24. März 2025

Update von unserer Rektorin

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Im Folgenden finden Sie den jeweils aktuellen Brief (im Englischen) unserer Rektorin an die Elternschaft und die Betreuer:innen unserer Schüler:innen sowie die Nationalkomittees. Vergangene Briefe finden Sie am Ende des Berichts.

24th January 2025

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Spring has arrived at UWC Robert Bosch College, bringing longer, brighter days and the first magnolia blossoms on campus. The energy among our students has visibly lifted—perhaps in part because mock exams are now behind us!

Since my last letter in January, much has happened in the life of our College. I recently returned from the UWC Heads Retreat in Cyprus, where we were warmly welcomed by members of the UWC Cyprus Local Community. It was a privilege to gain insight into the Cypriot context—its divided history, ongoing efforts toward reconciliation, and the dedicated work of those engaged in peace-building projects. The experience was a valuable reminder of the importance of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation in today’s world.

The retreat also provided a space for reflection on how education must evolve to remain transformative and relevant. We asked ourselves: What must education look like to prepare students for the world of 2030 and beyond? Central to this discussion was the need to equip students with the skills to lead and shape a complex, uncertain world.

With this in mind, our students have actively engaged in experiences that foster critical thinking and global awareness. In the last six weeks, they participated in the second Project Week of the year, engaging in exploring initiatives ranging from working with the homeless to exploring the architecture of Vienna. Special focus days led by the Afro-Caribbean and Latino communities encouraged cross-cultural dialogue, celebrating diversity while fostering deeper understanding and solidarity. Additionally, all students participated in our Model United Nations Day 2025, exploring the theme „What role does the UN play in peace and conflict?“ At a time when global conflicts and humanitarian crises challenge international cooperation, this discussion was particularly relevant. We were honoured to welcome Lorenzo Songsare-Shevy (RBC ’23 graduate and former RBC MUN Organizer) as the keynote speaker. Similarly, our Global Affairs Programme continues to address pressing global issues, most recently discussing Migration and Borders—a topic that remains at the forefront of international debate as nations grapple with displacement, security, and human rights concerns.

Further to this, our students participated in Liveable Cities of the Future Week (LCFW), an interdisciplinary initiative addressing the question: „How can we design cities that work better for people and the planet?“ The discussions were framed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing the link between local action and global impact.

One of UWC’s core values is celebrating diversity—embracing differences, challenging assumptions, and working together to create a more just and compassionate world. Saturday’s Beyond Labels show was a powerful embodiment of this spirit. More than just entertaining, it sparked deep reflection. As Juanchi and Tabea, the show’s facilitators, so eloquently concluded:

„We’re stronger when we’ve got each other’s backs. So let’s stop waiting for someone else to fix the world and start doing it together!“

These words felt even more profound after yesterday’s visit to Struthof, a place that stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked intolerance, discrimination, and hatred. Walking through the camp, witnessing the conditions people endured, and reflecting on the immense suffering that took place was a sobering experience. It reinforced the urgency of challenging prejudice in all its forms and actively working toward a world that upholds human dignity. This visit was not only an act of remembrance but also a crucial exercise in historical awareness, especially in a time when rising extremism and global conflicts highlight the importance of learning from the past.

Moments like these remind us of the importance of solidarity within our community. As some of our students observe Ramadan, we recognize this as an opportunity to deepen our interfaith understanding and mutual respect. Just as Beyond Labels encouraged us to stand together against division, and Struthof reminded us of the dangers of forgetting history, Ramadan invites us to reflect on empathy, resilience, and the strength found in unity. In celebrating and supporting one another, we affirm our shared commitment to a world built on respect and compassion.

Of course, an IB education also opens doors for our students. As we approach the final stretch of the term, we are preparing to send out March grades, which provide an indication of academic progress at this stage:

First-year students will receive midterm grades.

Second-year students will receive their final set of subject grades from RBC teachers—after this, they will only receive their official IB results.

While academic achievement is important, we encourage you not to place undue pressure on students. Education values much more than just grades—it is about growth, resilience, and the ability to navigate an increasingly complex world with empathy and purpose.

Before Easter, our second years will complete their final classes, marking the end of an incredible two-year journey. To celebrate, we will hold a Leavers Dinner at a local restaurant and provide an opportunity for students and staff to contribute to a time capsule to be reopened at their 10-year reunion.

Another upcoming highlight is Spring Day on April 5th, a joyful campus tradition, when we also celebrate Holi, bringing the community together—an important reminder that amidst the weight of global issues, moments of joy, connection, and celebration remain vital.

I have been delighted to receive positive feedback on these Rektor’s Letters. I recognize that, with social media, this generation of students is in more frequent contact with parents/guardians than previous ones. Nonetheless, we are also redesigning our website to make it even more informative and user-friendly. If there is anything you would like to see included, please let me know. Likewise, if you feel you need more information about life at RBC, I would love to hear your suggestions for improvement. (Just in case some of you have not yet signed up for our newsletter and are interested, here is the link to do so).

As always, thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Helen
Rektor
helen.white@uwcrobertboschcollege.de

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