Activities and Service

Pearson College has established long-term commitments to community development projects both locally and internationally. Students gain real life experience in supporting the development of healthy communities both through the service and activity programs at the College and by volunteering for projects in their home community between their two UWC years or after graduation. At a local level, they take part in programmes for the disabled, visit the elderly or work with disadvantaged young people. In the nearby forests and at the Race Rocks Marine Protected Area, operated by Pearson College, students serve as eco-guardians taking responsibility for understanding and protecting the environment.

Service is habit forming and by insisting on it, the United World Colleges hope to lessen the self-interest deep within each of us and move towards a greater measure of friendship between peoples. It forms part of what the College strives for—a fellowship in learning, in service and in self-sacrifice.

Learning through Creativity, Action and Service

The College’s location enables students to engage in activities both on land and at sea. Many of the situations they find themselves in are new and decisions have to be made quickly in unfamiliar circumstances. Activities are organized through the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) program, which is necessary for the completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma. Students are introduced to the CAS program upon arrival.

Participation in a variety of activities enables students to

• organizational and leadership skills
• meet physical and emotional challenge
• develop creative expression
• learn a respect for the environment
• practice teamwork and co-operation
• and develop an enduring commitment to the principles of service

A wide range of activities are offered, but innovation is welcome and students are encouraged to find, pursue and share what they are passionate about. Activities may include:

• Current Affairs
• Environmental Stewardship
• Media
• Kayaking
• First Aid
• Growing Opportunities
• Metchosin Community House
• Sailing
• Wilderness
• Special Needs Dance
• The Priory (Elderly Home)
• Astronomy
• Choir and Singers
• Diving
• Dance Activity
• Newspaper
• Pottery
• Race Rocks Website

Project Week

As part of the CAS program, Project Week shares the goal of enabling students to pursue the UWC Mission in a hands-on manner. Project weeks happen once per term and offer a great deal of flexibility as opportunities to plan, execute and learn from a different experience. Project week might include building housing for the homeless, performing invisible theatre on city buses, crewing on a sailing expedition, working with street youth, leading expeditions, or providing workshops about racism and other social issues to local schools and organisations.

Projects are generally defined under three broad areas: Creative Experience, Outdoor Leadership and Service and Citizenship.

Extended Service at Home

One of the core aims of the United World Colleges is to enable talented, committed young people from around the world to become catalysts for positive change within the communities in which they live.
The Summer Service Program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply skills learned at the College to their home community. It is also designed to demonstrate that service is not something that is ‘exotic’ but is needed in every community.

Students Connect with the World

International Affairs

Introduces media literacy, and issues of global impact and importance. Approximately once every two weeks, the community gathers to hear speakers and explore international issues.

Special Topic Days

Are times when the College community sets aside the regular routine to take part in a day organized around an important issue. Regional Days are days when students can work together on artistic endeavours to build bridges, share cultures and generate good spirit.

One World

Students at Pearson College create and perform in the annual One World concert, a performance of international dance, music and theatre staged at the Royal Theatre in Victoria. The show is developed by students over a few months. The intense shared experience is a way to connect closely through a common goal using creative expression and contributes to the sense of community.

Village Meetings

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