Student Handbook 2016-17

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A WELCOMEFROM THE PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF COLLEGEOn behalf of the entire Pearson College extended community, welcome to what promises to be one of the most exciting and challenging years of your life!

Whether you are a returning student or an incoming First Year, you will meet new colleagues and teachers, make new friends from different parts of the globe, and experience an outstanding International Baccalaureate-based academic and experiential education. Pearson College will serve as a powerful springboard as you embark on a life of experience, growth and service to your community and the world.

The 2016/17 Student Handbook gives you a flavour of what daily life looks like on the Pearson campus. It tells you a little bit about “big ideas” like how to live together amicably and carry that ability on throughout your life and also about the practical, everyday things, like details of the courses you’ve chosen and available student services.

The handbook also outlines the responsibilities that you undertake as a student at Pearson College and as a part of the worldwide UWC network. You have worked exceptionally hard to get here, and I am sure many of you are feeling the weight of expectations from your

families and communities. Your responsibility to the many people who have supported you is essential to your success at Pearson and beyond, as is your responsibility to both your school and your fellow students. But please also remember that you have a responsibility to take care of yourself — your good health and clear thinking will help make your experience at Pearson successful and satisfying.

More than 4,000 young people from around the world have graduated from Pearson College since it was established in 1974. They have gone on to become leaders and change makers in their communities, organizations and in the lives of their fellow citizens. I have every confidence that you, too, will join them to become, in your own way, a force for unity, peace and sustainability.

Welcome, and best wishes for an amazing year at Pearson College!

Désirée McGrawPresident and Head of College

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UWC MISSION STATEMENT

UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.

Pearson College UWC was named in honour of the late Canadian Prime Minister and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Lester B. Pearson. Pearson College is guided by the UWC mission statement and promotes the cause of international understanding by creating an environment in which students from many countries and cultures are brought together to study, live and to serve the community.

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CONTENTSMission and ValuesLearning to Care for Yourself and YourCommunityLearning Through Residential Life Student Support Helping Out Around the Campus College Medical Responders InterCultural and InterPersonal Awareness Fitness Program WellnessLearning Through AcademicsCourse PreferencesLanguages

Groups 1 and 2Group 3- Individuals and Societies Economics History Philosophy Group 4- Experimental Sciences Biology Chemistry Physics Marine ScienceGroup 5- Mathematics Group 6- The Arts Theatre Visual ArtIB Core

Theory of Knowledge (TOK+)The Extended Essay

Academic AssessmentAcademic SuppliesLearning Through Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)Project WeekExtended Home Service Additional Opportunities to Learn About the World International Affairs

Special Topic Days Regional Days One World Village Gatherings Peace and Conflict Resolution How to Arrange an EventA Typical DayLearning to Live Responsibly Drugs Alcohol Possession Smoking

Behaviours that Harm or Endanger Others

Sharing a Room, a House and a Campus Attendance and Full Engagement Academic Honesty Information Technology Absence from Campus Safety Protocols & Procedures Campus Visitors Respectful Campus Policy Village Council SustainabilityTravel to Pearson College Passports and Visa Travel Immigration Victoria by Ferry Transport to CampusMoney Guidelines for Money Deposit Medical Insurance Additional Estimated Expenses Optional Expenses A Lifelong Community Welcome to a Powerful Movement

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MISSION AND VALUES

UWC believes that, to achieve peace and a sustainable future, the values it promotes are crucial.

United World Colleges (UWC) is a unique movement. It is the only global educational NGO that intentionally selects students from different socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, races, religions and nationalities. They are united at colleges and schools on five continents by a common commitment to positive social action and the desire to build a more equitable and sustainable world.

Your educational experience at Pearson College will include a wide range of learning opportunities. Among these will be your participation in a residential village, in an academic program, in a variety of regularly scheduled activities, in service, in performances, and in formal and informal exchanges about international issues.

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LEARNING TO CARE FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR COMMUNITY

LEARNING THROUGHRESIDENTIAL LIFE

We are committed to supporting the well-being of all students. At the core of the Pearson program is a need for you to be conscious about your personal well-being and the well-being of the community. Given the overall hectic nature of life at Pearson College, you may find this to be the most challenging aspect of your time here.

You will need to work hard to ensure that you receive adequate sleep, regular physical exercise, and time for reflection. If you don’t take care of yourself, taking care of others and meeting the challenges of the program becomes very difficult.

Alongside taking care of yourself, you will need to reflect on your role within the Pearson Community and your participation in all aspects of the program.

Being part of this community means actively participating in the well-being of the community. You will thus be expected, individually and with other members of the community, to live by the values upon which the College is founded. There might be aspects of residential life with which you may be unfamiliar at first, like living with three other students in one room and living in a community of people from all around the world. This is another important part of our intentional learning environment.

This will include thinking about how you interact with others and taking responsibility to build a respectful, joyful community.

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STUDENT SUPPORTLife at Pearson College is energetic, busy and full of choices. To assist you through all of this, and to offer personal support, there are a number of people and structures in place. Be aware that you are expected to check your email at least once a day as this is an important way to communicate at the college.

Your room, where you will have a desk, a bed and a closet, is a place to relax and rejuvenate from the busy schedule at Pearson College. There are 10 rooms in each house and each room is usually shared by one Canadian student and three students from various additional countries. Each house has two houseparents who are responsible for the smooth running of the house. These people are typically teachers, staff members, or partners. They are available to offer a wide range of support for you, and help organize events for the whole house.

Just like in your home, at Pearson College there are tasks that need to be done so everyone can live well together. You will assist with washing dishes

and keeping your room and your shared spaces clean and welcoming. Since everyone helps in this way, there is a shared sense of ownership of the beautiful campus.

Besides your houseparents, other adults are available to help you in different ways. You will have an advisor to assist you with balancing your program. This person is usually a teacher, and is available for personal and academic support.

The school employs a full-time nurse who has access to a full range of medical professionals and community support networks. The Dean of Students is a teacher who works to promote and preserve the health and well-being of student and community life at the College. To achieve this, the Dean collaborates with houseparents and other campus adult residents, advisors, the host family coordinator and other members of the community. For additional support, students have access to Peer Counsellors, run by the Health Centre.

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HELPING OUT AROUND THE CAMPUS

In addition to your room, you are responsible for cleaning dayrooms, corridors and the laundry room. Each student in each house will be allocated a job in the house approximately once every four weeks.

Approximately three weeks of each year, you will work as a member of a team in the College kitchen. This will involve setting up, serving, washing dishes and cleaning up. The breakfast shift runs from 7:00 – 8:00 am; the lunch shift from 12:00 – 2:00 pm; and the dinner shift from 5:00 – 7:15 pm.

You will also participate in Village Service where you will be called upon to assist around the campus. Other campus and community service jobs can include student store, fire fighters, library service, recycling and first aid service, among others.

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COLLEGE MEDICAL RESPONDERS

Being prepared to assist others in emergency situations is a very important skill. All students take a basic First Aid course in the first year, and are able to even enhance these skills through programs such as First Aid Service and Outdoor First Aid.

INTERCULTURAL AND INTERPERSONAL AWARENESS Learning more about other people is probably one of the main reasons you chose to come to Pearson College. One of the most important ways for you to maintain and build the community is by listening carefully to others and offering support to all of the other members of the community.

FITNESS PROGRAM

To support your own initiatives with physical exercise, the College offers a weekly student-led fitness program.

WELLNESS

As well as responding to physical wellness issues, the Health Centre can connect you with physicians, counsellors and peer support groups such as the Indigenous Student Support Group, the Community Support Group and Peer Counsellors.

Here is a list of other important community recources:

Aboriginal Peoples Crisis Line ...................... 1-800-588-8717Greater Victoria Police Victim Services .......... 250-995-7351Marine Emergency Rescue Centre ................ 1-800-567-5111Mental Health Support and Information ............... 310-6789POISON Control Centre ................................ 1-800-567-8911SUICIDE BC .................................................... 1-800-784-2433Vancouver Island Crisis Line ........................ 1-888-494-3888Victoria Sexual Assault Centre ........................ 250-383-3232Youth in BC Crisis Line ................................... 1-866-661-3311

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LEARNING THROUGH ACADEMICS

Pearson College has partnered with the International Baccalaureate (IB) to offer an academic program that allows students an opportunity to earn a diploma that is accepted by universities in many countries. The IB Diploma is a deliberate compromise between the specialization required in some national systems and the breadth provided in others. All students study from five to six different academic areas. All courses, with the exception of self-taught languages, are studied for two years. More information about the IB can be found at www.ibo.org.

THE DUET OF STUDENT AND TEACHER IS AT THE HEART OF THE COLLEGE

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COURSE PREFERENCESYou will receive an email with instructions on how to use the online course registration system. Course changes may be requested during the first six weeks of classes but requested changes are not always possible. Think carefully about the courses you select now. You should discuss your course choices with your family and teachers at home. You should also research university course requirements prior to arriving at the College.

Study abroad can be very expensive and is not always possible. You will need to obtain information about:

a) IB recognition.

b) The specific program you intend to study (e.g. engineering, humanities, law, medicine, sciences, social sciences).

In addition to your home school and universities, you may also email Heather Gross, Universities Counsellor hgross@pearsoncollege.ca for additional guidance.

With the exception of self-taught languages, you will take the same courses in your second year as in your first year. If you study self-taught languages, you will complete this course in your first year and have time in your second year to dedicate to other courses and activities.

You will study one subject from each of the first five major IB areas listed in the following diagram. In addition, you will study Art, Theatre OR a second subject from any of the first three areas.

The only exception to this is when you can provide documentary evidence upon arrival at the College from your university of choice.

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Your academic program will also include a course in the Theory of

Knowledge, an Extended Essay, and participation in the Creativity, Action,

Service program (CAS).

In your second year, you will study three courses at the Higher Level and three at the Standard Level. If you are a student with a particularly strong academic standing, you may be permitted to study four courses at the Higher Level and two at the Standard Level.

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RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HUMAN GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS

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LANGUAGESStudents at Pearson College are required to study two languages — at least one with a high degree of competency.

GROUP 1 STUDIES IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Group 1 courses in language and literature focus on the idea of text and language within a cultural context, on critical literacy and on the constructed meaning of language. The courses explore literature, language and media.

At Pearson College, we offer instruction in English, French and Spanish. The courses are meant for students who are native or very advanced speakers of those three languages.

In addition to these three courses, Pearson College also offers Self-taught Literature A for everyone whose strongest language is not English, French or Spanish. You will attend this class in your first year to help you to develop the analytical skills and guide you through the study of works of literature in English and your first language.

Students who receive a mark of 3 or higher in a Language A other than (or in addition to) English will be awarded a bilingual diploma by the IB.

GROUP 2 SECOND LANGUAGE (B OR AB INITIO)

LANGUAGE B

If you have had instruction in English or French as a second language previously, you can continue to study these languages at Pearson College. The Language B courses investigate literature, media and culture through a variety of different methods to develop your linguistic fluency.

LANGUAGE AB INITIO

For everyone who has had little exposure to or wants to learn a new language, we offer Spanish and French at a beginner level.

Important note regardIng language study.

In recognizing that English and French are the two official languages of Canada, we expect Canadian students to be fluent in both languages or to be working towards greater proficiency in these languages. If you are a Canadian who wishes to be exempt from studying French or English, you must demostrate fluency on a placement test.

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GROUP 3INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES

Subject matter in Group 3 courses is contestable; study of these courses requires students to tolerate some uncertainty. Studying multiple perspectives fosters an appreciation of change, continuity, similarity and difference, and the diverse backgrounds of Pearson College students contributes greatly to discussions and explorations.

The disciplines’ major theories, concepts, methods and arguments are investigated in order to develop strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, providing a solid foundation for university. No previous knowledge of the subjects is required.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A HUMAN BEING?

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ECONOMICS

This is the study of human behavior with the ultimate goal of satisfying needs in a context where resources are limited. Economics at Pearson College tries to address the question: “How to achieve well-being with limited resources and challenged ecosystems in a constantly changing world”.

Using economic models, some quantitative methods and analytical tools, you will analyze economic phenomena and critically evaluate economic policies. After learning micro and macroeconomics, the focus turns to international trade and economic development. You are asked to approach economic issues by applying theory from the points of views of different cultures. Classes are based on empirical evidence and facts of world current and past events, and include

Socratic discussions, lecture-based sessions and some individual and group research using creative learning methodologies.

HISTORY

This is the study of the past and people in it — not just what happened, but how people lived and, most importantly, why people did what they did. Ultimately, through critical reflection of the past, we hope to better understand the present and future. Our course focuses on 20th-century challenges to democracy (Mandela in South Africa, US Civil Rights Movement, Post-independence India) and single-party states. In the second year, you will study Communism in Crisis and Higher Level students will focus on East Asia.

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PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is the study, evaluation and construction of abstract concepts with real-world impact, such as humanity, freedom, consciousness, gender, democracy, nature and peace. Classes focus on building a collaborative atmosphere in which students can develop individual perspectives, compare cultural approaches, and evaluate philosophical arguments.

Connecting philosophy with the UWC mission is emphasized. No previous study of philosophy is expected, only a tolerance for questioning, a willingness to experiment and a passion for truth.

HUMANITY FREEDOM

CONSCIOUSNESSGENDER

DEMOCRACYNATURE

AND PEACE

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UNDERSTANDING OF SOME OF THE MOST PRESSING ISSUES OF GLOBAL CONCERN

The science programs at Pearson College are all based on an experimental approach to learning in our well-equipped laboratories. The courses also take full advantage of our natural environment, using the forest, the ocean and the sky as nature’s classrooms. Through a study of topical issues, students are taught to think critically and to develop a deeper understanding of some of the most pressing issues of global concern. An interdisciplinary group project completed during the first year also gives students an opportunity to experience the collaborative nature of scientific work.

GROUP 4EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES

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BIOLOGY

The emphasis in the biology course is on developing a broad understanding of the following concepts as they apply to living organisms: structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. The topics covered include: ecology, molecular biology and genetics, biochemical processes, plant science and human physiology. There is no prerequisite for this course, although it is useful if you have some knowledge of chemistry. Biology is only offered at the Higher Level.

CHEMISTRY

This is described as the central science, as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment and biological systems. The course includes a study of atomic theory, chemical bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria and organic chemistry. Through selected “option” topics, applications of chemistry in industry, medicine and the environment are discussed. The course at Higher Level covers the topics in more depth than at Standard Level, and requires a greater level of mathematical analysis. You do not need prior knowledge in chemistry at the Standard Level, however, some background is beneficial at the Higher Level.

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PHYSICS

This course offers an opportunity for you to explore many facets of physics through experimental enquiry and class discussion. Topics covered include classical mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electromagnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, energy, power and climate change, relativity and astrophysics. You will have an opportunity to use a variety of laboratory equipment including an astrophysical observatory. You do not need prior knowledge in physics at the Standard Level, however some background is beneficial at the Higher Level.

MARINE SCIENCE

The location of the College on the ocean makes it ideally suited to the scientific study of the marine environment. You will study the physical and chemical make-up of the ocean, plankton as common to all marine ecosystems, and the variety of marine ecosystems in existence. This is a school-based course that is offered only at the Standard Level.

EACH STUDENT HAS A RESEARCH qUESTION AND HYPOTHESIS, DESIGNS A METHOD TO TEST THEIR HYPOTHESIS, THEN CARRIES OUT THEIR INvESTIGATION IN CLASS

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All candidates for a diploma are required to complete a mathematics course, and three options are available to cater to different abilities and levels of student interest. Each course aims to deepen your understanding of mathematics as a discipline and to promote confidence and facility in the use of mathematical language.

You will be given a preliminary assessment during orientation week to help the department and you assess the best course choice for you.

HIGHER MATHEMATICS

The Higher Level course is primarily intended for those with a strong background and a passion for mathematics. This course will meet your needs if you are interested in pursuing mathematics, physics, computer science or engineering at university. The course includes the topics of three dimensional vector geometry, trigonometry, probability, algebra and calculus.

STANDARD MATHEMATICS

(Standard Level only) This course is best suited for you if you need mathematics as a tool to pursue a subject of major interest, but do not want the rigours of the Higher Level course or do not have sufficient background to access the Higher Level course. The topics covered are similar to those of Higher Level.

MATHEMATICAL STUDIES

(Standard Level only) Mathematical Studies offers a thorough grounding in the kind of practical mathematics used in many university subjects. After a general review of numbers, algebra, sets, probability theory and functions, you are introduced to financial mathematics, statistical analysis and differential calculus — all of which are widely used in Humanities and Social Science courses. In this course you are required to complete a mathematical project which often leads to a statistical investigation.

GROUP 5 MATHEMATICS

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Group 6 subjects offer you an opportunity for exploration and creativity along with a deepened ability to critique and understand the historical, theoretical and social influences on art from a variety of eras and cultures.

GROUP 6 THE ARTS

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THEATRE

This is a largely project-based subject; through participation in our own productions and being an audience member, in workshops and class presentations, you will experience and analyse a diversity of theatre processes, productions and practices from different eras and cultures. The aim of the course is to extend your appreciation of and skill in a broad selection of the many functions and forms of theatre, so you may acquire an understanding of the historical, aesthetic and cultural significance of the art form. You do not need prior knowledge or experience in theatre to register in this course.

VISUAL ART

Artistic expression is common to all cultures and this subject will help you become comfortable approaching it, regardless of previous art training. Emphasis is placed on personal development, discovery, and opportunity for visual self-expression. The course involves regular studio work and investigation; this is the practical hands-on use of various techniques and materials. You will also learn curatorial and analytical skills — the historical, cultural and social aspects of visual art.

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ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO APPRECIATE OTHER

CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES

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THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (TOK+)

TOK+UWC Skills combines theory and practice relevant to the IB Theory of Knowledge course with the UWC mission. By reframing perspectives and revealing assumptions, individuals and groups are enabled to contribute mindfully to an original and beneficial impact on society.

First year includes the majority of the IB TOK course and introduces relevant skills, while second year begins with the completion of TOK and continues as a practical, skills-based course delivered through project-based learning.

THE EXTENDED ESSAY

You will write a 4,000-word essay as a part of your diploma. The essay encourages you to deepen your program of study and you will become acquainted with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities.

IB CORE

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ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT

ACADEMIC SUPPLIES

At the end of your second year at Pearson College, you will take your final IB examinations. Subject grades are awarded on a 1 to 7 scale, with 7 being the highest grade. An IB diploma is awarded to students who attain a combined total of at least 24 points, subject to some supplementary conditions including a commitment to our CAS program. The maximum award is a diploma of 45 points. More information about this diploma, and its international recognition by colleges and universities, can be found at www.ibo.org.

During the two years of study, teachers regularly assess students to monitor their progress. Feedback is criterion-referenced and intended to reflect levels of mastery. Formal reports are given at the end of each term including achieved grades that follow the IB grading scale. In the second year of study, predicted grades are sent to universities as part of the official transcript. These grades predict your achievement on the IB examinations and are based on past performance and rate of growth.

TEXTBOOKS & CALCULATORS

We will loan you required textbooks. You should plan to bring basic stationery items such as binders, paper and pens or purchase these locally.

All students will require a graphic display calculator (GDC) for mathematics. Please bring with you the Texas Instruments Models TI-84 and TI-84+. These are available in Canada for approximately C$140.

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PRACTICE TEAMWORk AND COOPERATION AND DEVELOP AN ENDURING COMMITMENT TO THE PRINCIPLES Of SERVICE IN yOUR OWN LIfE

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Full commitment to your CAS program is central to both your successful completion of the IB and contribution to the UWC movement. At Pearson College, we consider your participation, engagement and initiative in activities equally as valuable as the time and energy put into academics. In a typical week you might deepen your caring for others by assisting a housebound senior, push through your previous physical limits by sailing a boat out into the Pacific and nurture a talent for pottery you never knew you had.

Along the way, you will develop organizational and leadership skills, meet a variety of challenges, appreciate the beauty of our local environment, practice teamwork and co-operation and form an enduring commitment to humanitarian service — and it’s pretty fun too!

You will take an active role in shaping your activities to meet your goals. Every activity is a year-long commitment, and many offer the chance to continue in a leadership role again in second year.

Working with your advisor to create a balanced and demanding program, you will identify personal challenges and pursue them through two scheduled activities of your choice per year, ideally establishing a balance between each category (creativity, action, service) over two years.

LEARNING THROUGH CREATIVITY, ACTION & SERVICE (CAS)

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You are encouraged to take initiative to lead and participate in additional, less formally structured activities throughout the year. At regular times during the year, you will reflect on your progress towards your goals and discuss your activity experiences with your advisor.

Commitment to full engagement in activities is expected; quality of experience is most important. Your activity leaders’ evaluation of your participation forms an important component of the report that is included in university applications and is sent to your home and national committees.

In addition to weekly activities, the CAS program consists of Project Weeks and 80 hours of Extended Home Service between first and second year.

Examples of activities that were part of our program in 2015-2016 include: • Astronomy• Art Explorations• Canoe Project• Communication Council• Community Art and Recreation (Special Needs)• Culinary Arts • Choir and Singers• Creative Words• Find your Voice• Growing Opportunities• Human Rights• Kayaking• Metchosin Community House• Metchosin Youth Activity• Model Government and Debate• Music Beginning• Orchestra• Pearson College Medical Responders• Pearson Dancers• Peer counselling• Pottery • Philanthropy and Alumni Relations• Sailing • SCUBA Diving • Textile Arts and Costumes• Tuko Pamoja (Student Newsgroup) • The Priory (Elderly Home) • The Log (Year book) • Ukranian Dance • Ukulele• Intro to Wilderness • Yoga

YOU WILL DEvELOP ORGANIzATIONAL AND LEADERSHIP SkILLS

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Once per term, Pearson College facilitates students in designing, planning and carrying out off-campus projects for one week. The projects allow you to develop your skills and knowledge related to one of your activities in first term and explore other opportunities such as humanitarian service, creative expression and outdoor challenge in second term. To ensure that all students have the ability to participate in any project and to honor the mission of the college, a spending limit of $400 and restriction of a 400 km travel radius is imposed.

CAS Week is an opportunity in first term for you to work with your second-year activity leaders in planning and undertaking a project that aligns itself with the learning objectives of one of your activities. Examples of previous CAS Week projects include participating in an outdoor expedition with the Wilderness Activity, and working on an organic farm with the Growing Opportunities Activity. You will be given the opportunity in the first few weeks of the activity program to brainstorm ideas and plan for the project.

Project Week is an opportunity for you to lead or participate in a project that is not limited to your CAS Activities in second term. You are expected to submit a Project Proposal if you intend to lead a project. This proposal needs to meet specific requirements in order to be approved.

You are not permitted to leave the country during CAS Week and Project Week. At least two CAS Week projects and one Project Week project are required in order to meet the graduation requirements of the college. It is important that you supplement your online CAS portfolio with reflections of both your CAS Week and Project Week experiences.

PROJECT WEEK

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EXTENDED HOME SERVICEPearson College’s Extended Home Service Program is an opportunity to continue putting humanitarian values into practice while benefiting your home community through service.

To meet Pearson College graduation requirements, you are expected to complete approximately 80 hours of service, ideally in your home community, during the break between first and second year. You will be asked to submit a proposal for Extended Home Service during your first year, collect evidence of your service, and present the results of your experience during your second year.

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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Approximately every two weeks we gather as a community for the International Affairs program to discuss issues from around the world. Past sessions have focused on the costs and benefits of the Olympics, women’s rights in the Middle East, residential schools and Indigenous education in Canada, climate change and politics, Corporate Social Responsibility and other topics.

This is a chance to hear speakers (internal and external) and engage in insightful discussions where we learn from each other.

SPECIAL TOPIC DAYS

These are times when the College community sets aside the regular routine to take part in a day organized around an important issue. Often, these days are led by students.

REGIONAL DAYS

Special days are set aside so that you can work together on endeavours to share your cultures and foster understanding. Each region in the world is represented and you may present workshops and performances based on your heritage. The contribution of the ideas and skills of all students ensures the success of these days.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIESTO LEARN ABOUT THE WORLD

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ONE WORLD

Each year the students of Pearson College come together to share with the public the music, dance and stories of their homelands, as well as original performance pieces at our annual “One World” concert. This spectacular and unique event is presented in a major theatre in Victoria.

VILLAGE GATHERINGS

These meetings create opportunities for the whole community to gather and discuss ideas and issues relevant to living together at Pearson College. The gatherings are opportunities to practice conflict resolution, public speaking and active listening in a group of up to 250 people. Village Gatherings are based on the belief that there is wisdom in listening to the whole community before making major decisions.

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PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Learning to resolve differences respectfully through conflict resolution and other related skills are an important part of every student’s experience at Pearson. These skills are acquired in a number of ways: by living in a home of forty, by organizing events as a member of a team, through learning to discuss issues and course content in classes, by working alongside others during activities, by participating in village meetings and councils, and many other daily interactions.

YOU WILL BE ExPECTED TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE vIEWS AND DESIRES OF OTHERS DURING YOUR ENTIRE TIME AT PEARSON

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During your time at Pearson, you are encouraged to take initiative in creating and maintaining a learning community. From time to time, you may wish to organize events, such as Musical Cafés, outside speakers and celebrations.

Organizing events like this can be hard work but very rewarding. It is important that you are fully aware of the responsibility that you are taking on and that you are prepared to follow through with all the details that will make your event a success. This includes being responsible for all College equipment used, being responsible for enforcing College rules, and ensuring that your event does not negatively impact other members of the community.

Before organizing an event, you must talk to the Dean of Students to ensure that your event does not conflict with any other College events, to assist you with your plans and to ensure you are prepared to follow through with the responsibility you have taken on.

A typical day includes breakfast starting at 7:00 am, then classes until lunch. After lunch, you’ll have one more class. Then, starting at 2:30 pm, you will participate in Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) activities, fitness, International Affairs and community events. Dinner is served from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

HOW TOARRANGE AN EVENT

A TYPICAL DAY

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While you are at the College, our primary mode of communication is with you. If your parents or guardians wish to be in touch with the College, they can do so by request. We also send out periodic updates to parents from our President and, of course, your family can follow us online through social media.

Since the College’s founding, all aspects of life at the College have been guided by a simple

principle: consideration for others. To ensure that Pearson College is a safe, secure, healthy and respectful place for everyone and to follow the rule of law in Canada, all members of the community are required to abide by the following policies both in spirit and in action at all times. The descriptions that follow are summaries of these and are in concert with the UWC Code of Conduct.

A SIMPLE PRINCIPLE: CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS

LEARNING TO LIVE RESPONSIBLY AND INDEPENDENTLY

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DRUGS

The possession, use, or trafficking of any narcotic or illegal drug (e.g. marijuana, hashish, cocaine, heroin, etc.) is a criminal offence in Canada. Any student involved with illegal drugs in any way will be dismissed immediately from the College.

ALCOHOL POSSESSION

Distribution or use of alcoholic beverages by students, regardless of their age, is prohibited at all times both on and off campus throughout the school year. The laws of British Columbia prohibit the consumption and purchase of alcohol by anyone under the age of 19, in addition, the distribution of alcohol to anyone under the age of 19 is a serious offence. A first violation is taken very seriously and will be handled on a case-by-case basis involving the student’s parents or guardians and national committee. A second breach of the alcohol policy will result in dismissal from the College.

SMOKING

Provincial law prohibits the purchase of tobacco products by anyone under the age of 19. Smoking on school property is also prohibited by law in British Columbia and is not permitted at any place on or near the College campus. If a student is found smoking on or near the College campus, the student’s parents or guardians and national committee will be informed. Because this is an important health and safety issue, with a fire threatening the entire campus, repeated smoking on campus may result in the student being dismissed from the College.

BEHAVIOURS THAT HARM OR ENDANGER OTHERS

We are committed to a safe and respectful experience, free from harassment for every individual. Students who use physical force towards others, who become involved in theft, hazing, bullying other anti-social behaviour, or who act wilfully in a way that endangers the health and safety of another, may be sent home.

Behaviour that threatens, ridicules or humiliates another person will not be tolerated — even if this is meant as a “joke” or if the target says this behaviour is “okay”. The protocols for dealing with incidents of drug, alcohol, smoking, anti-social behaviour, sexual violence and harrassment are outlined in the Respectful Campus Policy and related documents, available online at http://bit.ly/1XpRsT2, or through the Dean of Students.

In the event of an incident, you are encouraged to notify an adult you trust as soon as possible. You can also access EthicsPoint Helpline to report any concern: http://bit.ly/1ZkKwng.

SHARING A ROOM, A HOUSE AND A CAMPUS

After 10:30 pm, the entire campus should be quiet enough to allow all residents to sleep. Only students assigned to a room may be in that room from 10:30 pm until 8:00 am. From midnight to 8:00 am, only students assigned to a house may be in that house.

Students who repeatedly violate these requirements or whose level of disturbance to others is severe, could have their parents,

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guardians and national committee notified. This disturbance includes examples like spending a night in a student’s room other than your own, or engaging in sexual activity in a room at any time of day. Serious offences may result in suspension or dismissal from the College.

For sanitary and social reasons, we cannot allow students to have pets in their rooms or houses, with the exception of registered service animals.

ATTENDANCE AND FULL ENGAGEMENT

A condition of enrollment is that students participate in all aspects of College life: classes, services, activities, village meetings, International Affairs sessions, special topics days, house meetings, kitchen duty, campus job, village service and all activities considered integral to the College. Absences and lateness are recorded on student reports. It is required that assignments are completed to the best of your ability and by the set deadlines. Part of being fully engaged also means arriving at the College and leaving on the expected dates. You will not be allowed to arrive late or leave early.

If you are not fully and positively engaged in the life of the College and the active pursuit of the UWC mission and values, you may lose the privilege of attendance and be required to leave the College or not return for a second year.

“THERE IS MORE IN YOU THAN YOU THINk.”

KURT HAHN, UWC FOUNDER

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ACADEMIC HONESTY

The College recognizes the importance of intellectual property. As such, it is a serious offence to cheat, collude or plagiarize and doing so could result in the loss of a diploma and, with repeated violations, dismissal from the College.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

You and your parents or guardians are required to sign an “Information Technology Acceptable Use Agreement” prior to arrival at the College. A violation of this agreement may include loss of access to information technology resources. In more serious cases, violations may result in dismissal from the College. The College provides access to computers and the internet but you are encouraged to bring a laptop if you have one.

ABSENCE FROM CAMPUS

The UWC experience is intense, and therefore absences are discouraged unless they are connected to the UWC mission and will benefit your contribution to the community in some way. If you wish to be away from the campus overnight on weekends you must obtain permission in advance from your houseparents. Any overnight stays off campus on the evening preceding a school day require advance approval from the Dean of Students.

Any absence that requires you to be away

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from campus and miss classes, activities or other scheduled school events during the school week requires permission in advance from the Dean of Students and from the teachers whose classes or activities will be missed. Students are also required to fill in a sign-out sheet whenever they will be out of hearing range of the fire alarm. Students requiring permission to attend university interviews are only allowed time off for the duration of the interview plus a day before and after it, where applicable, for travel. Note that you are not allowed to drive motor vehicles while you are a student residing at the College.

Any overnight stay in a location that is neither a registered host family nor connected to an outdoor expedition requires the written permission of your parent or guardian in addition to the permission of the Dean of Students.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS & PROCEDURES

Given the location of the College on the water and in a forest and the risks associated with many of the activities such as swimming, sailing and bicycling, you are required to follow safety rules and regulations. Failure to do so can affect your well-being and may result in suspension of privileges.

CAMPUS VISITORS

Visitors are most welcome. However, to avoid disrupting classes and activities, students who left last year, or friends and siblings of current students, are allowed to stay overnight only on Fridays or Saturdays, subject to the availability of

rooms in the Max Bell Hall. We do not encourage parents to stay on campus except in exceptional circumstances. Visiting parents are asked to find off-campus accommodation. Contact admin@pearsoncollege.ca for a list of recommended accommodations.

Visitors to campus must obtain permission in advance from the Dean of Students to visit or stay overnight. During the first two months of the school year, when first and second-year students are getting to know each other, and during the examination period stretching from the second half of April (when more intense preparations begin) to the end of term, we generally ask that students do not invite or host guests.

Students who left in the previous year but do not intend to stay overnight must seek permission from the Dean of Students well in advance, are permitted to visit only after classes and must leave campus by 10:30 pm. Students should introduce guests to the appropriate houseparents.

Visitors are also welcome to eat in the dining hall but are asked to purchase a meal ticket at the front desk in the Pearson Administration Building. The cost of an overnight stay is $50, payable in advance, to cover meals in the dining hall and accommodation.

Please note that there are no camping facilities at the College or its surroundings and guests may not sleep in dayrooms or student rooms. The guest house is for the use of the Board of Directors and guests of the College.

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RESPECTFUL CAMPUS POLICY

As noted, the College does not tolerate any form of harassment, bullying or other behaviours that threaten or endangers others. Procedures for addressing concerns will be provided to you upon arrival and discussed during your orientation. As well, all students and College employees must attend presentations about maintaining a respectful campus, at minimum, at the beginning of each academic year.

VILLAGE COUNCIL

Sometimes, students behave in a manner unacceptable to the well-being of others and the community. While consequences are outlined for violations of most of the College’s requirements and policies, in cases where consequences may not be covered by these, we may need to draw on the community to find a solution and determine appropriate consequences, if any.

SUSTAINABILITY

Pearson College is in a beautiful temperate rainforest and the campus itself requires special

care from an environmental point of view. It is expected that students, faculty, residents and staff act responsibly with respect to limiting energy and resource consumption and personal waste. It is our goal to reduce energy usage levels. This is a collective effort of all members of the community. This includes daily behaviours such as limiting the use of water, heat, electricity and paper. Our sustainability relies on your participation.

On campus we recycle as much as possible and compost in order to reduce our waste. Upon arrival at the College, you will participate in an educational session about recycling, composting, food waste, printer usage and overall environmental responsibilities. We also have a “free store” where you can get supplies like clothing and school supplies. Please only bring a maximum of two suitcases of things with you for life at Pearson College — and try to leave with the same.

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LIfE AT PEARSON COLLEGE IS ENERGETIC, BUSy, AND fULL Of CHOICES fOR STUDENTS

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PASSPORTS AND VISA

International Students: when you get this package:

• Check that your passport is up-to-date and will not expire within the next year. If necessary, obtain a new passport.

• Apply for a two year, multiple-entry visitor’s visa and study permit. To do this, you will need to contact the closest Canadian Embassy or High Commission. Forms and information are available at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp

The certified letter that you receive from the College, as well as the custodianship declaration form, are needed for your application.

• After you have booked your flights to Victoria, check that you have all appropriate visas for the

countries you must travel through. Apply for these visas as soon as possible.

Canadian Students: you are encouraged to come to Pearson College with a valid passport.

TRAVEL

It is important to make reservations for your airline tickets as soon as possible. If you have any questions or require assistance please contact Heather Gross at (250) 391-2411 or e-mail her at hgross@pearsoncollege.ca

Pearson College is located 30 km from the city of Victoria, British Columbia on Vancouver Island, off the west coast of Canada.

TRAVEL TO PEARSON COLLEGE

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Victoria

IMMIGRATION

If you travel on an international flight, you must first clear immigration in Vancouver or another Canadian city. Leave at least three hours between connecting flights to pass the immigration process in Canada. Have your passport and visa ready for inspection and have the letter of acceptance from the College with you. Ask the immigration officer for a multiple-entry study permit to cover

your two years of study in Canada. After you clear immigration, you will need to proceed to the domestic departures terminal to catch your flight to Victoria. Several airlines fly to Victoria International Airport (YYJ) from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). It is approximately a 30-minute flight. You may also find good or direct tickets to Victoria from other Canadian hubs, like Calgary or Toronto.

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VICTORIA BY FERRY

If you clear immigration in Vancouver, another option is to take the ferry to Victoria. BC Ferries Connector bus service has a number of departures each day from Vancouver Airport to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, which then takes you to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in Victoria, via BC Ferries. Make sure that you book a ticket to the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal. Do not continue to downtown Victoria. More information can be found at www.bcfconnector.com. However, on your first journey to Pearson College, we recomend you fly to Victoria.

TRANSPORT TO CAMPUS

College vans will pick you up at the Victoria International Airport (YYJ) or the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (Victoria). We will not pick you up in Vancouver.

Please be sure to confirm your arrival time in our online system. If you have any problems while you travel, call Pearson College at (250) 391-2411.

Arrange your travel to the College so that you arrive in Victoria, British Columbia on  the start date in your admission letter. The College is not able to accommodate you before this date. If you arrive before the start date and need assistance finding accommodation, contact the College. See the

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Pearson College calendar online to confirm dates of travel for your return home: (http://bit.ly/1PavydS)

If your funds are limited and/or you wish to stay in Canada during winter break, we will work with you to find accommodation with a local host family.

PLAN TO RETURN HOME BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND YEAR

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Socioeconomic diversity is one of many aspects of diversity at Pearson College. Some students come from financially comfortable families while others have limited or no financial resources. While we know financial extremes exist, we wish to minimize their impact on student life.

Each year well over one-quarter of our students come to the College with little or no money at all. To serve these students, and to make sure they can enjoy the full Pearson College experience, fundraising includes campaigns to raise money to provide airfare, pocket money and health insurance for these students.

For those who qualify, we provide $50 per month spending money for incidental things like an

occasional bus ride to town or purchasing snacks in the local country store. With this mind, we ask that you strive to stay frugal in your own budgeting and not bring much more than this on a monthly basis. For some, this is living with what Kurt Hahn called, “reasonable self-denial.” There is plenty of inequality in the world and we do not wish to emphasize it at the College. We also ask that you act in such a way as to avoid excessive display of wealth.

Please follow the guidelines found in this section about the money that is needed during your two years at Pearson College.

MONEY

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GUIDELINES FOR MONEY

You are responsible for transportation to and from Victoria (one round trip to the College each year) and for travel arrangements during winter break.

If you cannot afford to travel to Pearson, or cannot afford the deposit or Medical Services Plan, ask your national committee or selection contact for help. They may be able to assist you directly or to help you apply for financial assistance from Pearson College.

DEPOSIT

A deposit of $350, payable online to the College, is due August 1st, prior to your arrival and again before you start your second year. The deposit may be refunded at the end of the second year directly to your parent or guardian according to his/her written instructions, less any loss of items, damages or charges applicable to you. Parents and guardians are invited to donate any remaining deposit to our scholarship fund.

*All money is listed in Canadian dollars

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MEDICAL INSURANCE

All students must participate in our medical insurance plan, unless your parents are residents of Canada (Canadian residents are exempt). Any private insurance a family may hold will be considered additional to the mandatory Medical Services Plan (MSP) of British Columbia.

Note that this plan will only cover you while you are in Canada and actively studying at Pearson.

Annual medical insurance is estimated at $1,000 (Canadians exempt). This fee covers the standard Medical Services Plan (MSP) of British Columbia.http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/

MSP provides the following benefits:• Medically required services of a physician, or

of a specialist (such a surgeon, anaesthetist or psychiatrist) when referred by a physician.

• Diagnostic x-ray and laboratory services when ordered by a physician, podiatrist, dental surgeon or oral surgeon.

• Dental and oral surgery when medically required to be performed in a hospital.

• Surgical podiatry.• Eye exams for people aged 19 and under.

MSP does not cover:• Routine physical examinations performed for

reasons other than medical necessity.• Medical examinations, certificates or tests

required for life insurance, a driver´s license, school, immigration, employment, etc.

• Cosmetic surgery for the alteration of appearance.

• Restorative or other dental work performed in a dental office.

• Eye glasses, hearing aids, and other equipment or appliances.

• The service of counsellors or psychologists.• Routine eye examination for people over 19.• Chiropractic, physiotherapy, neuropathy,

massage therapy, acupuncture, and non surgical podiatry services for persons not receiving premium assistance.

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ADDITIONAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES

• Canadian Visa or Study Permit (if applicable) $150

• Medical for Canadian Embassy (if applicable, estimate only) $200

• Calculator $140          • Personal Expenses, yearly $500     • Project Weeks (two at $200 to $400 each),

yearly $400 to $800 • Winter Break (if staying locally), $200 to

$300 per year                                                   In addition, you may need to buy clothes suitable for the climate, such as raingear, and buy personal items for some activities, such as a wetsuit for diving, sailing or kayaking. Wetsuits currently cost less than $300, and there are some available for a nominal rent.

OPTIONAL EXPENSES

University Applications and Testing Costs: United Kingdom universities $75, Canadian universities $170, United States universities $300.              Legalization of the International Baccalaureate Diploma (some countries only) $150.

This handbook is intended as a guide only. For more detail or specific questions, please see www.pearsoncollege.ca or contact the Director of Admissions and Universities Counsellor Heather Gross via email hgross@ pearsoncollege.ca or by telephone at (250) 391-2411.

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phIlanthropy Is:

“…a spIrItual act, an expressIon of carIng for one’s fellow human beIngs. It Is a belIef In the future and that the future can be good. It Is InvestIng In that future. It Is helpIng to make the dream come true.”

ARTHUR FRANTzREB

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When you step onto the campus of Pearson College UWC, you join a powerful global community of peace builders and agents of change. Your Pearson experience starts now and will continue as a lifelong relationship after graduation. The Pearson alumni community currently represents about 4,000 graduates and the number of UWC alumni is now more than 50,000 strong. This community benefits from each individual in many ways, so we invite you to start building relationships now through various channels of participation and communication.

A CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY

Over the next two years and after graduation, you will discover the value of philanthropy as you are given opportunities to play an integral role in creating a culture of stewardship and storytelling that advances our educational mission. In a few short months, you will be invited to start connecting with the donors who are supporting Pearson College by writing a letter of gratitude. Philanthropy for Pearson students and alumni also includes class-giving challenges and alumni-giving campaigns so that you can pay it forward as well as give back.

BECOMING AN ALUM

Class reunions take place on campus each summer, giving alumni and their families a chance to reunite with the powerful and diverse Pearson College community. You will be part of this legacy. Throughout the year, regional alumni gatherings are held in many parts of the world including North America, Asia and Europe. With

your participation, we look forward to seeing more alumni events being organised where you will be living. And, whenever you can, you are also invited to come back to campus to participate in student programs, speak at events and become actively involved in networking and mentoring. SHARING YOUR STORY

We want to hear about your experience — both during your time ar Pearson and afterwards — as your stories can help to inspire others to embark on this challenging and rewarding path. While at Pearson, you will have different opportunities to share your journey and be part of the storytelling aspect of Pearson, whether as a “Media Assistant” working closely with our Communications team, or sharing something about yourself for our College publications, like the Pearson Times.

As a Pearson College student, if you are involved with an event on or off campus that we could highlight, we ask that you let us know. Note also that there are guidelines around working with the news media and it is important that you alert our Communications team before you take part in any news interviews.

After graduation, we work to highlight the achievements of our alum, whether as top-ranking CEOs or as parents instilling UWC values into their communities. We hope you’ll stay in touch and keep us updated throughout the years about how your UWC adventure has impacted your life.

A LIFELONG COMMUNITY

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Your lifelong journey in the UWC movement for global peace and sustainability will take many forms and will be what you wish to make of it. If you are so inclined, you can serve on the UWC Selection Committee in your area, for example.There are innumerable ways of perpetuating the culture of philanthropy you will learn at Pearson.

As a member of the wider Pearson community contributing to a better world in many other ways, you are always invited to share with the rest of us your stories and unique talents and aspirations. Your achievements will be celebrated through our website and social media platforms, our Pearson Times magazine and College Annual Report, and shared with UWC International for their news platforms. Please share your successes, challenges, projects, passions and insights with us!

Start your experience now by connecting to one or all of the following:

• Like us on Facebook (@PearsonUWC)• Follow us on Instagram (@PearsonCollegeUWC)• follow us on Snapchat (pearsoncollege)• Follow us on twitter (@PCUWC)• Watch us on YouTube (@PearsonUWC)• Join the Pearson College UWC LinkedIn Group • Log onto Pearson’s Net Community:

https://community.pearsoncollege.ca/

This online network enables you to stay connected with each other and with the College. (Please note, adults on campus are not permitted to “friend” students individually until after students graduate — but we do encourage you to follow and share postings on our main social media pages).

And, by joining Net Community, students and alumni have access to an online alumni directory, events information and “Keep in Touch” posts. This allows you and the college to remain connected, even after your time on campus.

WELCOME TO A POWERFUL MOVEMENT

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© Communications Department, Pearson College

© Photographs by Ali Al Hamadani, Aziz Sonawalla, Danielle Pope, Darrell Lecorre, Jeff Spears, Isaac Doucette, Kayla Elliot, Laura Verhegge, Nazim Açar, Romanos Byliris, Somchit Kittisak, Yaqing Victoria Young

SEE yOU SOON.

This handbook is intended as a guide only. For more detail or specific questions, please seewww.pearsoncollege.ca or contact the Director of Admissions and Universities Counsellor Heather Gross via email hgross@ pearsoncollege.ca or by telephone at (250) 391-2411.

650 Pearson College Drive, Victoria, BC V9C 4H7 Canada (250) 391 2411

www.pearsoncollege.ca