Waterford Kamhlaba, UWCSA is one of the twelve international United World Colleges (UWC) and is located in Mbabane, Swaziland. UWC is a global educational movement which brings together students from all over the world at pre-university level (or tertiary level in the case of one College), regardless of their ability to pay. Students are selected on merit and live together in an environment designed to foster international understanding, tolerance and peace. It was founded by a small number of teachers, led by the young British teacher Michael Stern, as a multi-racial school in opposition to South Africa's apartheid policies.
Academics
Forms 1-3 students take a number of compulsory subjects in a broad range of topics before choosing their courses in Form Four for the IGCSE school-leaving certificate.
Forms 4-5 takes IGCSE. IGCSEs are based on a 2 year school course for 14 - 16 year olds. They are internationally recognised as appropriate preparation for further study at pre-university level (IB or A level standard), and are sufficient for entry to university in Swaziland, Lesotho, Zambia and Botswana. At Waterford Kamhlaba students may study up to 10 different subjects at IGCSE level, although most take between 7 and 9. All students are required to sit English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, at least one Experimental Science, one Humanity and a foreign language. Otherwise, they may choose from any of the subjects on offer at Waterford Kamhlaba - though timetable restraints can limit a student's choice. All subjects are taught in the classroom, although many (such as the Experimental Sciences, Information Technology and Art) also require a degree of practical work, and some IGCSEs include assessed coursework.: (Music, PE Studies and Drama).
The IB Diploma requires the student to study 6 subjects in total: three at Higher and three at Standard Level. All candidates must study their own and one other language, mathematics, a science, and a humanities subject. They may then select a sixth subject of their own free choice, in any academic area, including Art, Theatre or Music. In addition, the student is required to follow the Theory of Knowledge course and write an Extended Essay in a subject of their choice. The Creativity, Action and Service programme (CAS) is also required to receive the diploma.
All students are encouraged to spend at least two afternoons a week participating in extra-curricular sports or other activities. Activities change from time to time. They are supervised by members of staff, volunteers or IB students. The emphasis is on participation rather than competition, although in some disciplines it is possible to arrange regular and competitive meetings with other local schools.
Rating 
