It can come back another day, but we wish it would wait a while. While we all know the rain is important and the campus and surrounding areas look lush and green, I think many people would not mind a break from the rain about now.
This past week our D2 students entered the last part of their academic time at UWC East Africa with the start of the IB exams. Most students have taken at least one paper as the time for all of them runs through the 20th of May. Our M5 students will also be starting their exams in the coming week as their timeline is a shorter two weeks. We will all of these students the best.
Exams are not the only thing happening on campus however, today some students are off at sports while others are on an OP trip. Please keep an eye out for everything happening on campus by using the school and campus calendars.
Please make a special note that the campus graduation is Friday May 23rd and the M5 Ceremony is the following Friday, May 30th.
Bob Cofer – Head of Campus
Parent Coffee
On Tuesday May 6th at 8 am we will be hosting a Parent Coffee in the social center for those that would like to join us. This is an opportunity for us to socialize and talk about the school, the year past, and the year to come.
Over the next 6 weeks we also plan to host an online “Parent Coffee” for parents further away. This, along with online meetings for parents of new D1 students and new MYP students, means there are lots of opportunities to talk with us about the 2025/26 school year.
Bob Cofer
Ben’s Corner
…we have lift off! On Monday, our D2s started their ‘final exams’ and, over the coming weeks, they will spend many hours in Rafiki Hall and the Old Advancement Office putting pen to paper. Next week, our M5s will join them as their eAssessments kick off in earnest.
The word ‘final’ is so loaded, so non-negotiable and, in this context, I am not sure it is particularly apt. Certainly, measuring achievement through final exams has its advantages and disadvantages.
There are the obvious pros such as standardisation, assessing students in the same way across the board allows for fair comparison. Exams allow for comprehensive evaluation by testing a wide range of knowledge and skills acquired over a course. For some students, they are an incentive, motivating individuals to study and engage with course material. You could also argue that final exams prepare students for university as they often mimic the format of tests used for college admissions or professional certifications, helping students prepare for future endeavours. This final vindication is not one I necessarily agree with.
The cons are also well documented. Exams come with seemingly high-stakes pressure, creating significant stress and anxiety for many students (as well as their parents and teachers!). It makes sense that this pressure may negatively impact performance or wellbeing. Again, although the IB tries to mitigate this, exams have limited scope as they rely heavily on a single assessment event. You could suggest that exams promote a cramming culture, prioritising memorising information over deeper understanding. This is certainly something we encourage students to avoid.
For me, the most pertinent con is that although we allow for accommodations, final exams may not account for differences in learning styles, backgrounds or, even, abilities among students.
I guess the only universal truth is that the results of these final exams do not define anybody. My advice is to do all you can so that you leave each exam having given a true representation of your best efforts…at this time.
Ben Morley – Deputy Head of Campus
Diploma News
D2 Students began their exams this week – some students are half way through while others have only just begun. We wish them well as they head into the second week.
The D1 students are well into their exploration of University applications now and many of them attended a Zoom meeting with Jorge Solano, a UWCCR alumnus (2012) who spoke about his experience during the application process and provided some tips and tricks. Thanks to Ms Ivannia for organising this.
In English A, students are beginning to analyse the web series “Black Mirror”. As part of the analysis, they are required to understand camera techniques as a creative expression of ideas and perspectives. In some of the classes, they were given time to move around school and take photos in order to explore how light, angle, perspective, contrast and colour added to the visual. These photographs / videos were then discussed in class and no interpretation was “too far fetched” as long as it was logically supported with references. It was a fun way to blend the outside world into the classroom. Thanks to Ms Vagisha for providing the photographs.
Plans for graduation are well under way. Graduation will start at 3pm in K-Hall on the 23 May. Tickets will be available for collection from the front office later this week.
Catherine Dowie – DP Coordinator
From the Counselors
We are so proud of the hard work that the D2s have put into their university search and applications over the past year. Last Friday, we were able to celebrate the wide range of destinations for next year. Here are a few of the destination photos!
Our work with the D1s on their university search is continuing. Our university counseling website is a great first stop for information and helpful resources. We also will continue to add recordings of any presentations that we’ve led – check out the recent presentations on applying outside the US (already posted) and applying in the US (to be posted soon!). D1 students are now working on gathering their previous transcripts, writing first drafts of essays for university applications, working on building their activity list, and starting to explore possible university destinations.
Megan Morris
MYP News
…And just like that, it is May!
This week, any time we walked around, we saw a group of M5 students sitting together after school, comparing study notes, checking their exam schedules, and planning when to take breaks. No reminders, no fuss…just calm focus and teamwork. As they head into their final weeks of the MYP, it’s clear how far they’ve come. Their ability to manage their time, support each other, and stay on top of things is not only impressive, it’s exactly what we hope to see in our learners. They’ve become great role models for the younger years, showing that self-management really does make a difference.
Good Luck to our M5s! Our M5 students are stepping into their exam weeks as of Monday! Between eAssessments and final internal assessments, they are wrapping up their MYP journey with focus, determination, and resilience. These weeks mark an important milestone as they demonstrate all they’ve learned across the programme. We’re proud of their efforts and wish them all the best! Keep going, M5s, you’ve got this!
M1 Science This week, M1 students became field scientists. They grabbed their observation sheets and explored different parts of campus to observe living things in their natural habitats. From spotting insects under rocks to comparing plant growth in sun vs. shade, they asked real scientific questions and collected data. This is part of a bigger project where each student will design a simple action to support local ecosystems. Science with purpose, right here on campus.
M2 Language and Literature This week the M2s were engaged in mini 3-minute Podcasts based on their reading of Omar Rising. The students were divided in pairs and they were asked to create questions that would go on in the minds of students who were a part of Ghalib Academy (Fictional school in the novel) on scholarship. The podcast was based on discussing these questions from the point of view of characters within the text. The students came up with interesting questions like “Will studying at Ghalib certainly open opportunities for the future?” “How do we feel about the different ways in which students are treated?” “Why are people given scholarships?”
M4 Physics Our M4 students are putting their physics knowledge to the test with a creative and collaborative challenge: building Rube Goldberg machines that turn simple tasks into spectacular chain reactions. Working in mixed groups from both Mr. Ramy’s and Ms. Hilda’s classes, students are designing, testing, and fine-tuning their machines to perform actions like popping a balloon or flipping a switch using energy transfers, levers, pulleys, domino chains, and more. It’s incredible to watch students combine scientific reasoning with teamwork and problem-solving, all while having a blast with their inventions. We can’t wait to see the final demonstrations later this month. If I had learned Physics this way, maybe I would’ve become a Physics teacher myself!
MYP Dates to Remember
May 5th to 16th – M5 eAssessments and EOY Exams
May 30th – M5 Ceremony
June 13th, 16th & 17th- Days of Giving Back
June 19th – Classes End
Have a wonderful week ahead! Farah Fawaz – MYP Coordinator
Residential Life
Dear UWCEA Community,
This week, it’s just a reminder of the travel dates and travel form deadlines:
D2 Graduates leave campus: 24/5/2025
M5 graduates leave campus: 31/05/2025
Last day of classes PYP – D1: 19/06/2025
Student departures PYP – D1: 19th & 20th of June
Please complete the travel form by the following dates:
This will help us confirm travel plans, arrange transportation, and ensure all students leave campus safely and with the support they need.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s plans, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best, Adnan Mackovic – Head of Residential Life
PYP News
Spirit week was so much fun! As you can see from the photos, we enjoyed dressing up as twins, in mismatching patterns and in sporty clothes. There were some creative options for carrying school supplies on Friday, “Anything but a bag day.” Thank you to the Student Government for all of the great themes.
We enjoyed a lovely primary gathering on Friday. The P2/3 class presented their jobs unit and we learned about their hopes of becoming pilots, vets, doctors, postal workers and more. The gathering ended with the long-awaited opening of the “One Day Cafe” and we all enjoyed some treats baked by the P2/3 children and paid for with the P2/3 currency. Well done P2/3!
The P4 – 6 classes have finished their MAP tests. The results will be shared in the next few weeks.
Clubs and Saturday football are underway. Thank you to Heloise, Daniella and Katie (PYP parents) for supporting our after school clubs programme.
We are very conscious that the D2 students are taking their final IB exams and the children are trying to be very quiet in the area around the old development office and Rafiki Hall. These exams will run until May 23rd. Please support our Diploma students by being aware of this when you are on campus.
Below are some dates for this quarter:
13th May – P4-6 visit to Arusha PYP Exhibition
14th & 15th May P4/5 camp
15th May – P3 camp at Sima Farm
16th May – Primary gathering (Sustainability Committee presenting about the chickens programme)
28th May – P6 overnight camp
30th May – Gathering of gratitude (more details to be shared later)
4th June – P2 camp at Kishari House
6th June – EC/P1 Day camp
10th June – P6 Student Led Conferences
11th June – Picnic to say goodbye to departing primary staff. Parents are warmly invited to join us. More details to be shared later.
12th June – P6 leaving ceremony followed by primary move up day (P6 will spend the day with M1)
16th June – P4/5 sleepover in classroom
18th June – Fun Sports Day
19th June – Last day of classes
Deborah Mills – PYP Coordinator
EC/P1 Class
In math this week, we learned how to use the Venn diagram. We looked at how smeds and smoos are similar, different or the same. We also completed whole-class surveys where every person chose a favourite item out of two choices. Lastly, we learned how to complete block graphs. We will continue with surveys next week and start learning how to create good questions.
Next week, we will begin with our rounds of show and tell. Please check your email to see which day your child will be presenting theirs.
Mboka Mwasongwe
P2/3 Class
The One-Day Café was a wonderful experience. The students were so proud of themselves and spent the day talking about the fun they had with their customers! We hope you enjoyed the student-made snacks and the presentation of our learning.
We will take some time to reflect on our Jobs unit early next week. The class is eager to start our last unit of the year- Tanzania. The Central Idea of the unit is: Each country has its own unique identity.
The Lines of Inquiry are:
Unique features of our Tanzania
History, language, culture of Tanzania
Our place in Tanzania.
P3 students will be bringing home permission slips for their overnight camping trip on the 16th of May. P2 will wait until early June for the campout- more details will be sent closer to the date.
The weather is a bit unpredictable these days. Please send your child with a swim kit and PE shoes on Tuesdays as Coach Sabini and Coach T are incredibly flexible and work to insure that our class has a PE lesson that day no matter what the weather.
Kacey Buckley
P4/5 Class
The P4/5 children completed their MAP tests this week and results will be shared in the next couple of weeks. In class, our maths lessons were focused on calculating perimeter, area and volume. We enjoyed receiving mail from the P2/3 postal service and as an extra bonus we received some letters from penfriends at a school in the UK which we will reply to next week. For their home learning the children should be working on a 3-5 minute presentation on an aspect of their culture. This will be presented to the class on Monday, 12th May. In preparation for this, the children considered “What makes a good public speaker?” and considered things such as posture, eye contact, articulation etc. Next week, the children will work on opinion writing regarding the pros and cons of migration. We will also look at “The Great Potato Famine” in Ireland as an example of a historical migration. Please remember to return the camping paperwork and money to school (note the revised date of 14th – 15th May). The children enjoyed Spirit Week this week. I am adding the photos of the different themes to their individual slideshows (these were shared with you at the Student Led Conferences). The attached photo shows “anything but a bag” day.
Deborah Mills
P6 Class
It was a full week with MAP testing, and I was really pleased with how focused P6 were and how they tried their best. In class, we explored unstressed letters in spelling and continued working on our times tables. We also held a ‘Hit the Button’ championship to test speed and accuracy with multiplication facts. Well done to Gabriella who was our champion this week!
P6 also had lots of fun celebrating Spirit Week. It was a terrific way for the whole school to come together, get creative, and share a few laughs.
Here is what they enjoyed about it:
I enjoyed Spirit Week because I love dressing up and bringing strange things to school. My favourite day was ‘Anything but a bag’— I tried to zip up my bucket three times! Louise
I loved seeing how people got creative and came together to share their ideas. My favourite day was ‘Anything but a bag’ day. Everyone had something different. Sasa
I loved Spirit Week because it was a chance to come together and have a laugh with silly things. My favourite day was the ‘Iconic dynamic duos’ because Ima and I came dressed as salt and pepper. Jack
My favourite Spirit Day was ‘Mismatch’ day. It was fun getting together with different ideas and having fun. Gabriella
I liked Spirit Week because it let you forget about school, classes, and homework. I liked dressing up for ‘Iconic duo’ day—my friends and I came as bread, peanut butter, and jam! Anne
I loved Spirit Week because we got to dress in different ways. Sasa, Devraaj, and I teamed up and dressed as Oreos. Raphael
Spirit Week was so much fun! I liked dressing up and wearing weird clothes. On Friday, we did it differently with ‘Anything but a bag’ day. Milo
I liked dressing up and seeing all the fun and funky outfits. For ‘Iconic duo’ day, I was the bread and my friends were peanut butter and jelly. Luana
My favourite day of Spirit Week was ‘Jersey’ day. I enjoyed seeing everyone’s jerseys and who they supported. Imanuel
Natasha Berri
Outdoor Pursuits
This week we saw the departure of the Maromboi trip. Students left Moshi in pouring rain but thankfully it had brightened up by the time they started their walk! The journey focuses on conservation and wildlife observation through mostly flat hikes. Students hike between 10 – 15km a day starting at Lake Burunge and finishing Maramboi. They hike through the Wildlife Management Area so hopefully some amazing wildlife will be seen.
Students will also be departing to conquer Kilomeni Peak in the North Pare Mountains on Saturday. This is a Discovery (the schools first OP level) and for many this will be their first OP hiking experience, carrying all their required equipment. We wish them well!
You may have also noticed a few changes on Life when signing up for trips. The OP team is continually reviewing and aiming to improve the sign-up process, particularly for parents not in Tanzania. When a student signs up for an OP trip in Life, they will now see a Risk Level rating associated with each activity. The levels—Low, Medium, and High—are designed to provide clear and accessible information about the relative risk involved in each trip. This addition aims to give students and parents greater clarity and transparency, helping them make informed decisions when selecting activities.
As with all trips, the OP team conducts a thorough and comprehensive risk assessment before each trip departs. This process involves evaluating all potential hazards, planning appropriate safety measures, and ensuring that all necessary precautions are in place. The safety and wellbeing of students and staff is our highest priority, and these risk assessments are a key part of our commitment to maintaining high standards of care and preparation on every trip.
Finally, please read the wonderful review from Libbi, M2 who was part of the Reefs Discovery trip before the April break:
I wanted to start this reflection by emphasising how much I enjoyed this trip to Fish Eagle. At the start of the trip, I was feeling unsure but, in the end, it was all super worth it and I got to learn plenty of new things. Throughout this trip, we did many cool things, some of which included snorkelling on top of the scuba divers; which was cool because we got to get a sneak peek of what we could achieve in the future. We also had long walks on the super hot beach but in the end we got some snacks as well as getting the chance to swim in the ocean. There was also a fun quiz about various topics which we all enjoyed.
This trip can help you develop your social skills so you can make new friends and be more confident. It also helps you get out of your comfort zone to try something new. This was a super fun trip. I enjoyed it and I made many good friends. From being unsure in the beginning, I now look forward to continuing on this path and participating in more Reefs trips towards my scuba license. To conclude, I would like to thank all the teachers who came on this trip and my friends for making it a memorable experience which I will never forget.
Libbi, M2
Sustainability Committee
On April 22nd, we started this new quarter with Earth Day. Earth Day is a global event to raise awareness about the need for sustainability and environmental efforts. It aims to showcase and foster taking action and preserving the Earth’s natural resources.
For this year’s Earth Day, we decided to show support by organizing various events. We are incredibly grateful to people who dressed up in our theme colors to showcase their awareness about Earth Day. We also decided to remove napkins for the day to make people aware of unrecyclable materials that we can reduce using in our daily lives.
With fun and celebration in mind, we decided to collaborate with the culture and campus committee to organize Holi. Keeping in mind the sustainability theme, we made our own colors that were eco-friendly, and we hope every one of you who joined enjoyed it very much.
Then, we had dinner on the pitch. To appreciate nature, we wanted the community to come together to appreciate the environment. We really hope you enjoyed it. After that, we had a documentary show in Makutano Lodge. It was a documentary that showed various aspects of Earth and how climate change is affecting everything in nature. We are really grateful to everyone who showed up to the show and hope you enjoyed it and realized the need for change.
Lastly, we want to thank everybody who showed support throughout the day and the people who helped us in organizing the activities. We are always looking out for initiatives that foster community engagement, and stay tuned for more impactful events from the sustainability committee.
Thank you to the M1-3 Environmental Service group for running the community recycling and compost systems. Please respect the service groups by disposing of waste responsibly. They spent a lot of time sorting misplaced trash and recycling this week, if in doubt, read the stickers or ask.
Stay green, Sustainability Committee
Alvis (D1)
Service in Action
The final rotation for the M1-3 is underway and the Environmental Service group is deep in the weeds, literally! With all of the rain, the Community Garden has been overrun with weeds so this week, their task was simple yet hard work. You can see the before and after in the photos. There is also an abundance of avocados every day which all members of the community are welcome to.
