The UWC Atlantic College Mission Initiative (ACMI)
ACMI represents the mission of the college in action. Students are required to follow a broad and balanced curriculum, described in seven strands, that embodies the school’s mission and prepares them for a life of service and leadership.
While students have to participate in all of the seven strands they are expected to specialize in two. Depending on their interests students select two strands and are expected to show more depth of engagement, individual initiative and leadership in these areas. They must specialise in at least one strand that relates directly to the college mission [1,2,3 and 4 on the list below].
Students follow a development plan which is individually tailored to their own interest and aspirations. The development plan is constructed by the student in collaboration with their tutor. The curriculum, calendar and timetable at the college are designed to enable students to follow an individual development path within the structure of the IB and ACMI so that they graduate with the UWC Atlantic College Diploma. Some components are compulsory, others are voluntary and students are also expected to show individual creativity and initiative in developing their own using the summer break between year one and two, project / mission focused weeks and student initiated activities.
Students are required to reflect on progress in individual meetings with their tutor. These consider growth and suggest future options based on the student’s experiences and interests as the student progresses through the two years. All students complete a final interview in April of their graduating year with their tutor as one person on the interviewing panel. The panel will decide if the student has completed the requirements or not. There will be no levels of attainment. Each student is encouraged to record their progress in any creative way they want [written journal, blog, artistic pursuit etc] although successful completion is determined by what students have done rather than a judgement of any work resulting from the experiences. The academic qualifications are determined independently of the ACMI experience according to the rules of the International Baccalaureate Organization.
The seven strands are: (minimum requirements)
1. Face to face community service
All students are required to complete a programme of community service that involves providing social service to others. Service can be both internal to the college and external.
2. Action based service and outdoor pursuits
Students have to either complete one year of an action based service (CAVRA, Lifeboats, Lifeguards) or complete a programme of expeditions and/or outdoor experiences.
3. Environmental and Sustainable Future Awareness
Students either have to complete one year of Estate Service, Marine Environment Monitoring Service (MEMS) or participate in other related projects, student-led initiatives and seminars.
4. Global and intercultural awareness
Students participate in projects, student-led initiatives, services and seminars. Many of the mission focused periods provide for this.
5. Approaches to learning
Students complete an introductory course in approaches to learning and critical thinking in the first term before they start theory of knowledge. They are expected to reflect on, and develop, their approaches to learning over the two years.
6. Artistic creativity
Students have to demonstrate commitment and growth in one artistic pursuit (if students are taking a group 6 subject this can count).
7. Physical health and well being
Students have to take part in the college's Health Education Programme and demonstrate commitment to personal health and do a physical recreation or sport for some of their time at UWC Atlantic College.
