Our students follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which is made up of three core components and six subject groups.

Average class size: 14 students

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Core components

Theory of Knowledge: Students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we claim what we know.

The Extended Essay: An independent, self-directed piece of research finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Students take part in a range of experiences and at least one project.

Subjects

• Studies in language and literature: Danish Literature, English Literature, English Language & Literature, Norwegian Literature, Spanish Literature, Swedish Literature, School Supported Self-Taught Literature

• Language acquisition: English B, French Ab Initio, Norwegian B, Spanish Ab Initio, Spanish B.
• Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems & Societies

• Individuals and societies: Economics, Geography, History, Global Politics, Environmental Systems & Societies, Philosophy, Psychology 

• Mathematics: Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches, Mathematics: Applications & Interpretation

• The arts: Visual Arts, Theatre

Co-curricular

All students at UWC complete a co-curricular programme called Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) – an integral part of the IB qualification. Students get the opportunity to choose a physical, a creative and a social service activity. At UWC RCN, students also complete the Red Cross diploma as part of the CAS programme.

The beautiful UWC RCN campus is nestled on the edge of a fjord in Flekke, Norway. The outdoor setting provides extensive opportunities for engaging with the natural environment, which is a defining aspect of the college.

Residential accommodation:

The students live in rooms of five (a combination of 1st and 2nd year students) with an ensuite bathroom. The Houses have individual common areas, with sofas, a table and chairs, refrigerator and freezer, notice boards and simple cooking tools, including a stove, microwave and toaster. House Leaders live adjacent to the boarding houses.

Medical provisions

• Full-time nurse
• Medical Centre
• Wellbeing counsellor
• Student First Aid Team
• Nearby doctor in Dale and hospital in Førde
• Students registered with national health system

Academic and emotional well-being

UWC RCN requires an extra level of resilience given its remote location and the darkness of the winter period. Some students find the isolation of the campus to be more challenging than they expected, although there is a wide range of support in place to help them manage this.

The school supports students’ academic and emotional wellbeing through:

• Wellbeing Counsellor – qualified Social Worker offering socio-emotional support to students
• Community Life Leader and House Leaders are qualified Mental Health First Aiders 
• SAD lamps in the common areas 
• Peer support organisations, including the Peer Listeners, Gender and Sexuality Group and Student Council 
• Regular workshops on Diversity and Inclusion, Consent, Non-Violent Communication skills, Active listening 
• Each student has a personal advisor with whom they meet regularly, as well as a House Leader

You can apply through your UWC national committee (NC) or through the UWC Global Selection Programme.