the finishing straight is in sight. The Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 is in the coming week and our M5’s have already left campus for their work experience week.

We shall keep you updated…..

Have a super week.

Phil

Below’s montage shows (clockwise from top left) – Roan (M1), Tom (P5), Kajuni (P5), Julius (M1) and Erik (M1).

Congratulations to P6 (pictured above) on their fantastic exhibition. The range of inquiries was engaging and relevant to everybody. Well done.

Theodore – Our molecular world is the key to understanding a better future.

Leana – Human innovation in agriculture has transformed the food we eat.

Ryan – Our understanding of prehistory shapes how we view our environment and our lifestyles today.

Tendaishe and Kavin – The relationship between technology and society continues to shape our world.

Ranbir – Technological and scientific advancements in transportation have changed the way we utilise their power

 

Amanda, Head of PYP

The walkers take a breather from the hot sun and enjoy snacks under a sacred acacia tree (above).

As I write this we are awaiting the return of the Plains Discoverers from Monduli. This two day, one night trip is the first in the Plains portfolio and enables the hikers to walk in beautiful Maasai land and even to sample some local Maasai delicacies such as roast goat!

The full line up (below) of those who participated this weekend, more news to follow in next week’s newsletter.

 

The M3 students visited Kat at Starfish Pottery as part of their Design curriculum with Mr Rab. Here they are focussing on a demonstration by Kat, before they had a go for themselves.

The M4 students are set to start their End of Year exams, which will take place over the next two weeks. These exams provide an important opportunity for students to practise revising content and skills from multiple units and to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in a formal test setting. This experience also helps lay the foundation for future assessments, such as the M5 eAssessments and the Diploma Programme exams.

M5 students have completed their on-screen assessments; Sciences and Interdisciplinary were their final exams. Without missing a beat, they are now heading straight into their work experience placements. Our students will be spending time in a wide range of workplaces, including a safari company, health clinic, garage, aviation operator and finance company. We look forward to hearing about the skills they gain and the insights they gather when they return.

Mr. Rab, our Visual Arts teacher, took the M3 class on an exciting trip to Starfish Pottery. Under the expert guidance of Mama Sammy, students had the chance to design and create their own ceramic pieces. They will return soon to glaze their creations, and we can’t wait to see the final results of their artistic efforts!

Anoek, Head of MYP

This quarter, D1 Music students are completing their first IB portfolio submission. In the Exploring Music in Context portfolio, students must explore diverse pieces through research, composition and performance. Talia (above) and Elizabeth (below) can be seen recording their instrumental performances this week. They each must find ways to adapt a piece of music that wasn’t written for their instrument and make it sound like a solo piano/solo violin piece respectively. Creativity and innovation is needed for this one!

This week, our M5 students are excited to start their Work Experience Week, an important component of the Life Skills program. Throughout the year, they have been exploring various career options and learning how to identify potential job opportunities. They have also been developing their ability to communicate the skills and personal attributes that employers seek.

Work Experience Week offers students a valuable chance to explore different career paths, helping them clarify their educational and professional goals. This experience will also allow them to network and build relationships with professionals in their fields of interest.

During the week, students will gain firsthand experience to the daily tasks, skills, and qualifications associated with their chosen careers. They will have the opportunity to ask insightful questions and gather important knowledge about the professional world.

We encourage parents and guardians to support their children by emphasizing the importance of safety and well-being during this week, as well as the value of punctuality and professionalism. This guidance will help students make the most of their work experience and form meaningful connections in the professional realm.

We wish all M5 students a productive and inspiring Work Experience Week!

Miss Delphine, Head of Life Skills

We are proud to announce that the second UWCEA Arusha Campus Escape Room is now open!

Please sign up as a team of 3 – 5 (or maybe 6!) players to try to outwit the fiendish puzzles and escape the vault.

The Escape Room costs 5000 Tsh per person to play and all proceeds go to the scholarship fund.

Please click on the image above to find the link to sign up for a slot or email Mr Rob robertairdrie@uwcea.org for a link. Sign up is currently open for the next two weeks but will be extended soon.

Good luck – and on behalf of the Escape Room Team, thank you for enjoying our puzzles!

Dear UWCEA Arusha Community,

We’re excited to invite you to our Art Auction, hosted by the Sustainability Committee, on Wednesday, 21st May at 6:00 PM at Schwari Restaurant.

This special event combines art, live music, and a wine and cheese tasting, all in support of a great cause: raising funds for student-led sustainability initiatives that aim to make our school more eco-friendly and future-focused.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

Browse and bid on original artwork from our school community

This relaxed and inspiring afternoon is geared toward parents, guardians, and staff—a perfect chance to connect, support our students, and enjoy some culture and conversation.

For any questions or further information, please contact:

Miriam Taylor – miriamt26@uwcea.org | +255 786 701 334

Chiara Salinas– chiaras26@uwcea.org | +32 479 05 41 01

We look forward to seeing you there and thank you for supporting a more sustainable future for our school.

Warm regards,
The Sustainability Committee